My husband has a cousin that recycles her unwanted, and sometimes used gifts to us. How do I put her straight? I'd rather not be receiving gifts from this person at all. I have a few things that I'd like to return to her.
2007-02-06 18:07:41 · 9 answers · asked by rabidpotter 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
My husband has a cousin that recycles her unwanted, and sometimes used gifts to us. How do I put her straight? I'd rather not be receiving gifts from this person at all.
I do understand that regifting is not necessarily a bad thing by itself. But if I get something that doesn't fit/I can't user or is simply plain old, then its insulting. This person is NOT poor, she's worth tens of millions...no really!
2007-02-06 18:21:05 · update #1
Who do you think you are? If she is acting in bad form then that's her problem. You don't want any regifts from her? Then don't give her any. This is none of your business.
2007-02-06 18:12:46 · answer #1 · answered by Tumbling Dice 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
As the receiver of a gift, you don't have a say in what is given to you. As offensive as you find getting used or recycled gifts, it is equally offensive for you to assume that you can tell the giver what to give you.
A gift, by definition is something that someone else wants to give you. NOT something you pick out and TELL them to give you.
It's not your place to "set her straight". She may be an inconsiderate gift giver but that is HER problem.
When you receive a gift that you don't like, thank the person for thinking of you and quietly put the gift away. You can throw it out later if you want or sell it on ebay or whatever you want.
(be sure to send a thank you note)
Your only other option is to agree with this person to stop exchanging gifts altogether. You don't buy her any, and she won't "buy" you any. Switch to greeting cards. Or better yet, save a tree a do e-cards.
2007-02-07 11:56:48 · answer #2 · answered by teacherintheroom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you need to set her straight? Maybe she can't afford to buy new things to give. Maybe she really just wants to give. You could always chuck what you don't want off to the Salvation Army or the like and be done with it without having to cause a rift among family. Thats what I do. I have a couple of regifters in my family.
Then again, maybe she doesn't like you and this is how she gets the crap she owns thinned out. Hmph....maybe thats what my relatives are doing too. Oh Well! I'll manage. =)
Good Luck!
2007-02-07 02:15:32 · answer #3 · answered by Renny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Returning a gift directly to the giver is a signal that you want to end your relationship with the giver. So do it only if you are really, truly offended.
(Note that I am not talking about returning a gift to the store, or giving it away. That's perfectly allright, as long as the giver doesn't find out.)
2007-02-07 10:41:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like regifting! It's environmentally conscious, in today's consumerism society I think it's great to get used items, I prefer it. Unless of course it's truly something someone only wants to get rid of and gives it away with no consideration as to whether the receiver will like it or can use it.
2007-02-08 07:46:04 · answer #5 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well the passive aggressive way to beat around the bush is, "oh wow, this is gorgeous!! We have matching scarves now, let's wear it on Tuesday!"
or really, for something that doesn't fit, or clearly has no use, apologize profusely, say that you appreciate the gift, and ask for the gift receipt.
or eBay!
2007-02-07 02:26:22 · answer #6 · answered by babysport 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should always receive gifts graciously. if you accidently recycle something that was recycled back her way then thats the joys of recycling gifts. there are also stores called good will and salvation army that would gladly accept anything you recycle in their direction.
2007-02-07 02:42:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Next time she tries to give you something, say, how thoughtful of you, but I don't believe I could really get use out of it, and I'm sure someone else could benefit much better than I would. Don't give her back what's already been given you; give it away or donate it.
2007-02-07 02:11:26 · answer #8 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Inform her that you will not be exchanging gifts anymore.
2007-02-07 02:19:23 · answer #9 · answered by ♨ Wisper ► 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋