Have you received a book that you already own? Or jewelry that you don’t like? We explain why keeping quiet about the wrong gift is not a good idea and show you how to give gifts a second life. The perfect gift however is always time together at https://btccasinosindia.com/.
Grandma gave you a sweater for Christmas that doesn’t fit you? Or was there a nice water bottle under the tree, but you already own two of them? This raises the question: what to do with the wrong presents? We reveal what you can and can’t exchange – and have tips on the best way to talk about unsuitable gifts.
KEEPING QUIET DOES NOT HELP
The most important tip first, but perhaps the hardest to put into practice: tell the person who gave you the wrong gift that you don’t like it or that it doesn’t fit. And very importantly: explain why.
For example, you can use factual arguments such as the lack of occupational health and safety or the poor pay of the seamstresses to explain why you no longer want to wear fashion from fast-fashion manufacturers.
Or you say that you like the book about the climate crisis that you received as a gift, but you already have it on your bookshelf. With duplicate items, it’s a little easier to admit that you don’t need them. It’s more difficult with gifts that you simply don’t like. With homemade gifts, it’s probably the most difficult if they don’t suit your taste.
It’s difficult to say to people close to you: “I’m afraid I don’t like your Christmas present.” After all, he or she put a lot of thought into the purchase and hoped to meet your tastes.
Explain objectively and sensitively why the gift doesn’t suit you: However, you can address precisely these points and make it clear that you don’t want to offend the other person but simply want to make it clear to them why you can’t do anything with the gift. Show your appreciation for the gift and say that you value the gesture just as much as the effort you put into choosing and shopping for it.
In the case of homemade or knitted gifts, you can also first mention aspects that you like, such as the color or the material. This way, you don’t open the door straight away and don’t offend the other person.
Remember: Saying nothing is not a good option. Then the unwelcome gift will sit in your closet and gather dust. That won’t help you or the giver. And in the “worst” case scenario, you’ll get something very similar next year.
It’s also not advisable to feign enthusiasm if you don’t like a gift. You are lying to your fellow human beings. Empathetic honesty is the best solution in these situations.
Better than exchanging: Re-gift, sell, or exchange the wrong gift
If the exchange or return from the seller doesn’t work, you have other options for unwanted gifts.
1. re-gifting
Simply giving a gift to someone else is out of the question for many people. But why actually? If you know that your friend would love to wear the sweater, why not make her happy? And the book you’ve already read might also interest your siblings.
Important when giving a gift: ask the chosen ones in advance if they would like the gift. And tell your parents (or whoever gave you the wrong gift) that you will be giving the purse to your colleague because she has been looking for it for a while. Get their agreement that it’s okay for them.
2. sell it
If you don’t know anyone who would be happy to receive your fake gift, you can also sell it. Second-hand platforms such as eBay classifieds and Vinted are good addresses here.
3. swap
Have you ever heard of a white elephant party? If several people around you have received unsuitable gifts, you can organize this party. Everyone brings a gift that they don’t like and receives another one in exchange.