Tact And The Unwanted Gift
Thanks, but... no thanks!
Let's be honest here. Every year some well intentioned soul buys something for you that you simply must return. In many cases, you should find a way to keep it and consider the spirit in which it was given to you. But sometimes the offending item simply must be returned or re-gifted. This is awkward and can hurt the giver's feelings so you have to be really careful how you go about this.
A friend recently confided that every year her Mother in Law buys the exact same shirt for all 5 of her daughters/daughter in laws in the same size, color and style. Unfortunately the women range in size from Small to XL. A medium waffle shirt does NOT fit all.
Should you find yourself in this predicament, carefully evaluate before you make your move. In most cases, an exchange is the least offensive providing you have a solid excuse like it didn't fit properly or you have an allergy to polyester/country music.
Really try to focus on the positive. If you find the item truly repulsive, find a way to say something genuinely nice about it. "I LOVE this colour!" "Wow, this is really nice quality!" "This will keep me so warm!" Then tactfully suggest you visit the store to see if they have that item in your size, wait for the boxing day sales to deplete their stock, and then go back armed with the receipt and a totally legit excuse to use it towards something you really like. Make sure to thank the original giver for the new gift.
This is not about lying, it is about considering the feelings of the person who took the time to hunt out and pay for or make something special for you. My mother is extremely careful to buy gifts she really thinks suit the recipient and spends a lot of time searching for that perfect item. I would never consider returning something from her unless it was the wrong size, in which case I would try to exchange it.
Whatever you're unwrapping this season, try to focus on the positive, remember the spirit in which the gift was given and above all, be gracious.
Just for fun, vote on our poll of who will be most likely to give you that tacky gift.
Let's be honest here. Every year some well intentioned soul buys something for you that you simply must return. In many cases, you should find a way to keep it and consider the spirit in which it was given to you. But sometimes the offending item simply must be returned or re-gifted. This is awkward and can hurt the giver's feelings so you have to be really careful how you go about this.A friend recently confided that every year her Mother in Law buys the exact same shirt for all 5 of her daughters/daughter in laws in the same size, color and style. Unfortunately the women range in size from Small to XL. A medium waffle shirt does NOT fit all.
Should you find yourself in this predicament, carefully evaluate before you make your move. In most cases, an exchange is the least offensive providing you have a solid excuse like it didn't fit properly or you have an allergy to polyester/country music.
Really try to focus on the positive. If you find the item truly repulsive, find a way to say something genuinely nice about it. "I LOVE this colour!" "Wow, this is really nice quality!" "This will keep me so warm!" Then tactfully suggest you visit the store to see if they have that item in your size, wait for the boxing day sales to deplete their stock, and then go back armed with the receipt and a totally legit excuse to use it towards something you really like. Make sure to thank the original giver for the new gift.
This is not about lying, it is about considering the feelings of the person who took the time to hunt out and pay for or make something special for you. My mother is extremely careful to buy gifts she really thinks suit the recipient and spends a lot of time searching for that perfect item. I would never consider returning something from her unless it was the wrong size, in which case I would try to exchange it.
Whatever you're unwrapping this season, try to focus on the positive, remember the spirit in which the gift was given and above all, be gracious.
Just for fun, vote on our poll of who will be most likely to give you that tacky gift.
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