Sometimes, no matter how grateful we are for the gesture, a gift just doesn’t hit the mark.
And then we’re faced with some awkward decisions: do we say we don’t like it? Only wear it when we see the gift giver? Or do something else? Here’s how to navigate the tricky unwanted present arena.
Be honest and ask to exchange
It’s understandable that saying you don’t want something could cause social difficulties you want to avoid. However, people do appreciate honesty in most cases. Ask if there is a gift receipt for the item, so that you can exchange it.
This is particularly useful if you’ve been gifted an item of clothing that doesn’t quite fit right, or homewares that don’t fit with the rest of your décor. Some items are non-returnable, such as some food items or customised or bespoke gifts, so keep this in mind before you ask to exchange it.
Sell them online
If you’re stuck with something because they either don’t have a gift receipt, or it’s not returnable (or you can’t face the potential argument), you can always sell online. Websites like eBay are popular in January as people try to snap up the bargains of unwanted Christmas gifts, however – so if you can hang onto it for a month or two, you may receive a better price.
Research the original price and what second-hand items are fetching online, then (if it’s still in the original wrapping or box) find a price to list in the middle of the two. Take clear photographs rather than using the stock photos you can find online, as it will help people trust that your item is legitimate and you’re not trying to scam them. People like to see any potential issues, such as scratches or damage, so well-lit photos of every angle will help boost your sales chances.
Swap with friends
You can almost guarantee that your nearest and dearest will also have received items that simply aren’t quite right for them. Have an open conversation about your gifts and suggest a swap if they have something they don’t want but suits you better.
Look at the value the gift will give you, rather than trying to swap in a similar value bracket, too. You’re not out of pocket by trading a more expensive gift as you didn’t buy it in the first place – but what you swap it for could give you months or years of happy use compared to something sitting unwanted in a cupboard.
Donate to those in need
Charities are always looking for new items to sell in their shops, as they can fetch a higher price than a used item. However, there may be other ways to donate your gift if it’s not an item that could be sold easily in a thrift shop. For example, kitchen gadgets can be useful for community kitchens, while craft items like paper, card, and yarn can be donated to youth groups. This provides a practical way for your gift to be appreciated and used, which gives many people additional peace of mind.
Regift in 2025
For gifts that are not specifically ‘Christmassy’ in appearance, you can use them to regift for birthdays or other gift-giving events. Make a list of your items and who gave them to you, and keep this in a box with the unwanted presents. This will help you to remember who you received them from, so you don’t accidentally regift back to them!
Regifting might seem thrifty, but it’s a good way to save money and give someone else the joy of the present that you may have missed out on. Keeping a box like this will ensure you always have a gift to hand for those forgotten last-minute presents, and is a sustainable approach to gifting, too.
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