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Hankies -

It's believed that gifting handkerchiefs signifies tears will be coming to the receiver. In Sweden, a man is never supposed to give his lover a silk handkerchief, as she'll wipe away her affection for him!

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Cats -

In Sicily, it's believed that you should never give a gift in the shape of a cat to someone who is engaged, as it foretells sudden and violent death. But in other cultures, if your partner gives you an actual cat as a present, it means you'll never be parted.

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Mirrors -

During Chinese New Year and other festivals, gifting mirrors is a big no-no. This is because mirrors are fragile, and breaking a mirror is usually an omen of relationship breakdown. Another reason is related with the ancient Chinese feng shui practice. Mirrors are important tools to change a home's feng shui, so if a mirror is placed in the wrong direction, misfortune will come.

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Portraits -

Similarly to mirrors, receiving a gift with your own likeness on it is bad luck, and to receive a portrait of yourself is a sign of treachery.

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Giving a gift back -

It's believed that if you give someone a gift, and they return it, it's bad luck. Probably doesn't feel very good either!

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Knives -

The superstition about giving knives originates from old legends in many European cultures. A common belief was that a knife represented a severed relationship or the cutting of ties between people.

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Scissors -

Just like knives, giving scissors is also a sign of bad luck. But the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives a coin in return to make the exchange a transaction.

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Money -

Everyone appreciates a monetary gift, especially if it ends in a number considered lucky by their culture. In Judaism, the number 18, called chai, is lucky because it's associated with the word for life. In India, people usually prefer odd numbers.

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Shoes -

Giving shoes at Christmas is bad luck, as it signifies the receiver will walk away from you. However, for the receiver, it's said to prolong their life.

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Coal -

An Old English tradition says it's lucky to put a lump of coal among the Christmas presents or in a stocking. The recipient should then spit on it, throw it into the fire, and make a wish as it burns.

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Opals -

The ancient Romans thought that opals were one of the luckiest gemstones, but the Victorians believed the opposite. Opals were avoided, and still are, as gifts, unless the receiver was born in October (the birthstone month for opal).

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Umbrellas -

In Mandarin, the word "umbrella" sounds the same as the word for "split." Therefore, it potentially foreshadows separation from friends, which makes it an unlucky gift.

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Roses -

Dating back to the Victorian era, different colored roses had different meanings. For example, a red rose was given to show passion, and white roses to symbolize purity. Therefore, for some, it's important not to give a rose of the 'wrong' color.

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Gloves -

Giving gloves is bad luck, and if you give them to a friend, it means you'll have a fight.

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Black-and-white items -

In Chinese culture, giving or receiving black-or-white items is said to always be bad luck, as these colors bring death with them.

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Red-covered books -

Also, you're never supposed to give a book with a red cover, as it's said to break up friendships. This is because red is the color of anger and misunderstanding.

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Emeralds -

Giving an emerald brings luck, happiness, and success, unless it's given on a Monday. Also, if a man gives a lover an emerald, it can strengthen their love. However, if it grows paler over time, their love is diminishing. But if it deepens in color, the love is flourishing.

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Purse or wallet -

In Italy, if you give someone a purse or wallet, it's important that you put at least one coin inside it. This will ensure the purse will never be empty, and signifies future wealth.

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Clocks -

Gifting a clock signifies the person's time is ticking away. In China, clocks are never given as a gift.

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Flowers -

Flowers are always a special gift, but if you're gifted cut flowers, it's bad luck to say "thank you." Also, giving white lilac to a sick person is especially unlucky and doesn't help with their recovery. However, if you give yellow flowers, you can expect to receive a gift of some money.

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Peacock feathers -

Linked to old Mediterranean cultures, peacock feathers should never be given as gifts. This is because they're said to be extremely unlucky to keep inside, as they invoke the magic of the evil eye.

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Turquoise -

Gifting a semi-precious gem turquoise is supposed to remove any animosity between giver and receiver.

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Combs -

In Japan, giving a comb signifies the person will suffer health issues. There, it's considered a curse.

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Metal -

Gifts made from pewter or zinc are omens of long life and happiness, whereas a gift made of tin foretells mischief.

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Incense -

Burning incense is said to manifest positive energy. Its link with luck goes back to rituals that use the burning of incense to enhance spirituality in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

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Soap -

In some cultures, as in India, the gift of soap carries the risk of washing your friendship away.

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Coral -

The ancient Romans and Etruscans held coral in high regard, wearing it extensively. They believed that the one wearing it would be protected from harm. However, today, for environmental and sustainability reasons, coral isn't a great gift for anyone.

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Laughing Buddha -

A laughing Buddha is a symbol of happiness and wealth. Ideally, it should be facing east, where the sun rises. But never put this gift in a bathroom or kitchen.

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Dried flowers -

In feng shui, dried flowers lack energy because they're dead. They can also be harbors of dust, which means negative chi that stagnates life.

Sources: (Mental Floss) (House Beautiful) 

See also: Feng shui hacks for a more harmonious home

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