For my birthday my boyfriends mother bought me the tackiest, ugliest, smallest, handbag, that was also very expensive. I feel like crying at the thought of actually being seen in public with it. Would it be tacky to gently tell her that I love it but would it be okay to exchange it for something more practical that isn't pink and purple and perhaps larger so I could use it often to remind me of her kindness???? I can't imagine why anyone would think that this is nice, but I don't want to insult her either.
2007-03-13 19:31:41 · 10 answers · asked by Mandy M 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I would probably tell her it is a wonderful purse but you don't have much to go with it and you want to carry it around with you often and wish to exchange it for an equally wonderful purse that is more practical for your clothing style.
I don't think this is offensive at all. Also ask if she can go with you to exchange it and give you advice on another purse.
2007-03-13 19:42:01 · answer #1 · answered by shalvtor 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is actually amazing how many presents I have been given that I haven't liked at the time, and strangely enough, all of them I have used at some point or another (even if it is just to a fancy dress party). What I would do is just hang onto it for the next year or two and if you haven't used it in that time sell it or donate it to a charity.
If you really don't like it then you go to your boyfriends mother and ask her if it is possible that you can exchange it because you don't have anything that will look nice with it and you would rather get something that you can match up with many different outfits.
2007-03-14 08:48:37 · answer #2 · answered by Ashleigh L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just wear it when you come to visit her once or twice. She bought it because she thinks it's cute for you, or else why would she spend a lot of money on it?
If you met her somewhere without the purse and she asked, you can tell her it's too small for your daily use, reserved only for special occassions.
Don't exchange it. Just pretend you never receive anything from her. Give it away if you will, but never exchange gifts.
2007-03-14 03:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by Speck Schnuck 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be extremely rude to tell her that you exchanged it or that you plan to exchange it.
Write a thank you note simply saying that it was so kind of her to think of you and thank you for the lovely handbag. Do not mention being dissatisfied with the gift IN ANY WAY.
You can try to exchange it discreetly, or regift it discreetly, or donate it to charity, or give it away.
2007-03-14 03:02:12 · answer #4 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't exchange it. I think it's tacky for people to exchange a gift unless you're allergic to it or it's too small or big for you to wear. If it's a tiny purse, then only use it when you go visit your boyfriend's mother, or keep it out in plain sight for when she comes over. Girls have too many purses anyway. I'm sure you have others.
2007-03-14 04:21:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Mandy, you may find the purse ugly and tacky.....but she may think it is all that and a bag of chips. Use the bag one time.Then if she should ask you can honestly say to her you have used it.If you tell her that you'd like to exchange it you are going to hurt her feelings and also as you said that the bag is expensive.
2007-03-14 06:43:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't tell her. Use it when you see her and pretend you like it. You may hurt her feelings and that probably wouldn't be a good thing. My mom got me these HUGE gold earrings with a very large diamond cut stone in the center, pretty but very gaudy and something I wouldn't wear until I am probably her age. I wear them when I visit her, and it seems to make her happy.
2007-03-14 05:25:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was nice of her to get you something, right? Do you honestly believe she MEANT to get you something you wouldn't like? (that last one is a rhetorical question, I certainly hope the answer isn't "yes!") Go ahead and exchange it for something else. If she asks, be honest. Tell her that, while you appreciated the thought, it really wasn't your style, so you exchanged it for something you WILL use.
2007-03-14 02:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by Kathy P-W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the world of extended family.
She gave you a gift she thought you would like out of kindness. So chill a bit.
I belive that if you can ask her (you know her better than us) then do so and ask for the receipt. Explain you appreciate her thoughtfulness, however, the colours do not suit your wardrobe.
If it is possible to get the receipt, do not go shopping with her but do show her what you purchased in its place.
If none of the above is possible, then like the rest of us, bite the bullet and regift, or give to a local charity for resale, but wait for the appropriate 6 months or so.
Good Luck
2007-03-14 03:00:35 · answer #9 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think it is not a good idea to gift someone bags, wallets, clothings and any other personal items. Be honest and tell her it's not your style otherwise she will continue to buy you personal items and that would be disastrous.
2007-03-14 13:40:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋