It happens, those Christmas gifts that just don’t hit the mark. What to do with them after the holidays is a question that many people struggle with. When someone has taken the time to purchase a gift for you, what can you do with them if you are just not going to use them? Here are a few suggestions that will help you to get rid of the clunkers without offending anyone.
The most important thing is to express your gratitude and not hurt the feelings of the person who gifted you. Having good manners is vital during the holidays. Even if you are shocked by their obvious lack of taste, keep your comments to yourself and start making plans for how to unload this loot. According to a poll by the National Retail Federation, only 35 percent of Americans returned one or more gifts after last year’s holiday season. If you are going to join them this year, here are a few suggestions.
If you are really lucky, you will have a gift receipt for the item you don’t want. 61 percent of people say that they include a gift receipt with their presents according to Time Magazine. In this case, you can head to the store where it was purchased and find something more to your taste. If you don’t have a gift receipt then it gets a little more complicated.
Check the tag on the items. There are some brands that are sold only at specific stores. If you can identify where the item was purchased, you may be able to return it even without a gift receipt. The problem with not having a receipt is that you will be given credit for the lowest price that the item sold for during the season even if the giver paid more than that for the gift.
Re-gifting has become a way of life for some people. Even if the gift is not something that you would ever wear or use, it might be perfect for someone on your gift list. Just be very careful not to re-gift things back to the original gifter, that is just plain tacky.
Depending what the item is if it is just not right for anyone that you give gifts to, consider donating the item to a charity. If it is an item of clothing, the local homeless shelter, woman’s shelter, Salvation Army or Goodwill is always in need of items for those less fortunate. Even if it is not your taste, it can be used by someone who has less than you. Be creative in your thinking when it comes to donations, if it is a book you have already read or already own, consider donating it to a local hospital or senior center. Even if the gift is just wrong, it can be right for someone.
If your gift is a gift card, Gift Rescue can help you turn that unwanted card into cash. You won’t receive the full face value but you can get up to 90 percent.
Christmas is the season for giving. When you have been given something that you just won’t use or don’t want, you are not stuck, follow one of these suggestions and start thinking about New Year.
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