We all know it’s the thought that counts but let’s face facts. It doesn’t always make sense to keep everyone’s ‘thoughtfulness.’ It may duplicate something you have, be utterly opposed to your taste or lifestyle. Or it may – the truth hurts – be utter crap. So, what do you do after you smile sweetly and say thank you?
RETURN IT
Grab the cash and run. When people suspect that their gift may not be exactly what the recipient wants, they quite helpfully and cheerfully announce, “And I’ve included to receipt in case you want to return it.” I love those people. If you don’t have the receipt but would still like to return the gift for credit or cash, ask the gift-giver if they still have the receipt or proof of purchase. Yes, it can be awkward but you can always tell a little white lie.
- Try this white lie/mild boast combo: I have never seen a t-shirt quite like it! Sadly, I’ve lost so much weight recently, I’ll need to swap it for another size. Do you have the receipt?“
- Or distract them with TMI, like this: “It’s the MOST adorable novelty alarm clock I have ever seen, honestly! But we’ve had swear off everything with bells because of the cat’s nervous condition – he pees every time the phone rings or the doorbell goes.“)
SELL IT
As the saying goes: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and no where is there more evidence of this than eBay, Gumtree, boot or yard sale.
DONATE IT
Okay, maybe you and Aunt Edna don’t see eye to eye on cardigans. She thinks you can never have enough and you can barely fight your way through the ones she’s already given you. There’s sure to be a local charity that can get that cardigan (or more of them) to someone who can really use it.
RE-GIFT IT
Pun-tastic fridge magnets are not everyone’s thing but they are Cousin Nicky’s so grab a bit of spare wrapping paper (waste not, want not!) and pass along that stupid Secret Santa from the office to someone who will appreciate it. Do NOT do this if you and Cousin Nicky work in the same office. Therein lies re-gifting DISASTER.
SWAP IT
You’ve still got umpteen mince pies in the freezer, more Christmas candy than is safe to keep around once the New Year’s resolutions kick in and a fondue set that you are PRETTY sure your sister-in-law has regifted you. Kill two birds with one stone and have a “Post-Xmas Swap Party.” Invite everyone (except your sister-in-law) to bring unwanted to gifts and any holiday decorations, snacks or the like – and get to swapping.
RE-PURPOSE IT
How many coffee mugs does anyone REALLY need? But a coffee mug isn’t just a coffee mug. It’s a pencil holder. It’s a phone speaker amplifier. Break them up and presto! They are drainage in flower pots. or don’t break them as use them as tiny flower pots.
So don’t just toss the well-meant but slightly misjudged gifts. There are so many ways to keep them from cluttering up the house or ending up in the trash – and to make someone else’s day at the same time.