If you get a gift that you really don't want - it's a clothing style you don't wear, it's a book in a genre you don't read, it's a piece of art that doesn't match your style, it's something you already have plenty of and don't need more of, etc. and there's every indication that the gift-giver is going to keep giving you this stuff every year, how do you politely steer them in a better direction? Or do you just accept that Christmas gifts aren't going to make you happy beyond the touchy-feely "they wanted me to have this" part?
I'm not talking about things like clothes that don't fit - I mean things that you just don't want.
I know some people would just suck it up and sell the stuff on Ebay. But for those people who are not computer-oriented - what should they do?
2007-11-05 07:53:54 · 13 answers · asked by Glenn S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Give them a Christmas list and be specific.
2007-11-05 07:57:22 · answer #1 · answered by MazdaMatt 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Who cares? It's a gift--you aren't supposed to be counting your profits. It should be enough that they don't see you wearing/using whatever they've gotten you and when they ask about it you say "well it wasn't really my style" or "I already have..." I know it's tempting to try to get something you want for free by hinting around at Christmas time, but it's not a good idea. Your conscience will feel much better if you just pretend like it doesn't matter if you like the gifts or not. Besides, if you tell them what you want and they get you something similar but still not something you can use, it'll be even worse. So grin and bear it, and be glad that someone tried to please you by spending their money on something to give to you.
2007-11-05 08:26:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't. You have to keep peace in the family. There ARE other means besides eBay of "disposing" of unfavorable gifts. ALL towns have "Thrift Shops." Donate it to that. If it's too good an item, and you cannot "re-gift" it to someone else, find a charity that might be able to use it, or sell it to help their cause. Maybe the item can be used at the humane society... they LOVE blankets and towels... it's amazing the items they need. If not, they might be organizing/running a charity garage sale, and you can donate the item for them to sell and raise money for the humane society.
My brother gave me a CD of a country music artist that I CANNOT STAND!!! I didn't want to keep it, I'd never listen to it. I discovered a co-worker who happened to LOVE that artist... so I asked her if she'd like to have the CD!!! She was THRILLED! But when I gave it to her, I gave it to her on one condition, that this is a "borrow" situation, but that she NEVER RETURN IT to me!! LOL!!! This way, if my brother EVER asked me what happened to that CD... maybe he noticed it's not in my collection... I can HONESTLY tell him that "I loaned it to a friend, and she hasn't returned it yet." See? NO lies! No stinky gift! and PEACE in the family.
Put on your thinking cap!!! I'm sure an ideal solution will pop into your head!
As for steering the gift-giver... that is done over time with a series of well-placed, well-timed hints. "Oh, Uncle George!!! My bedroom is just LOADED with all those baseballs! Sometimes I think I could start a league of my own!" ... followed another time with... "I was just going through my CD collection! WOW has it grown! I wish I had one of those organizers." ... You always try to make the person think that your hint was something that "inspired" them to get you exactly what you wanted!
Good luck!
Have a polite day.
2007-11-05 09:00:54 · answer #3 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could have a different family member intervene?
For instance, if it's your Grandmother or Great Aunt who buys you bad gifts ask your mother if she might make a suggestion or two.
If that doesn't help, just understand that some people just can't buy gifts and pass it on if the occassion arises.
But keep in mind, that it was a gift and was probably given in hopes that you'd like and appreciate it.
Good luck.
2007-11-05 08:02:01 · answer #4 · answered by MARY N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mabe you should hint to people of what you would like for xmas.Or draw names and mabe they won't pick yours.If this person always gets you something let them know what you wish list is and make it comfortable in price range.Some people think it is rude to tell someone you don't like their gift,I would tell them that it is nice but doesn't fit or the color is not for you and would they mind if you exchange it.Why waste their money if you are not going to use it.You may not get a gift the next time from them either.But if you are unhappy with it you won;t be if you get nothing.
2007-11-05 08:04:40 · answer #5 · answered by mamaw2305 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be glad you've got a family that gives you gifts you ungrateful jerk! Like you take the time to get them all stuff they really want. Be greedy just like everybody else and tell them exactly what you want. Take the whole surprise element out of Christmas. Better yet, go with them when they shop and pick out what you want, wrap it yourself and act surprised when you open it up! Sheesh!!!
2007-11-05 08:03:44 · answer #6 · answered by Lady Miss Keir 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone is considerate enough to buy you a gift, you should thank them sincerely. It doesn't matter if it is the gift you have always wanted or not. Show some appreciation!
2007-11-05 08:32:06 · answer #7 · answered by alton b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't tell them the gift stinks unless they ask you what you are into these days. Grin and bear it, then stick it in the goodwill bin when it's over. Some relatives just don't get it or care.
2007-11-05 07:58:28 · answer #8 · answered by DAR76 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can have a conversation with him/her and disguise it with something like: "You know? I always have a hard time picking the gifts for you because I'm not sure what you like and dislike.... why don't you tell me?" And then use the opportunity to bring your own likes and dislikes to surface.
2007-11-05 07:59:53 · answer #9 · answered by Papucho 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's greedy because you are hoping to increase your "good" gift count. Just don't count on a useful gift from that person and thank them anyway.
.
2007-11-05 08:01:38 · answer #10 · answered by Kacky 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
WELL HERE IS A THOUGHT DONT TELL THEM JUST ASK FOR THE RECITE AND TELL THEM IT DIDNT FIT OR IT BROKE OR SUMTHING OR U COULD TELL THEM U DONT LIKE THAT STYLE AND WHEN IT COMES 2 CHRISMAS TIMES GO 2 YOUR FAVORITE STORE WIH THEM AND THROUGH IN THINGS LIKE I RELLY LIKE THIS OR THIS IS MY STYLE ALSO U CAN GIVE IT 2 FREE WILL BUT I UNDER STAND U DONT WANT 2 HURT FEELINGS
2007-11-05 08:02:24 · answer #11 · answered by MIMI 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋