As well as being super awkward, no one wants a gift to go to waste
We have all received a gift we know we are not going to use even though we are always thankful for anything we receive with love at Christmas. But there will be some of us now who still have an old gift sat collecting dust at the back of a cupboard.
So, what are the options if you know you are never going to use the gift and there is no receipt, or if you cannot politely tell the gift giver it simply isn’t for you? Selling, swapping, donating and rejecting are among the options for those who receive an unwanted Christmas gift this year.
A spokesperson from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Most Brits celebrating Christmas are likely to receive at least one gift they don’t really like or have a use for this year.
“To help with the inevitable awkwardness that can pose, we’ve put together nine potential things you can do when you receive an unwanted festive present.
“It’s often kinder to simply smile and accept the present and then later working out what to do with it, but there’s always the nuclear option of handing an misjudged gift back if you’re feeling brave.”
1. Sell
For many people who receive an unwanted gift this Christmas, the obvious solution is to list it for sale online. And this is something that has never been easier with options including Vinted, eBay, Facebook marketplace and other popular apps.
Be careful the purchaser doesn’t see though. After the festive season is over, presents you don’t really like can also be resold at events such as car boot sales or specialist fairs.
2. Trade
Many websites and stores, particularly in the electronics, technology and fashion industries, will offer some financial compensation in return for second hand products, or money off a future purchase.
3. Refund
If a discount doesn’t quite cut it for you and you still have a gift receipt, then presents can be returned to their point of purchase for a refund.
4. Repurpose
Finding an alternative use for a Christmas gift you didn’t particularly want is another sensible solution. For example, could ugly clothes work as pyjamas?
5. Swap
Do you know a friend or relative who has also received a present that doesn’t really suit them? If the items would be better matched to each other, consider swapping your gifts so you’re both happier.
6. Donate
A stranger could also make better use of a gift you didn’t want, so you could consider donating unused presents to charity. As well as high street charity shops, charitable organisations that could benefit include homeless shelters, food banks and those that organise home collections.
7. Re-gift
If you’re careful about where your social circles mix, passing off an undesired Christmas gift for someone else’s birthday present later in the year is always an option, or you could rewrap the item to give to a friend or family member during the next festive season.
8. Bin
If a festive present is completely useless and just going to gather dust in a cupboard for years, you could always throw it in the bin or recycling (as appropriate).
9. Reject
And finally, the nuclear option: reject the gift. If you don’t want something and know the gifter well, give it back. This one is only for the brave though.
