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Many of us have experienced the disappointment of receiving a Christmas gift that just doesn’t quite fit our tastes or needs—whether it’s a jumper that won’t fit, an unattractive ornament, or a perfume that isn’t to our liking. Instead of letting these presents gather dust at the back of a cupboard, there are thoughtful ways to part with them while avoiding hurt feelings.
One popular approach is regifting, which Dawn-Maria France from North Yorkshire embraces wholeheartedly. She finds the period immediately after Christmas ideal for passing on unwanted gifts to others who might appreciate them more. Dawn-Maria explains, “I never feel any guilt for doing so and believe it is a more sustainable way of celebrating the festive season.” She gives the example of garden seeds she received but didn’t need, which she re-wrapped and gave to a gardening enthusiast friend with a note explaining the nature of the gift. Besides helping to reduce waste—since it’s estimated that £42 million worth of unwanted presents are discarded yearly in the UK—regifting can also ease financial pressures, especially during difficult economic times.
For those considering regifting, etiquette expert Antoinette Akanji and others stress the importance of discretion. Louise Minchin from the BBC advises double-checking that any labels or cards addressed to the original recipient are removed before re-wrapping. She also recommends inspecting gifts carefully to ensure they are unopened and complete. Antoinette adds a crucial tip: avoid regifting within the same social circle to prevent awkward encounters—“You need to ensure that the original giver and the new recipient aren’t likely to cross paths.” Such caution helps maintain goodwill and prevents potentially embarrassing situations.
If regifting isn’t suitable, selling unwanted gifts online offers another practical solution. Kirsty Quinn, who successfully resells items found at car boot sales and charity shops, shares that this not only prevents goods from going to waste but also enables buyers to find items at more affordable prices. She states, “Selling unwanted gifts can help someone else get something they want at a cheaper price, which feels especially relevant given how tough the economy is at the moment.” Platforms like Vinted have observed a surge in listings right after Christmas, highlighting the popularity of this choice. Finally, if you want to skip regifting or selling altogether, donating presents to charity shops is a generous alternative. Allison Swaine-Hughes of the British Heart Foundation encourages people to give unwanted items a chance to brighten someone else’s day while supporting good causes.
When giving gifts yourself, including a gift receipt can simplify matters significantly for the recipient. Louise notes that having a receipt allows the recipient to exchange or return an item easily, which is particularly helpful for higher-value presents. She recommends honesty if it’s necessary to request an exchange: “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’d like to exchange this for something else do you have the original receipt?’” This straightforward approach can help maintain goodwill and make gift-giving—and receiving—more enjoyable for everyone
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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