One can almost hear the jingling Christmas bells and see the twinkling fairy lights with Christmas not that far away. With it comes the exchange of gifts—an indispensable part of Christmas celebrations. Choosing a gift is about understanding what the receiver wants and likes and combining visual appeal with utility. To help one narrow down the best options, here are a few gifts that are often returned and, thus, should be avoided: 1. Video games Although buying a video game is a good idea for gamers, if one does not have access to the receiver’s game collection, they may end up gifting a game that the receiver already has. Moreover, if one does not have a fair idea about video games, they may end up buying the wrong game, which may not be useful for the recipient. So, it is a good idea to avoid buying a video game if one is unsure of the exact game the recipient wants. 2. Shoes Few things are more pleasant for fashionable individuals than being gifted a pair of elegant shoes. However, buying the right pair of shoes involves many considerations. First, one would have to ensure that the type and design of shoes are in accordance with the recipient’s preferences.

Investing in gold is always a popular choice for those seeking to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth. Gold’s intrinsic value and lasting significance have made it a coveted asset throughout human history. However, investing in gold can require a little research, especially for those who are new to the world of precious metals. So, here are some common mistakes people make when investing in gold and how to avoid them: 1. Lack of research One of the most fundamental mistakes investors make is diving into the gold market without sufficient research. Understanding the various forms of gold (bullion, coins, or jewelry), the factors affecting gold prices (supply and demand, economic conditions, and geopolitical events), and the different investment options (physical gold, gold ETFs, and mining stocks) is crucial. Without this knowledge, investors may make uninformed decisions and risk losing money. 2. Failing to set clear goals Before investing in gold, it is essential to define financial objectives. This can include the preservation of wealth, hedging against inflation, or profit from short-term price fluctuations. Without clear goals, one may make impulsive decisions and find it challenging to determine when to buy or sell gold. 3. Ignoring transaction costs Investors often overlook transaction costs, such as premiums on physical gold or fees associated with buying and selling gold-related assets.

Jewelry and other important possessions not only hold economic value but also emotional value for a lot of people. So, it is only natural to think of ways to protect them and prevent them from being stolen. Many places at home may be safe to hide these valuable items, but there are also some obvious and not-so-safe options where jewelry should not be hidden or kept. Here are some common places to avoid hiding your jewelry: 1. Fridge Hiding valuables and jewelry in a fridge has become quite popular, thanks to certain movies and shows in which people freeze cash and other valuables in the freezer. While it may seem like a good idea, it has now become a known place to hide valuables, so at the time of the break-in, the robbers may also check the fridge contents. 2. Drawers This is another common place where homeowners usually hide their jewelry, hoping robbers will not find it. However, many robbers already expect this to be a good hiding place for homeowners and go straight to the closet. While people assume that the jewelry will be safely covered under the clothes, the robbers will simply toss everything aside and search relentlessly.