What to do if you receive an unnecessary gift

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It is not at all necessary to keep useless or unnecessary things that also cause unpleasant emotions.

The rustle of a wrapper or a gift bag evokes a joyful, slightly childish excitement and anticipation of something beautiful and interesting. But then you rip off the package, and underneath is a dress one size smaller, a cheap set with shaving foam and cream, a stupid figurine. So instead of a pleasant surprise, you end up with disappointment. We figure out how to deal with unsuccessful gifts and what to do so that the offensive situation does not repeat itself.

What gift can be considered unlucky

This is, of course, a relative concept, but in general, several options can be attributed to this category.

Gift for show

At the last moment, the man ran into the supermarket closest to the house and bought there the first set of shampoo and shower gel, a box of not the most delicious chocolates, and a couple of seedy towels.

And it's not even the price, but the fact that the donor made absolutely no effort and at least did not try to please you. It hurts.

Gift with a hint

This can be anything, when the main goal of the donor is not to please you, but to “fix”, try to fit into his own expectations, not wondering what you really want.

Let's say a husband gives his wife a dress that she won't wear because she loves jeans and hoodies. Or the wife gives her husband a club card for the "rocking chair", despite the fact that he prefers yoga and jogging or is generally satisfied with his not the most athletic figure and does not plan physical activity yet. Or maybe a caring friend gives advice to a stylist, hinting that you look bad.

Even a great gift in itself is very unpleasant to receive if it points out "flaws".

A very expensive gift

For example, you were given a book and a pack of delicious tea, and you were given a laptop. It seems to be joyful, but at the same time it is also terribly awkward: you feel guilty and obligated.

DIY gift

A plasticine craft from a five-year-old child is very cute. But the ugly sweater that a friend knitted herself will lie on the shelf for years and cause guilt, like a lurid clay candlestick from an aunt, and a picture burned on wood from a brother.

It is clear that people have tried, but if the thing does not suit you or you don’t like it, the gift is still more frustrating than pleasing.

Souvenir

All these figures with the symbol of the year, piggy banks, photo frames and more. There are people who love them, but more often than not, such little things only litter the space, collect dust and spoil the look of the room. Unless, of course, we are talking about something really valuable to the recipient, such as a new addition to the collection of porcelain figurines.

Gift with encumbrance

A kitten that you are not ready to take care of, or a painting by numbers that you do not want to paint at all - and now you have to.

Just an inappropriate gift

A sofa cushion that doesn't fit into your decor; clothes, the style of which does not suit you; perfume, the scent of which you do not like.

What to do with a bad gift

Assess the person's intention

A sweater from a friend may be ugly, but she probably knitted it with great love and wanted to please you. As well as my mother, who for a long time and carefully chose the fragrance, but still did not guess. It is worth appreciating the efforts and emotions that are invested in the gift, and not the thing itself.

Another thing is presents for show, bought in a hurry, or hinting at your "flaws" that you supposedly have to fix. It is clear that the person either did not try or is trying to manipulate you. And you have every right not to accept the gift or get rid of it.

Think about how to use the gift

Even things that seem useless at first glance can often be used. Here are a couple of ideas for what you can do with them.

Sell

Jeans that don't fit well, a creative kit you don't need, a book you've already read, a new waffle iron you won't be using. These and other good things can be put on the Internet flea market or try to exchange for something in the district chat rooms. In some cities, shops of unnecessary gifts have even begun to open, where you can donate what did not suit you.

Give away

You don’t use such perfume, and your friend adores them. You don't need spiky woolen socks, and your grandmother likes these very much. The dress was not enough for you, but it will look good on your sister. If the thing is whole and of high quality, it is quite possible to transfer it to someone else. But it is important that the person really needs it, and you do not try to shake it off in this way.

Another option is to donate to charity. This mainly applies to clothing and shoes. In many cities there are reception centers or volunteers who collect and take things to orphanages, give to the needy or the homeless.

Remake

For example, sew a bag or stuffed toy out of bad jeans, decorate a frame or a lamp in your own way that you don't like.

Find a new use

An ugly sweater or scarf can be worn in the country or at home, stupid towels can be turned into rags for the kitchen, an unsuitable shower gel or shampoo can be used as bath foam.

Get rid of the gift

If a thing absolutely does not suit you, and even causes unpleasant emotions, you do not need to keep it with you. You have every right to just throw away the present or return it to the donor.

The second option is suitable for situations when the gift is completely inappropriate or is made on purpose to offend you. If you were given a puppy without warning, which you are not ready to follow, it is better for the person to immediately return it to the kennel - this is responsible in relation to the animal. If a gift is too expensive for you and you cannot accept it, you have the right to say so directly. As with passive-aggressive presents, leaving them essentially means silently allowing the person to offend you.

You need to act calmly and emphasize that you appreciate the efforts and thank, but are forced to return the gift: “Thank you very much, I see you put in a lot of effort, but it does not suit me at all. It will be better if you give it to someone else or return it to the store."

Make sure that fewer unsuccessful gifts are given to you

Start with yourself

Analyze what you yourself are giving. Suddenly, you, too, are not without sin and sometimes present people with that same regular shaving foam or an unnecessary figurine, and their ridiculous gifts are just a reciprocal gesture.

Make a wish list

And tell your loved ones about it. Post a post on social networks shortly before the holidays, send options to a family or friendly chat, tell people in person. This is a completely normal practice, which will also save the other person from the torment of choice.

Ask to give money

Announce that you are saving up for something big, or that you just love to choose your own gifts. Invite everyone to present you with any comfortable amount. Or, alternatively, a gift certificate for those things and services that you use: fitness, foreign language lessons, streaming service or electronic library.

Don't exchange gifts at all

Arrange for friends and family to organize your birthday instead. For example, you all went to a country spa hotel together, went horseback riding, went to the theater.