We have all been in the situation where we have no idea what to get for someone. And, we have all been on the receiving end of that not-so-perfect gift. If you are like us, we feel bad about just throwing it away but don’t want these unwanted gifts collecting dust and cluttering our closets. There’s a solution! Get rid of stuff you don’t want and do some good at the same time.
#1. The Art of Re-Gifting
It’s really ok. For items that seem ridiculous or toys (and you don’t have kids or pets) or just some dust-collecting tchotchke; these might be a good candidates for your office white elephant gift exchange. Funny thing is that it could even turn out to be the most popular item! Or maybe you know someone who would love the item. Pass it along to someone who would enjoy or use it.
Be aware of whether or not your re-gifting might be exposed. Just be sure that the person who gave it to you won’t witness your cleaver re-gifting (or hear about later). Unless you have talked about it in advance, it can be hurtful is one friend shows up wearing a shirt that another friend gave you.
#2. Charitable Donations
Donate the item to a charity. Chances are good that there’s someone out there who will find your gift useful or beautiful. There are many worthy organizations that can either get the item to where it can do some good or sell it and use the money to help someone in need.
#3. Re-Purpose
Think about your new possession as raw material for a project. Maybe with a coat of paint, a few stitches, or just a little craftiness you can turn the gift into something you’ll enjoy and use.
#4 Sell it on Ebay
If the item has some value, take a few photos of it and list it on Ebay.
#5 Returning or Exchanging
Look into returning the gift. If the giver included the gift receipt, you can easily take it back and use the money to buy yourself something you’ll truly treasure. As well, you may be able to figure out where the item came from and get store credit if you don’t have a receipt.
Getting a gift that is more suited to the person who gave it than the person receiving it is bound to happen. It’s important to remember the old adage—it’s the thought that counts! Be sure to acknowledge the giver for their thoughtfulness and express your gratitude. After all, they did take time and felt you were special enough to be given a gift in the first place.
There are almost endless options for turning an unwanted gift into something useful, beautiful, or entertaining. Just remember to look at the item’s potential, not just your opinion of it. You might be able to pass it along to someone else who ends up loving it, and that’s a gift in itself.
