Some gifts for International Women’s Day are terrible, and many people don’t even realize how much
Every year, millions of men rack their brains choosing a gift for March 8 — and quite a few of them manage to miss the mark. Sometimes so badly that it would have been better not to give anything at all. A study by the jewelry holding company Sokolov, conducted in 2026, showed that Russian women have a clear list of things they definitely don’t want to receive on International Women’s Day. We’ve compiled all these items, explained why they’re annoying, and showed how to avoid making a mistake.
Scales as a Gift for a Woman
Bathroom scales topped the anti-rating — they were named the worst gift by 62% of surveyed women. The reason is simple: it’s not just an item, it’s a message. Even if you think “she wanted to lose weight” — don’t. Such a gift sounds like: “I think you need to lose weight.” No wrapping paper or bow will save you.
Clothing and Cosmetics for March 8
60% of women don’t want to receive clothing or cosmetics they didn’t ask for. The problem is that guessing the right size, style, shade, and brand is virtually impossible. It’s too personal a choice. Even if you know her taste — the risk is high. The exception: if she sent you the specific item number and link herself.
Low-Quality Items as a Gift
58% of respondents pointed to cheap and low-quality items as one of the worst options. March 8 is still a holiday, and a gift is perceived as a sign of attention. A cheap souvenir from an underpass or a 200-ruble set with the inscription “To the Best Woman” is more likely to offend than to please. It’s better to give less but of higher quality.
Gym Membership as a Gift for a Woman
A gym membership made the anti-rating for 55% of women. The logic is the same as with scales: the gift feels like a criticism of appearance. Even if the partner has long wanted to join a gym — that’s her decision, not your holiday initiative. The only exception is if she specifically asked for it herself.
If you bought a gym membership as a gift, throw it away immediately
Kitchen Appliances for March 8
52% of respondents don’t want a blender, slow cooker, or steamer for March 8. Even an expensive one. Kitchen appliances are perceived not as a gift for a woman, but as a hint about her role at the stove. On a holiday, you want to feel loved, not like a housewife. Home appliances are a good joint purchase for another occasion.
Can You Give Dishes as a Gift
45% of women are against dishes as a gift. Pots, pans, or even a beautiful tea set — these are all household items, not signs of affection. An exception can be made perhaps for a very rare or designer item she has dreamed about out loud. But in general — no.
Why Lingerie Is a Bad Gift
42% of survey participants noted lingerie without prior discussion as a bad option. There are two risks at once: getting the size wrong and creating awkwardness. Such a gift is often perceived as the man’s desire rather than care for the woman. If it’s appropriate in your relationship — check in advance.
Supermarket Gift Sets for March 8
40% of women are not happy with ready-made gift sets from supermarkets — with tea, a chocolate bar, and a generic mug. This is considered a “leftover principle gift.” It’s obvious the person didn’t think and just grabbed something off the shelf at the last minute. Sometimes the best option is not to give anything at all and spend the evening together instead.
A supermarket set shows that the man didn’t even think about the gift
Anti-Aging Products
“Anti-wrinkle” cream, “anti-aging” serum, or under-eye patches — 38% of women consider this the worst thing you can give. Such a gift directly says: “I notice your age.” Even an expensive brand won’t save the situation. Anti-aging cosmetics are a strictly personal choice, and buying them for someone without being asked is taboo.
What to Buy for March 8
According to the same study, most women prefer to specifically say what they want — and this is the best signal for men. 21% say it directly, 15% send a wishlist, and 18% ask for money and choose themselves. Only one in seven is ready for a true surprise of any kind.
Among desired gifts are jewelry, dinner at a restaurant, a trip, and concert tickets. Flowers are still popular, but only 22% consider them a sufficient main gift. The conclusion is simple: ask what she wants — and the chance of making a mistake drops to zero.
