Having a perpetual dieter as a friend can get tiresome. Having this person on your gift list is downright exhausting. You’re always afraid that the gift you’ve chosen will offend your friend and play out in some awful scenario that ends your friendship. In order to avoid a scene, follow the rules below when giving gifts to the perpetual dieter in your life.

No food allowed. Because it’s often hard to determine whether or not the dieter on your list is actually on a diet at any given moment, it’s best just to avoid food altogether. While it’s a no-brainer to assume that candy, treats, home baked goods, etc. are not a good choice, some gift givers might think it’s appropriate to purchase a gift basket of “healthy” foods or “low fat” foods. It’s not appropriate. If you purchase “healthy” foods or “low-fat” foods, you run the risk of offending the dieter by insinuating they would benefit from these items. Bottom line: nix the snacks.

No drinks allowed. That’s right, no food OR drinks. Alcoholic beverages are great generic gifts. You can always show up to a party or event with a bottle of wine or champagne and know that you’ll be welcomed. Unfortunately, these are not great gifts to give to a perpetual dieter. Alcohol is high in sugar, which will ultimately turn to fat. Fat is the enemy of a perpetual dieter. Leave the margarita machine at home, no matter how tempting it might seem.

Avoid purchasing clothes. Clothes are a tough item to purchase for any gift recipient on your list, never mind the perpetual dieter. If you choose a size that is too large for them, you’ll be faced with the question, “Do you really think I’m a XXXL?” Purchase a size too small and you’ll be labeled insensitive. Plus, if the perpetual dieter is constantly changing sizes, clothes make for an impractical gift that will very likely turn out to be a waste of money.

Exercise caution by avoiding exercise equipment. All too often this is a mistake made by spouses (usually husbands). A spouse notices their significant other coveting a particular treadmill or yoga mat and thinks, “I’ll surprise my love with that exercise item she/he’s been wanting!” Upon opening a gift item that is intended to encourage weight loss, the recipient’s immediate thought is, “My spouse thinks I should lose weight.” This is the immediate thought regardless of whether or not the item was ever coveted. Purchasing exercise equipment for anyone on your list is a risk; purchasing it for the perpetual dieter on your list puts you in the danger zone.

Don’t join the club. Even if the perpetual dieter has expressed an interest in obtaining a gym membership, hiring a personal trainer or joining a yoga studio, do not attempt to procure this gift for your recipient. Once again, you put yourself in a situation where you might offend the recipient or you might waste your money. Instead, just be there to support him or her if he or she asks you to join with them!

Having read all of the rules for giving gifts to a perpetual dieter, you might be wondering what would be an appropriate gift for this special person on your list. You can never go wrong with a gift certificate to a bookstore or a home improvement store. These are two gifts that people never seem to mind receiving, as they are inoffensive and practical!

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