Should you give knives or shoes as presents?

I'd go with shoes.

What kind of knives are we talking? Butter knives - no, but something cool from like AG Russell - absolutely. The only shoes I think are okay to give (unless someone requests a certain kind) are TOMS shoes or just regular ol' house slippers.

Knives can come in quite handy at times. Never dismiss the utility of an edged weapon.

Sure, either one can be a great gift. Shoes are always an actually useful gift, and knives can be great, just make sure you're giving it to a responsible person. They will remain useful and memorable much longer than a video game or toy etc.

If the receipient is underage, a parent/guardian approval may be in order. I ot a knife for Christmas once. I asked what is was, and the giver told me that it's a knife. I proceeded to pick a large blade from my back belt and during presentation said "That's not a knife, THIS is a knife."

i got a hugh Bowie knife when i was 10.i still have today.it's one the FEW things from my childhood i cherish.

it depends on whether you're giving it to Alex or Jeremy.

Shoes to those who need them. It's going to get really cold (if it hasn't already where you live) and it wouldn't be very comfortable walking out there.

It depends on who the recipient is. In some cultures certain things are forbidden to be given as gifts. I know that in Korea you should not give either of those items as gifts because they strongly believe that if given knives "you are giving the means with which to cut ties" with that person. That's not to say they don't EVER give knives as gifts...the recipient must simply "pay" $1 for the item. As for shoes (and socks) "you are giving the means with which to walk out of your life". These are NEVER given. I also know in Vietnam you should never give a watch as a gift because "you are attempting to keep time on this person". I would do some research on the recipients background first because no matter how thoughtful or nice the gift, one never knows the full meaning of it to another.

I can think of 2 people who would like knives for Christmas. Only one of them is mentally equipped to recieve such a gift, and thats iffy at best. But on a lighter note I also know someone who would love a pair of custom, totally harmless, shoes. My cousin Regina wears a womens size 12(no, really, she does, and yes she was born a female!) A pair of size 12 peep toe shoes in black under the tree would be perfect for her!