The Baton Rouge Blunders: Top 5 Worst Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

As Christmas approaches, the festive spirit fills the air in Baton Rouge, along with the frantic energy of last-minute shopping. While the city basks in holiday cheer, some gift choices have become notorious for their lack of thoughtfulness. Here’s a lighthearted look at the five worst last-minute Christmas gifts that have notoriously originated from the heart of Louisiana.1. Alligator-Themed Everything

While alligators are a proud symbol of Louisiana’s rich wildlife, there’s a fine line between a tasteful homage and overkill. Picture this: an alligator toothbrush, alligator-shaped slippers, and even an alligator-themed calendar. These gifts often leave recipients bewildered, questioning, “Is this a Christmas gift or a bayou-themed prank?”
2. Pre-Used Mardi Gras Beads
Nothing says “I forgot about Christmas until this morning” like gifting a tangled mass of Mardi Gras beads from last year’s festivities. These recycled tokens, often still bearing the scent of Bourbon Street, are neither festive nor thoughtful. They scream last-minute desperation, wrapped in a colorful, chaotic bundle.
3. A Box of ‘Slightly Expired’ Pralines
Pralines are a sweet delight, but gifting a box that’s been hiding in the back of a cupboard since who knows when is a no-go. The recipients’ forced smiles as they discover the sugary treats have hardened into inedible rocks are a testament to the blunder of this gift choice.
4. Homemade Swamp Water ‘Perfume’
In a misguided attempt at creating a personalized gift, some Baton Rouge residents have been known to bottle up swamp water, adding a few drops of essential oil, and presenting it as a unique, homemade perfume. The result is usually less ‘exotic scent’ and more ‘eau de bayou,’ leaving recipients politely stifling their gag reflex.
5. DIY Bug Zapper Kit
It’s no secret that Baton Rouge has its fair share of bugs, but a DIY bug zapper kit, complete with a used tennis racket and a guide to attaching car batteries, is far from a thoughtful Christmas gift. It’s a subtle reminder of the city’s buzzing inhabitants and a not-so-subtle sign of gift-giving laziness.

These gift-giving blunders, while humorous in retrospect, serve as a reminder of the importance of putting thought and care into our gifts. The essence of Christmas in Baton Rouge, after all, lies in the warmth and joy shared among loved ones, and perhaps a little more planning can ensure that the gifts we give reflect just that.