If you are here, then you must be considering how to deal with unwanted gifts. Gifts can mean several things to several people; however, it is generally known to be an act of love. Some gifts you will like and others, not so much. As you read on, we will guide you on how to deal with unwanted gifts.
How to Deal with Unwanted Gifts

An unwanted gift may not necessarily be something you don’t like. It can also be something that does not fit your lifestyle or be something you can’t use or have room for.
Let’s take a look at 10 ways that you can deal with unwanted gifts:
1. Address Gift-Giving Ahead of Time
Making your feelings known is the first step; if you don’t, you’ll continue to have this problem year after year.
It’s crucial to let loved ones know why this matters to you and to establish clear, strong expectations. Everyone’s life is made easier by this method.
2. Guide the Gift-Giver in the Right Direction
It is normal for people to give unwanted gifts since they don’t know enough about your current tastes. It is your responsibility to assist them in making better decisions.
They’ll be thrilled to find that their presents are well-received, and you’ll be happier with what is arriving at your house.
You can assist gift-givers in making the best purchases by sending particular links during a brand’s sale or sharing this list well in advance of the event.
Choose high-quality products that can be handed down to the child or another family for more environmentally friendly gifting. This way, the gift will last rather than collecting dust or being thrown away.
Consider items that you would use on a regular basis and are enthusiastic about, but that you probably wouldn’t buy for yourself.
Requesting experiences rather than possessions is an excellent clutter-reduction technique. For instance, the grandparents may plan a special night out when the kids would watch a live performance of The Nutcracker.
If they are far away, consider combining your visit with a trip to a nearby kid’s attraction. When you embrace it and make it a special occasion, even something as basic as a movie night can be a ton of fun.
Remind family and friends that these moments will be cherished far longer than any toy or item if they are still tempted to purchase gifts for your children.
3. Accept the Gesture, Not the Gift
What would happen if you made the effort to communicate your expectations beforehand, say “no gifts,” or give a precise list, and still you wind up accepting a gift you don’t want?
That is inevitable, but there are tactful ways to deal with it.
You don’t have to keep the gift; it’s generally preferable to accept the gesture and show appreciation for the thinking that went into it.
You can decide whether to donate it or give it to someone who would value it more after a suitable period of time.
Use your discretion and sensitivity in certain situations, such as with family artifacts, but keep in mind that you are ultimately in charge of determining what “stuff” is kept in your house.
Maybe take a picture of it and save it, or give it to a relative who might value it even more. Without really holding onto something, you can treasure the memories and significance associated with it.
4. Make a Shrine to Clutter

Although it may seem counterintuitive, designating a space for gifts might serve as a justification for getting rid of one when a new one arrives.
If the clutter shrine appears to be a collection of any kind, this won’t work and you’ll probably end up with more of the same.
We advise that you make the shrine look as unkempt as possible so that nothing appealing appears there.
5. Return Gifts You Don’t Want
You may always return the gifts to retailers especially if you have an idea on where the giver bought it from. You can do this to get money back for more urgent requirements.
When the present provider offers a gift receipt, this is simple. If they’ve taken this action, it means they recognize that you might not require or desire the present and are facilitating the upholding of your moral values.
If the item is something they carry, many retailers will accept returns of unused, unopened products even if the gift donor did not provide a receipt.
Consider using the store credit you receive from an unwanted gift to purchase something useful from nearby retailers.
6. Sell Unwanted Gifts
There have been occasions where gifts with remarkable values can not be returned, in such cases, you can sell these gifts.
Sites such as Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or yard sales in the area are examples of potential venues where you can sell these gifts that you don’t want.
Additionally, there are places where you may sell unwanted gift cards and get the money back to purchase necessities.
7. Donate an Unwanted Gift
Perhaps you want to avoid the selling procedure, which in most cases, requires more work than you anticipate, or perhaps you are financially secure and don’t think it matters to get value back from unwanted presents.
In these situations, giving money is always an option, and there are many ways to help. Knowing that someone enjoyed using the item rather than letting it gather dust can make you feel better. It’s a win-win situation because this strategy also assists in allocating funds to charity projects!
8. Re-Gift Items You Don’t Like
When it comes to gifts that are special, personalized, or otherwise impossible to discard, regifting unwanted items can be a good option.
Maybe you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, but you were handed some homemade jam. Give it to a friend or neighbor who you think would like to have this in their kitchen.
9. Repurpose It
Repurposing undesired gifts is a wonderful method to respect the giver’s intentions without rejecting or giving them away. When you value something and don’t need it but can use it in another way, you can use it for something else.
You may use an intriguing ceramic bowl that you received, for instance, as a succulent planter if you currently have too many bowls for mixing and serving.
You can use an unworn shawl or wrap as a wall hanging in a room that needs some color, a table runner, or a decorative drape over an armchair.
The idea is that it may not be what the giver intend you to use it for but it still has value when used for some other purpose.
10. Decline a Gift You Don’t Want
You can also reject a gift that you don’t want. If done politely, this is an additional choice. Most consumers prefer to see products being used and appreciated.
It is a sign of maturity to show the giver that even though you value the gesture, you may not use the gift and that is why you are rejecting it.
If the present you received wasn’t something you would use, most givers would be happy to hear that it may still be put to good use.
In order to perhaps prevent this from happening again, you should try to have a detailed conversation with the giver about why you’re returning it if you believe they would be open to it.
Now that you know how you can deal with unwanted gifts, here comes the moral question to this discussion. Is it right or wrong?
Is it Okay to Get Rid of Unwanted Gifts?

It is absolutely acceptable to return presents that you do not desire. Recall that the primary exchange is the act of giving.
A gift that you receive becomes yours, and it is up to you what you do with it. To live intentionally, you must constantly assess what is and is not working for you and get rid of it.
Remember that you are not obligated to inform the giver of the item’s current status as time goes on. They wouldn’t want you to hang onto anything that was clogging up your space or stressing you out by getting in the way.
Giving is an act of love, so when you receive a gifts and you don’t want it, there are steps that you can take and make sure that the intent of the giver is not abused.
You may get the gifts and deal with it however you choose, or you can simply just reject it. Anyhow you choose to deal with it, be sure to do it the right way.
You can check out the guidelines that we have provided to help you do deal with unwanted gifts the best possible and not hurt anyone’s feelings.