Have you ever received a gift that you didn’t want to keep? If so, what did you end up doing with it?
Since we at A Step Above Style value your time (and because you already know why you’re here) we’ll jump right in.
Let’s begin.
The 2 Golden Rules Of Gift Giving
1. Communication Is Key – If you know someone is planning to give you a gift, be clear in specific in what you desire.
Surprise gifts, while exciting, have the risk of not being exactly what the person wanted, and may get discarded.
2. Once You Give The Gift You Relinquish Control- After you hand a gift to the recipient you have no control over what they do with it. It has a new owner now, and it’s up to them to do what they see fit.
You can get upset if they don’t like it, want it, etc. But in reality, you gave it to them and they can do whatever they desire with it.
Now that we are on the same page about that, let’s move to the next point.
The Thought
“Any gift that is given is done so with a purpose”.
Most of the time that purpose is simply to be kind, or to make the recipient happy.
Even if you don’t like the gift, truly it’s the thought that counts.
With that understanding, we should not put unnecessary pressure on ourselves when it comes to receiving gifts.
Additionally, below are a list of items we shouldn’t do.
Don’t
- Feel like you now owe them a gift
- Play the numbers game (try to buy a expensive gift to “one up” their gift)
- Oversell your reaction – just be genuine in your response
- Make promises for how you will use the gift
Gratitude
Most sensible gift-givers will be satisfied if these two things happen when they give you a gift :
“The gift makes you happy, and you’re thankful to receive it”.
If you feel like the person who is attempting to give you a gift won’t be satisfied with the two responses above, you probably shouldn’t accept a gift from them.
Politely, yet firmly refuse their gift and offer to explain your reasoning in a private conversation.
They may have certain expectations, but so do you. And if there isn’t a healthy compromise and understanding of both, no gifts should be exchanged between the two of you.
Someone who is only satisfied when you behave a very specific way in response to their gift is not worth your time.
If a sensible person gives you a gift these are the things you should do :
Do:
- Look them in the eyes and say thank you
- Smile
- Consider writing a thank you card or letter to them
- Give them a firm handshake or hug if it’s appropriate and both people are comfortable
Do This With Unwanted Gifts
If you know you don’t want to keep a gift then it’s time to find it a new home.
Below are some creative ways to do so.
- Give it to another family member in your home
- Give it to a friend who has interests aligned with that gift
- Donate it to a local thrift store
- Sell it
We understand some of these ideas may be controversial to some, but if you don’t want a gift you should find a new home for it.
Keeping a gift out of guilt is not good for you. Also, the gift-giver wouldn’t like the idea of you keeping it for that reason either.
Conclusion
Receiving unwanted gifts is something we’ve all faced before, and will likely face again.
And hopefully this post has helped show you a few ways to handle those gifts.
If you want a minimalist home that’s free of unwanted, miscellaneous items, then practice the habit of letting unwanted things go.
Until next time, yall have a good one.
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