Receiving gifts is often exciting and thoughtful, but sometimes we end up with items we don’t need or like. Figuring out how to deal and handle unwanted gifts can be tricky because you don’t want to hurt the giver’s feelings. Whether it’s a duplicate item, something that doesn’t suit your taste, or just not useful, it’s important to approach the situation with kindness and gratitude.
In this post, I’ll share a personal story about an unwanted gift that left me feeling hurt. I’ll also discuss practical ways to deal with unwanted gifts if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. This approach can help you maintain strong relationships while still showing appreciation for the thought behind the gesture.
A Thoughtful Gift for My Mother
About 15 years ago, as a single mom balancing parenting and starting my business, I wanted to find a meaningful birthday gift for my mother. I realized she didn’t have a nice photo of me and my daughters, so I decided to visit a professional studio to take a special picture.
Even though money was tight, I spent extra to frame the photo beautifully, hoping it would become a memory she’d treasure. I pictured her proudly displaying it at home and showing it to her friends. It was my way of showing her love and gratitude, even during tough times.
Handling the Pain of Giving an Unwanted Gift
The day finally came, and I packed my daughters and the carefully wrapped gift into the car for the 7-hour drive to LA. After a nice visit with my brother’s family and celebrating my mother’s birthday, it was time to give gifts.
When I handed her my present, I was excited, but her reaction was far from what I expected. She unwrapped it and said, “another photo?” questioning why I always gave her pictures. I hadn’t realized this had become a pattern, but her words made me feel like I had failed. Trying to handle my emotions, I offered to take the unwanted gift back, saying she didn’t have to keep it.
Even though I knew my mother loved me, at that moment, I felt insignificant and rejected. It was the most painful experience of giving a gift I’ve ever had to deal with.
How to Handle Unwanted Gifts Gracefully
Receiving a gift is usually a kind and thoughtful gesture, but sometimes the gift may not be something you like, need, or can use. Knowing how to handle unwanted gifts can help you deal with these situations in a way that is polite and thoughtful, while still appreciating the giver’s effort.
1. Focus on the Thought Behind the Gift
Remember that the person giving the gift likely wanted to make you happy. Even if the gift isn’t what you wanted, it’s important to show gratitude for their thoughtfulness. A simple “Thank you so much for thinking of me!” can go a long way.
2. Don’t Let Disappointment Show
If you don’t like the gift, do your best to hide any disappointment. Respond with a warm smile and kind words, focusing on the thought and effort behind the gift rather than the gift itself. This approach helps avoid hurt feelings and keeps the moment positive.
3. Think About Repurposing the Gift
If the gift isn’t useful to you, think about ways to repurpose it. Could it benefit someone else? You might regift it to someone who would truly appreciate it or donate it to a charity. This way, the gift can still bring value and joy to someone else.
4. Be Honest (When Appropriate)
In some cases, being honest may be the best way to handle unwanted gifts. If the gift is something you truly can’t use or already have, you can gently explain and offer to exchange it, if that’s an option. For example, you might say, “This is so thoughtful, but I already have something similar. Would it be okay if I exchanged it for something else?”
5. Keep the Relationship in Mind
Handling unwanted gifts with kindness helps maintain strong relationships. Gifts are about the connection between people, not just the item itself. Even if you don’t like the gift, showing appreciation keeps the bond positive.
6. Reflect on the Experience
If you’ve ever had an unwanted gift experience that felt hurtful, like my story about giving a photo to my mom, it’s okay to feel disappointed. However, reflecting on the situation can help you learn how to deal with similar moments in the future. Handling unwanted gifts with grace shows maturity and gratitude.
Thoughtfully Dealing with Unwanted Gifts
Unwanted gifts can sometimes be tricky to handle, but they don’t have to be stressful. By focusing on kindness and gratitude, you can turn an awkward situation into an opportunity to strengthen your relationships.
Remember, it’s not just about the gift—it’s about the connection you share with the giver. A thoughtful response can show your appreciation and keep things positive, even if the gift wasn’t what you expected. With a little care and understanding, you can handle unwanted gifts gracefully and keep the focus on what truly matters: the people in your life.
Be sure to check out my post about homemade gifts and what they mean. It’s a great way to explore how meaningful and special a handmade gift can be!
