As well as being super awkward, no one wants a gift to go to waste (Image: Tinatin1/Getty)
Every Christmas, there’s bound to be at least one gift tucked beneath the festive tree that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Though unwrapped with gratitude, some presents are doomed to gather dust in a forgotten cupboard.
But fear not, those gifts need not go to waste. For items unaccompanied by a receipt, or when it’s too delicate to confess to the giver that their choice has missed the spot, there are other possibilities to consider.
Selling, swapping, donating, or even outright rejecting are viable paths to take for those burdened with unwanted Christmas trinkets this year.
A spokesperson from said: “Most Brits celebrating Christmas are likely to receive at least one gift they don’t really like or have a use for this year.
“To help with the inevitable awkwardness that can pose, we’ve put together nine potential things you can do when you receive an unwanted festive present.”
The advice seems to lean toward graciousness over candour, suggesting it’s preferable to accept a gift with a smile and figure out its fate afterwards, although they hint at the ‘nuclear option’ of returning the ill-suited gift to the sender for those feeling bold,
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Gift giving doesn’t always go how you think it will (Image: Getty)
1. Sell
If seeking to offload such a gift, selling it online is a straightforward solution, now more accessible than ever via platforms like Vinted, eBay, and Facebook marketplace, as well as other trendy apps.
Be cautious not to let the buyer see. After the festive season, unwanted gifts can be resold at events like car boot sales or specialist fairs.
2. Trade
Numerous websites and shops, especially in the electronics, technology and fashion sectors, offer financial compensation for second-hand items, or a discount on future purchases.
3. Refund
If a discount doesn’t satisfy you and you still have the gift receipt, then presents can be returned to their point of purchase for a refund.
4. Repurpose
Finding an alternative use for an unwanted Christmas gift is another practical solution. For instance, could unattractive clothes serve as pyjamas?
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Some gifts will go straight in the charity pile (Image: Getty)
5. Swap
Do you know someone who also received a gift that doesn’t suit them?
If the items would be better suited to each other, consider swapping your gifts so both parties are happier.
6. Donate
A stranger might find better use for a gift you didn’t want, so consider donating unused presents to charity.
Besides high street charity shops, organisations that could benefit include homeless shelters, food banks and those that organise home collections.
7. Re-gift
If you’re careful about where your social circles overlap, passing off an unwanted Christmas gift as someone else’s birthday present later in the year is always an option, or you could rewrap the item to give to a friend or family member during the next festive season.
8.Bin
If a Christmas gift is utterly pointless and destined to collect dust in a cupboard for years, you could always dispose of it in the bin or recycling (as appropriate).
9. Lastly, the ultimate option: reject the present.
If you don’t want something and are familiar with the giver, return it. However, this option is only for the courageous.