Many of us have received holiday gifts that leave us puzzled. Maybe it’s a sweater that’s too large or a trinket that doesn’t fit our style. Instead of letting these items gather dust, let’s explore some simple ways to handle unwanted gifts.
### Regift Thoughtfully
Dawn-Maria France from North Yorkshire has an easy fix. She suggests passing on gifts to someone who would enjoy them. Right after Christmas is a great time. For instance, when she received garden seeds she wouldn’t use, she gave them to a friend who loves to garden. It’s a practical choice that also helps reduce waste. In fact, around £42 million worth of unwanted presents are tossed in the UK alone each year, contributing to landfill problems. Regifting not only helps us declutter but can also be more sustainable.
### Discreetly Hide the Evidence
If you decide to regift, make sure to hide the gift’s origin. Louise Minchin from the BBC advises removing any old tags or notes. Check closely for any signs that it was previously opened. Etiquette expert Antoinette Akanji emphasizes keeping your circles separate. If an aunt gives you a gift, don’t just pass it to another family member to avoid awkwardness.
### Resell for Cash
Kirsty Quinn, 36, has turned unwanted gifts into extra cash. She sells them online, often making around £500 a month. “If you get something you won’t use, selling it helps keep it out of a drawer or landfill,” she mentions. Vinted, a resale platform, sees a spike in listings right after New Year’s, showing how many are looking to offload gifts they won’t keep. Last year, popular categories included women’s toiletries, jewelry, and electronics.
### Donate for a Good Cause
If regifting seems uncomfortable, donating is a meaningful option. Louise advises this can truly help those in need. Charity shops appreciate post-holiday donations, as they can provide treasures to others. Allison Swaine-Hughes from the British Heart Foundation encourages donating items that don’t fit or that you simply won’t use anymore. She also notes that shopping at charity shops during the holiday season can provide quality items for others.
### Make it Easier to Exchange
If you’re giving, consider including a gift receipt. This allows the recipient to exchange or return an item if it’s not right. Louise suggests being upfront with the recipient about exchanges. If they don’t want or can’t use the gift, it’s okay to ask for the receipt.
By being mindful about how we handle unwanted gifts, we can make the experience more pleasant for everyone involved. Whether we regift, sell, donate, or give receipts, we can ensure our gifts find new homes.
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