What do you do if asked about a gift you couldn't use?

Question

I can't knit, and hate artificial fibres. Oddly, some people who know me fairly well got me a kit with acrylic yarn and a knitting pattern for a baby outfit & blanket. (I'm pregnant.)

I thanked them, noting, though, that I couldn't knit. I wrote something to the effect of 'It's an intimdating box!'

And got a reply expressing happiness that I'd liked the present.

Anyway. It's likely going in my pile of "stuff that will end up at the baby consignment store."

But what do I say about the baby being minus a knitted jacket &c? The odds are excellent that it'll be asked about.

Answer 1

Sounds like a close friend. Weird that they would buy something like that if they know you don't knit.
So, I would keep the stuff, just in case, so if they say anything, simply say "You know, I never could figure that out. Knitting is just not my thing, but it was sweet of you." and drop it.
If they offer to make it for you, give them the pattern back and thank them. Chances are they won't make it, because I'm thinking an avid knitter would've made the stuff for you in the first place. And hopefully by the time they get it back to you, you will have a toddler and not a newborn, so you can just put it in their memento box, lol!
Just a guess, that's what I would do. No sense pretending you are interested in doing something you don't want to do, but no sense in hurting someone's feelings either.

Answer 2

This ones easy, either they didn't bother to read your reply or they're pretty thick.

Either way I'd say your best bet is to give short, true statements.

"Have you used your present?"

"I don't know how to knit, didn't I tell you in the thank you card? The truth is, I'm just not a knitter."

If they do say something like, "Oh, I can show you, its easy",

Laugh and repeat, I'm not a knitter, say it in a joking way, say you didn't want to offend them but that you're not the knitting type.

I would say "girl, what made you think I was a knitter?"

If you don't have that kind of relationship then say:

"I'm sorry, I said in the thank you card I didn't know how, I just never had the interest- I hope you're not offended."

Hopefully, they will say something like:

"Of course not, or no no don't be silly, I guess I thought you might enjoy it."

Whatever they say they should be a little embarrassed if they didn't bother to read the card, which will give you a leg up.

"I was going to ask you what you think I should do with it- Its so pretty I think someone should get use out of it." I was thinking of giving it to ............"

You might have just lied when you said it was so pretty, but it is important that you compliment them since they may be feeling a little vulnerable.

If its gonna come up then the best bet is to be honest, just not painfully honest. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I think it is incredibly rude to express any dislike of a gift in the thank you note. You should graciously accept it and then either give it to goodwill or whatever, but be gracious! Never express dislike of a gift. That is just rude. As far as no knitted jacket, just say "With the new baby, I have just not had time to try to knit".

Answer 4

Tell them you sold their worthless gifts on eBay and used the money to buy something you could use for the baby.

If your pile is growing like the pile in my basement (before eBay came along), skip the cosignment shop and sell it yourself on eBay. You get 100% of the commission rather than 50-60% from the shop. It takes time and effort, but if you have a lot, you can make a lot. Sell it and make 5-10K yourself.

Let me know when you get something as bad as a ceramic paper lunch bag as a gift. I still can’t figure out what to do with it.

Answer 5

I would say that I tried, and failed to knit, so gave it to another pregnant girl who knew how to knit. I would tell them that I became so frustrated in trying to learn that it was really stressing me out. I would still thank them for the thought again, though.

Answer 6

Tell them you haven't got around to learning how to knit yet.

Answer 7

if you have a senior center in your area you could probably find someone there who would be thrilled to knit your baby an item with that kit. they will feel useful, your baby will have a handmade gift and the giver of the gift will be thrilled to see your baby staying warm with a gift that came from them.

Answer 8

Honesty is the best policy, just say sorry, you never learn to knit.

Answer 9

Just say "Thanks so much. I haven't had a chance to work on that yet." Or say that a friend took it and is knitting it for you since you weren't confident that you could do it properly.

Answer 10

Just tell them you were no good at it and didn't want people to think you were cruel by making your child wear the thing.