‘Round and round the Christmas tree, opening presents with the family, one for you and two for me, oh, what a Christmas Day’, sang Christmas legend Bing Crosby.
Christmas Day. The family bonding day when we have to ‘Ooh’ and ‘Ahh’ over each and every present we or someone else receives. Each year there is always that one relative or friend we dread accepting presents from. Especially when they expect you to wear it, or open it right then and there.
I always receive a hot chocolate drinking set from a relative, despite not actually drinking it for years. But I just don’t have the guts to tell them as it has become a tradition.
‘Ooh, a hot chocolate set! How did you know?’ and it is suddenly hilarious. Even my dad snorts. When they have left, the present will go either in the food cupboard or in the present box. I will be sure to send them a thank you letter shortly.
Regifting without causing a scene
In my family, the ‘present box’ is where all the unwanted presents get disposed. We hope to give them a new home. For my mum it has also become the ‘emergency present box’. I feel sorry for her friends.
Re-gifting is a great idea but please keep in mind who gave you that gift. There is nothing more awkward than handing over a gift to the person who gave it to you in the first place.
If you can’t wait to get rid of the gift or simply can’t return it without proof of purchase, here is what you can do rather than throw it out.
Firstly, eBay it. This year eBay offered one hundred free listings until 6 January. Thank you eBay!
If you’re selling something quite large and don’t want to pay for the delivery cost, put the gift on Gumtree and have someone from your local area collect it.
Secondly, sell it to an online trade company. Zapper, Music Magpie and Ziffit buy your shunned gifts, such as books, games, electronics and DVDs.
Thirdly, swap the gift. Fashion marketplace Vinted is where you can sell, swap, buy, or give away your pre-loved clothes, shoes, or accessories. So if you aren’t digging that psychedelic skirt you got given by your auntie, someone else might, especially for a ’70s themed costume party.
There’s always the return…
Lastly, car boot sale. It does mean getting up at the crack of dawn, but if you and your family have quite the selection of unwanted gifts- this could be the way to flog them for a bit of cash.
If you are feeling generous then you could donate the item(s) to a charity shop. Make sure you take it into the shop- don’t leave it outside. Charity shops receive lots of unwanted gifts this time of year, so ask if it is what they are looking for.
Although if you are feeling brave, perhaps tell your relative or friend that you’d like the gift receipt to see if you can swap the item for a different size or colour. We both know you’re going to attempt to take the item back, but at least try to soften the blow.
Other than that, grit your teeth and try and think of a way that you’ll use that lovely gift.
What do you think? What suggestions do you have for regifting? Have your say in the comments section below.
