Written by: Phindile Le Bris Sithole-Spong
Christmas may officially be behind us, but Christmas gifts are not, or at least those we love. Especially as they serve as a reminder of this magical time of the year and time spent with loved ones. But what about the gifts you don’t like so much? As someone who often sends out lists to those nearest and dearest of items on my Christmas wishlist.
I am sometimes pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised by something that is not on my list. For the latter, I often find it too hard to simply say I do not like a gift, instead, I have come up with a tried and true method to spreading the Christmas cheer with unwanted gifts. Here are my tried and true ways to deal with unwanted gifts.
- Regift: Whilst regifting may seem tacky to some. I think of it as a great way of furthering the holiday cheer. This is of course if it is done correctly. Meaning gifting your unwanted gift to someone who would enjoy it.
- Exchange the gift: As someone who understands that sometimes what I think would be a perfect gift, may not translate. I like to keep receipts of gifts for loved ones I am not sure about. That way they can take the gift back and exchange it for something they want or need.
- Donate it: Whilst donating unwanted gifts may seem ungrateful. It is a great way of giving back. This is why for unwanted gifts I am not sure about. And ones that do not have sentimental value attached, I like to donate. In part because part of the Christmas spirit is recognizing that whilst you may have a lot. Many others have very little or nothing at all.
- Keep the gift: Whilst I have received my fair share of gifts over the years. Something I never do is give away, donate or exchange gifts that have sentimental value. Because whilst I may not find a gift 100% me. I know that the person who gifted it to me put a lot of thought into it.
And finally, before you write off loved ones or colleagues for gifting you things that are not exactly your style. Try to remember that whilst getting gifts you love is great. Sometimes getting unexpected gift’s you would not usually buy yourself is better. Whilst some gifts may not necessarily be cute or in line with your extensive wishlist. They may be doing one better and providing you with something special and rare that no amount of money can buy. On that note, I want to know from you ladies, what is the best gift you have ever received and why?