Read this before you send away your DNA!

DNA websites are a huge business. Just send in a bit of spit and you can learn more about your cultural origins, your family tree and perhaps your health risks. It's super easy to do, and pretty cheap too at around $100. The question is, should you do it? Maybe not.

My husband has always been curious about where his family came from. I'm always looking for gifts because he's hard to buy for. Ergo, I sent off for a DNA kit. Here's what we learned from the results. Zero. I mean less than nothing really. Granted, we just did the cheapest version. We didn't go into his genetic health risks. We just wanted to see where the Deien family started. What he learned is what most everyone else has learned--his origins are in Europe. Big deal. Definitely not worth $89, but worse than that, it was not worth the risk.

As you know, your DNA is uniquely yours. It's probably best to keep it that way. When you put your DNA in someone else's hands, you have exposed yourself in unnecessary ways. That information can be sold, compromised, stolen, manipulated. Click here to see a comprehensive list of reasons NOT to share your DNA.

Maybe you have sent in your DNA and have been happy with the results. However, if you're like me and have buyers remorse, click here find out if how to try to delete your information.

Next time when I'm looking for a gift, I'm going to stick to a new tie or a pair of socks.