If it is something you would have no use for and the very fact that the person gave it to you makes you wonder if they know you at all. What do you do in that case? Do you do the "thanks, but no thanks" bid and kindly give them back the present or accept it and pretend you like it?
What if you know the person spent a lot of money on it but you will never use it, is it right to then return it or tell them that you appreciate their efforts but don't want their money to go to waste?
2007-10-06 05:28:28 · 16 answers · asked by ♥ 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Pretend you like it.
You should also like Elaine (Seinfeld)
re-gift it to someone else who you think will like it and
who does not know the person who gave you the gift.
2007-10-06 05:31:20 · answer #1 · answered by georgia_peach 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Accept the gift graciously and if you honestly can't use it, either give it to someone who can or return it to the store where it was purchased and exchange it for something you can use. If it comes up in conversation be honest and tell the person that you really couldn't use it. You appreciate the gesture, but you exchanged it for something that you could honestly use. There is no shame in that. Some people are just bad gift givers. It doesn't make them idiots or bad people, they're just not as thoughtful as others can be. You know they meant well and if they're true friends they would understand what you did. Good luck.
2007-10-06 10:45:54 · answer #2 · answered by ndn_ronhoward 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretend you like it. Otherwise you might hurt their feelings. They may have had only a little bit of money and it's the thought that counts. Make sure you keep it in case they ever want to see it. One time I gave an awful present to the thrift store and the person saw it there. I was embarrassed.
2007-10-07 16:10:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "right thing" to do is grin, thank the person, and bear it. Gifts are not, by nature, supposed to come with strings, so it's OK to do whatever you want to with a gift.
However, after my mother kept giving me crap that I felt guilty giving away and that made me wonder if she knew me at all, I asked her, "A gift I can't use isn't really a gift at all, is it?" Since then she just sends money and I tell her how much I like the color and fit of the gift.
Honesty is the best gift I can give to anyone and to myself.
2007-10-06 05:44:28 · answer #4 · answered by Polly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few years ago ,my little nephew was telling me what he wanted Santa to bring him. But his older sister was actually demanding that I buy her a certain gift. I'll give you the same advise I gave my neice.
"Whether you like the gift or not,be grateful someone thought of you as a special person of receiving a gift.This person gave from the heart and that is how you should accept as well".
2007-10-06 05:37:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you aren't likely to receive frequent gufts from this person, just pretend you like it then forget about it.
But if this is someone who is going to be choosing gifts for you frequently, you can start casually letting them know what you like. For instance, if they notice your perfume, your wine, your bright yellow kitchen linnens, your hobby supplies, then say something like "Yes, it's Channel No.5; I love it and can't get enough of it!" or "They're from Target; I wish I had table cloth and napkins to match."
Exceptions: If it's something toublesome like a puppy, this sort of stupidity must be politely rebuked lest it be repeated. And the gift firmly refused. If it's something extraordinarily expensive, like a vacation package or club membership, tell the person you appreciate their generosity but "Honestly, I'd never use it; I simply can't let you spend your money for nothing that way."
2007-10-06 07:28:12 · answer #6 · answered by kill_yr_television 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Give it back.." ...???? Nooo, never do that! : )
Whenever you receive ANY gift [one you love OR one you hate] you should ALWAYS, ALWAYS accept it GRACIOUSLY and always always say:
"Oh, thank you! How thoughtful you are!!!"
Say it EVERY single time -- no matter what! : )
Now, after the party, and you are all alone -- you have three choices to make:
1) Keep the gift
2) Re-gift it [be sure it is to someone who will NEVER know where it cvame from]
or..
3) DONATE IT to CHARITY
Donating it to charity is always the best choice... there are so many people who have nothing & would appreciate what you do not necessarily care for!
Donate it and write it off on your taxes as a "charitable donation!"
: )
Good luck!
: )
2007-10-06 05:39:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretend you like it. If you can't use it, give it to someone who can. Returning a gift to the giver is a signal that you want to end a relationship.
2007-10-06 05:32:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have received plenty of such in the past....and what did I do? I just accepted it with cheer in my face. Then when i'm alone, I try to figure out why the person gave me such. Maybe I need it really, but am just unawares of it.
In every good thing done to you, show a cheerful heart so that you might be blessed!
2007-10-06 05:35:44 · answer #9 · answered by indy450 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That really depends, people from different cultures will answer you differently. In some cultures it is polite to tell them you do not like the present and ask them if they would change it. In Western culture though it may be considered bad manners to refuse a present.
2007-10-06 05:32:36 · answer #10 · answered by Minou 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thank the person very much for the thoughtful gift. Then give it to someone else who would enjoy it, or do something else appropriate.
2007-10-06 16:50:12 · answer #11 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋