people who expect a gift?

Question

whats a good way to react when someone gives u a gift (say for xmass) that u werent expecting. do u pretend u simply "forgot" their gift or just smile and say thank u and not get them anything in return? i know its the thought and people have gotten so caught up in the materialistc aspect but still..its awkward when someone proudly hands over a present and u have nothing for them and werent planning on getting them anything...what do u guys do?

Answer 1

One of the first rules of etiquette is to accept a gift with grace. You don't need to make a pretense of having forgotten their gift, nor do you need to run out and reciprocate. You smile wide and look surprised and grateful and say "Thank you so much! How thoughtful of you. This is such a nice surprise!" Emphaisze the word surprise. This conveys that you were not expecting to exchange gifts, but that you are quite thankful for their thoughtfulness.

Answer 2

I don't ever expect a gift from anyone. Gifts aren't mandatory, they are extras! Even on my birthday, I don't expect a bunch of gifts. Simply because I think that takes away the special feeling of getting gifts and it's just not very polite. People don't always have perfect financial situations and may not be able to afford a gift, so it's better not to expect anything and be appreciative if they do give a gift. As far as returning gifts go, if they gave me a receipt, then they obviously want me to return it if it doesn't fit or I don't have use for it. They want you to enjoy the gift, and if that means exchanging it, than so be it. I don't get mad about homemade gifts. Because of my large family, I usually bake gifts for everyone to avoid trying to buy a gift for them that they may return anyways.

Answer 3

When people hand me an unexpected gift, I always say "Aww! Thanks! That's so thoughtful of you! If I had known you were going to give me a gift, I would've gotten you something!"
I agree, I feel really uncomfortable when I get a gift from someone that was totally unexpected. I try to let people know I plan on giving them a gift for certain occasions. I would never expect something in return, but I don't want them to feel awkward about the situation.

Answer 4

I hate that situation! But in recent years I have learned to buy gifts for only those close to me because the list gets too long! So that happens at least once. What I do is be honest. I usually say, " Oh so and so, I thought we weren't exchanging this year!" And then, depending on what they got me, I'll get them something back because I feel bad. Usually I'll buy their ticket to a movie if we are going out or something like that, and say "well since this gift was unexpected, I"d like to treat you." It seems cheezy to me to run out to the store and buy them something asap. I wouldn't want to receive a gift that way.

Usually this goes over well. If the gift is very small, I usually let it slide. Although if you honestly can't afford it, which has happened to me before because I didn't budget for it, I say thank you and let it go. They shouldn't be upset...it's about giving and not receiving right?

However, a proactive step you can take is to talk to the people you think might do this this season and say, "let's not worry about exchanging this year, i'd like to have you over for dinner" or something of the sort. I usually do this, or set a budget amonst friends, and it works out well.

Answer 5

Thank them for being so thoughtful, DO NOT lie and say that you have their gift at home. Just accept the gift. Reciprocate at some future date if you can; if you see them before Christmas again, you can give a gift and not say anything. Otherwise, just remember them during the year, invite to lunch, or do nothing.

Answer 6

U apologize and go get them a nice gift card and a nice card, lots of times i get gifts i wasnt expecting and i apologize and then get them a gift and return the favor to them the following day... u need to keep a few gift cards from a store or maybe a resturant on hand so u wont be caught without anything...

Answer 7

i say thank you and give them a really tight hug, its ackward but since i dont have anything to give back it shows that you appriciate their thought. also, what i am planning to do this year is carry little gift bags that i can make myself maybe a scented candle and some candy and just keep them in the car that way if anyone suprises me with anything im like oh thank you i have a lil something for you too. and tada now you feel even better. we are expecting a baby so we are a lil tight this year but usually we give all the little kids in the fam a gift but this year i think i will put some goody bags together for them im sooo excited.

Answer 8

My mom got me started on this, on having some small items wrapped and ready to go with no names on them, so when someone hands you an unexpected gift you can hand them something small as a token of gratitude. She buys on sale things like those boxes of "Whitman's Sampler" chocolates and "Applets and Cotlets" (Fruit gelatin pieces coated with powdered sugar - they're awesome), pretty stationery, and small toys, so when there are unexpected guests who come to the party with a thoughtful gift, she can share some sweet things as a token on gratitude to them.
The idea is something along the line of party favors. It's nice to have a few extras, so when they arrive with a gift for you, you can hand them a box of candy back and say, "thank you so much for thinking of me. The holiday season is such a whirlwind I can't always remember every person and every little detail, but your kindeness will certainly be remembered."
And leave it at that.

Answer 9

I say thank you and genuinely mean it, then send a thank you card later. Dont feel obligated to buy them something, but if you want to buy something small like a gift card and include it in the thank you card, that would be ok.

Answer 10

Well.. i realy prefer to treat the guy.. i would take him/her to a pub or disco or will go to a restaurant. Some or the othr way try to give a return.