This means a type of gift (usually from a husband to his wife) that was bought for his use, and her birthday, Christmas, etc. was a scapegoat for it.
A man may buy his wife a fishing rod for her birthday, and when she says she would never use it he jumps on the chance to use it for himself...this is a classic Fred Flinstone Gift.
by downtownchick September 7, 2010