{"id":1013,"date":"2022-12-27T14:35:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-27T14:35:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-09-05T13:50:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T05:50:40","slug":"unwanted-gifts-what-to-do-with-gifts-you-dont-want-after-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/unwanted-gifts-what-to-do-with-gifts-you-dont-want-after-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Unwanted Gifts: What To Do With Gifts You Don\u2019t Want After Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the holidays are over, what to do with gifts you don\u2019t want could be a pressing concern, as unwanted gifts simply create more clutter in your home. The Yuletide season is a time for gratitude and joy, along with giving and sharing the graces that one has been granted throughout the year. Most people are given gifts from the goodness of friends and family. To be at the receiving end of any kind of present is always something to be grateful for. And while all gifts and the thought that goes into them are appreciated, sometimes you may receive gifts that do not fit your needs or suit your preferences. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to feel like the Grinch when you don\u2019t like a present that you\u2019re given in the spirit of the season. However, every Christmas, many people receive gifts that they don\u2019t like, so take comfort in knowing you\u2019re not alone. Perhaps, you don\u2019t need the gift because you have one already, or you appreciate it, but you know you will never maximize it because it doesn\u2019t fit your lifestyle. <\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to tell whoever gave you the gift that you don\u2019t want it. You may feel like a bad person for not loving the present, but all you really need to do is ask yourself what to do with gifts you don\u2019t want. <\/p>\n

Remember that you don\u2019t have to feel obliged to hold on to things that you don\u2019t love and need. If you won\u2019t use the Christmas gift, it will only create clutter that weighs down your life. More stuff and more clutter just makes it harder to keep a tidy home<\/a>. That\u2019s not exactly the best way to start the new year, so it\u2019s best to let unwanted gifts go. Research shows<\/a> that clutter problems are also associated with stress and overall dissatisfaction with life. Thus, graciously accept the gift and the good intentions that go with it. However, write a thank you note and don\u2019t feel bad for thinking about what to do with gifts you don\u2019t want. You can send the present on its merry way out of your home. It feels good to know that someone thought of you, even if you don\u2019t fancy their gift.<\/p>\n

Melinda Massie<\/a>, the owner of a professional home organization company in Texas, says, \u201cLetting go of things you don’t need or love has zero reflection on your feelings towards the gift giver, so let that gift go guilt-free.\u201d <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re still not sure about what to do with these unwanted gifts, keep on reading. Here are some helpful suggestions on what to do with gifts that don\u2019t resonate with your life. <\/p>\n

Top Tip on What to Do With Gifts You Don\u2019t Want: Donate<\/h2>\n

When dealing with an unwanted gift, donating is a good option because you can make other people smile. As the saying goes: one man\u2019s junk is another man\u2019s treasure. Oftentimes, donating would guarantee that your item is placed in the hands of someone who genuinely needs or wants it, but may not necessarily be able to afford it. That said, when donating, it is important to ensure that the gift is in good and decent condition. Make sure the items you\u2019re giving remain undamaged or unused. <\/p>\n

If you receive an unwanted gift, instead of worrying about what to do with gifts you don\u2019t want, take action. Don\u2019t force yourself to use it if it won\u2019t add value to your life. Instead, keep it aside in pristine condition to be donated when the time is right. Additionally, it is important to consider your recipient. If you want to donate clothing, you may want to look into women\u2019s shelters and retirement homes. If you are donating children\u2019s gifts, an orphanage or a children\u2019s hospital may be suitable for your cause. According to a study on the benefits of philanthropy<\/a>, the act of donating has a positive effect on the giver\u2019s health, helping improve mood and promote longevity. So doing this is a win for you and the recipient!<\/p>\n

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Find a Way to Repurpose the Gift<\/h2>\n

Repurposing unwanted gifts is a great way to personalize items to better suit your needs. Instead of feeling bad and lamenting over what to do with gifts you don\u2019t want, let your creative juices flow. Maybe you got a dress that was too loose for your taste. In that case, you can cut it up into a two-piece set. Having it altered means you can have it tapered to your body, so you\u2019ll get an outfit that you love.<\/p>\n

Another example is morphing material gifts into something more usable. For example, you can turn small vases and mugs into desk pencil holders. If you receive a t-shirt that is too big for you, you can use it as pajamas. A perfume you don\u2019t like could be left in your guest bathroom as room spray. There are so many options and possibilities to turn something you don\u2019t like into one you actually do like or can use.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Feel Guilty: Return or Exchange the Gift<\/h2>\n

Returning a gift means returning to the store the gift was purchased and not to the gift giver. This is easy to do with proof of purchase like a gift receipt. If you don\u2019t have a receipt, return it as soon as possible before the item goes on sale. You don\u2019t want the lowest price for the item. You can aim for store credit or exchange the item for something you like. Different stores have different return policies and deadlines so check on the details. <\/p>\n

It would be kinder not to let the gift giver know that you\u2019re returning the gift. It could hurt the feelings of the one who gave the present. However, some people may feel very close to the giver, so they could let them know gently about their preferences. Being forthright with someone you\u2019re close to could help you avoid going through this in the next gift-giving celebration. Moreover, it will ensure that your loved one doesn\u2019t waste their hard-earned money, especially in these tough times when it\u2019s harder to afford nice gifts<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Regift any Unwanted Gifts<\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re worried about what to do with gifts you don\u2019t want, regifting is a viable option. However, this method has always been a point of contention for many gift-givers and receivers alike with some saying that it\u2019s tacky. They assert that it shows a lack of etiquette and is not appropriate because the gift feels like an afterthought. <\/p>\n

On the other hand, many people also believe that regifting is a great and sustainable way to use unwanted gifts. For example, you received a scented body lotion but you have allergies, or you received a sweater that doesn\u2019t fit. <\/p>\n

Did you receive a lot of unwanted gifts this Christmas? You can keep these unwanted gifts in a regifting box in your closet, and give them out throughout the year when you\u2019re invited to celebrations such as birthdays. Regifting ensures that items make their way into the lives of those who want and will appreciate them. It will also help save you money. <\/p>\n

Of course, when choosing to regift, make sure the item is appropriate for the recipient. Don\u2019t just choose an item out of your regifting box at random. And finally, keep the regifting a secret from the original giver. This decreases the potential tension or awkwardness that may arise. <\/p>\n

Be sure not to regift if the person who originally gave it to you is attending the same birthday party;<\/p>\n

Make a Profit From the Gift<\/h2>\n

Some may say it\u2019s tacky to earn money from a gift that\u2019s heartily shared. However, once a gift is given to you, it\u2019s completely yours. This means you have the power to do whatever you wish with the gift. There\u2019s nothing wrong in earning a buck from something you know you\u2019ll never use. You can put up the gift on the following sites: <\/p>\n