6 Things To Do With Unwanted Gifts

It happens every year,  well-meaning family and friends deliver what they’re sure is the perfect gift. Upon opening the gift you can’t help but wonder, what were they thinking?

It’s a touchy situation. On the one hand, you’ve worked so hard on clearing the clutter that these gifts just feel like a burden. On the other hand, you’re feeling rather guilty for your lack of gratitude towards your generous family and friends.

Deep down you really appreciate the thought so the last thing you want to do is make anyone feel bad or toss out a brand new gift.  The good news is, that there are ways to show your appreciation without compromising all of your hard work in maintaining a clutter-free home.

6 Ideas for Dealing With Unwanted Gifts

With just a little bit of effort, you can graciously express your gratitude for the thoughtfulness of the gift while also having a plan for what you will do with unwanted gifts.

Here are 6 ideas to help you get that plan up and running!

1. Communicate Your Desires

Like most things in life, communication is key!

Maintaining a clutter-free home really does start with good communication.  After all the absolute best way to avoid having to deal with unwanted gifts is not to receive them in the first place.

Don’t be afraid to let your friends and family know you’re working on limiting what comes into your home.  Tell them that if they want to provide gifts for your family, and you know they do, these are your preferences.  Then give them a list.

If you prefer to receive a family experience gift over individual gifts for each family member, don’t be afraid to let them know.  After all, if they’re going to the trouble of buying you all gifts, is there any question they want you to enjoy that gift.

And if it turns out to be a gift that really is unwanted you have other options.

2. Sell Your Unwanted Gifts

First, use some discretion here, the last thing you want is sweet Aunt Martha seeing the vase she just gave you listed for sale on your Facebook page.

However, there are plenty of other more discrete options.   

Consider places like eBay, and CraigsList you can also sell many items on Amazon. Or if it’s electronic related consider a place like decluttr.com.

You can even consider using an alias screen name to make sure you’re not caught trying to sell those unwanted gifts. All of these options will allow you to get a few dollars for that gift you know you’ll never use.

3. Exchange Your Unwanted Gifts

If you’re provided with a gift receipt it is perfectly okay to return the unwanted gift and exchange it for something more useful.  You can rest assured that the gifter wants you to have a gift you will genuinely be happy with.  After all, this is why they included the gift receipt.

Even if you don’t have a gift receipt, this does not mean you can’t return the unwanted gifts. As long as the item is still in its original packaging or has the tags attached many larger retailers will still allow you to return the item without a receipt.

Generally, they will provide you with the cash equivalent of the lowest price the item has been offered for. Alternatively, you may be offered a store gift card or exchange for the same item.

This is a fairly simple and painless way to get rid of unwanted gifts.

4. Regift Your Unwanted Gifts

Truthfully, this is most likely the easiest way to get rid of unwanted gifts.  Simply regift it!

HOWEVER …. before you decide to regift, think about why the gift was unwanted in the first place.  You really don’t want to add to someone else’s clutter because you’re trying to avoid your own!

At the same time, if you know someone who could really use or would appreciate the gift regifting is an excellent thing to do with an unwanted gift.

One word of caution! Make sure you don’t accidentally give it back to the same person who gave it to you.

5. Donate Your Unwanted Gifts

If returning the unwanted gift doesn’t work out and you don’t want to go through the hassle of selling it donating is a fantastic option for dealing with unwanted gifts.

There are so many worthwhile charities that would love to have your unwanted gifts.

You can go with your basic thrift store donation or consider a cause near and dear to your heart.  Women’s shelters often need items for both women and children. They are usually even interested in unwanted toys. Perhaps you know a local family in need that could use the item.

Plus, as an added benefit of donating unwanted gifts to a favorite charity, it prevents them from going to waste.

6. Be Gracious

Finally, and most importantly, be gracious.  It’s so important to remember that your friends and family are giving you gifts because they love you and value you. Remind yourself of this truth and accept their gifts, with graciousness and gratitude.

I know it’s hard to receive a lot more toys or other items than you want in your home.  If this is the case, consider getting rid of some of the older stuff you have.  Another idea is to let your kiddos play with them for a time and then donate or pass them on.

If you receive a few unwanted gifts, you do not have to keep them out of guilt.  Avoid adding clutter to your home by communicating your desires or selling, exchanging, regifting, or donating unwanted gifts.  Above all be gracious!