What To Do With Those Awkward Holiday Presents

🐊 KNGT 🐊 | Louisiana — Christmas... it is the best time of year, people are nicer, work is slower, there's Family and Food.  But if you’ve ever done the whole gift-giving thing, you’ve probably had that moment. You open a box, smile real big on the outside, and inside you’re thinking, “Well… now what am I gonna do with this?”

You ain’t alone.

According to a report shared by Yahoo, unwanted gifts are a big deal. A Canadian supplier called Gift A Feeling says more than $9.5 billion is wasted every year on gifts folks don’t really want.

What do you do when you get a gift you don't like?

First things first. Say thank you.

Every gift deserves that. Always start with a Thank You. Make eye contact. Don’t wait too long to react, because that pause can say more than words ever will. If it feels right, a hug don’t hurt either.

Next up, returns.

A lot of stores are real easygoing after Christmas. Some folks even include a gift receipt, which makes life easier. If not, many places will still take it back and give you store credit or a gift card.

Another solid option is regifting.

Maybe you have another party to go to that you could use it for, or know someone that would like it better than you. That gift could find a better home. Just be smart about it. Make sure it don’t look obvious and double-check things like expiration dates on food.

And if all else fails, just donate it

Places like the Salvation Army or Thrift Stores accept gently used items like clothes, and all kinds of odd items. Your unwanted gift could turn into a big help for someone else.

At the end of the day, don't just throw it away, there is someone that would love to have that gift that you might not have liked. And if that weird gift turns into store credit or helps somebody in need, that’s a win all around.