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How to Handle Unwanted Gifts Like a Pro

In The Community

What to Do with Unwanted Gifts

Picture this: You’re sitting around the fireplace, waiting your turn to open your next gift. You eagerly unwrap it, and… Oh! It’s a blouse you already have in your closet—or a gadget you’ll never use. What do you do next? Should you return it, re-gift it, or find another way to put it to good use?

You’re not alone when it comes to unwanted presents! According to the National Retail Federation, retailers in 2023 estimated that almost 18% of online sales would be returned.

This guide will explore ways to handle unwanted Christmas presents while keeping the holiday spirit alive and avoiding waste.

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

How to Make Returning Unwanted Christmas Gifts Stress-Free

  • Know the Return Policies: Make sure to read the return policies and know the return deadlines. Large retailers, especially during the holidays, may allow up to 90 days to return items. Their rules on things like electronics vary.
  • Have the Receipt: Having the original receipt or gift receipt that goes with the unwanted item will help the process go smoothly.
  • Be Empathetic: Sales associates work with people all day during the holiday season, so be kind and patient with them whether they are answering your questions or helping you return something. Being nice goes a long way, especially during the busiest time of the year.
  • Plan Ahead to Beat the Crowds: Be prepared to wait in line. Also, try to make returns during the week since they are more crowded on weekends.

Need to figure out where the gift came from? No problem! You can scan the barcode with a phone app like ShopSavvy or even type the barcode numbers into Google.

What If I Don’t Have a Receipt?

If you don’t have the original receipt and it seems complicated, there are other ways to handle the situation. Many stores will offer an in-store credit. Just be clear on the store policies. Some places have strict rules around no-receipt returns. Also, return your item early for the best chance of a successful return.

Creative Solutions for Giving Gifts a New Life

If returning an unwanted gift is not your first choice, there are other options to consider! Here are ways to handle the unwanted gift besides returning it:

  • Exchange It: Returning a gift doesn’t always mean you don’t like it; perhaps you’d rather have it in a different color or need a different size. They may have the item you want, so make sure you ask an associate or check beforehand on the store website.
  • Regift (the Right Way!): Although this may be an awkward solution, one way to handle an unwanted gift is to give it to someone who may enjoy it more. This allows the gift to be used as intended and avoids any guilty feelings of returning it.
  • Tips to re-gift an unwanted gift with ease:
    • Make sure the gift is unopened and unused.
    • Don’t give the gift to someone in the same circle as the original gift-giver.
    • Make sure the gift has no sentimental value, and remove any notes, cards, or tags. 
  • Repurpose or Upcycle: If you want to keep the gift but want to change it to fit your style, repurposing it is your best option! Say you received a yellow blouse, but yellow is not your color. Purchase fabric dye from your local home goods or craft store and dye it to your preferred color. Now, it suits your style, and you have a new top! And that odd teapot you’ll never use? Turn it into a planter or even a birdhouse or feeder.
  • Donate: If no other options fit your wants or needs, the next best alternative is to donate it to a good cause. You may realize that someone else may need it more than you, especially if it’s unwanted. 

Did You Know: Because it can be more cost-effective for retailers, many returned items end up in the landfill instead of being restocked? Returns are expensive for retailers so it’s often cheaper for them to trash an item than to process, package and restock.

Giving Back to the Community

Giving back is one of our core values at PuroClean Emergency Services, and we are dedicated to doing the right thing for our community. If you have unwanted gifts, consider donating them to local charities. Your unwanted gift could become someone else’s treasure.

Local Ohio Donation Locations

Please research these facilities before donating. They may have guidelines for their donations.

If you’re not in the Dayon-Cinncinatti area, check Google for nearby local charities. Your donation could brighten someone’s day or help a worthy organization raise funds for its mission.

What About Unwanted Gift Cards?

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of Americans receive gift cards during the holidays? But what if you get one you don’t want? Whether it’s for a place you rarely shop at or a service you don’t need, there are smart ways to make the most of these presents.

  • Sell Your Gift Cards: Don’t want the card or can’t use it? You can sell it for cash. You won’t get the same amount, but having the money is better than holding on to a gift card you won’t use.  There are several online places to sell gift cards. Just remember to check out the company’s reputation before you do business with them.
  • Donate to Charity: You can also donate unused cards to charity or others who may need them.
  • Regift Thoughtfully: If the card is for a shop someone you know loves, regifting can be a quick and thoughtful solution. Pair it with a simple card or small treat to make it feel personal and ready for any occasion.

Avoid Unwanted Gifts: Communicate with Your Gift Givers

Gift-giving can sometimes lead to the stress of receiving unwanted gifts. Whether it’s a duplicate item, something that doesn’t suit your taste, or too much effort to return, clear communication can help. 

By sharing your preferences thoughtfully, you can avoid misunderstandings with family members and make the season more enjoyable for everyone—without hurt feelings.   

Here are five effective ways to communicate your gift preferences: 

  1. Create a Wishlist
    Share a wishlist with specific ideas, brands, or even links. This makes shopping easier for the gift giver and ensures you receive items you’ll truly appreciate.  
  2. Hint at Hobbies and Interests
    When talking with family members, casually mention your favorite hobbies or new interests. This will give them a helpful starting point for selecting something meaningful.  
  3. Ask for Experiences Instead of Things
    Suggest non-material gifts, such as event tickets, a membership, or a cooking class. Experiences are thoughtful and create lasting memories and they don’t add clutter to your home.  
  4. Encourage Gift Cards
    If you want flexibility without awkwardness, let people know you’d love gift cards to your favorite stores or restaurants. This way, you’ll get exactly what you want. 
  5. Recommend Charitable Giving
    Encourage loved ones to donate to a charity you care about in your name. This allows their gesture to make a meaningful impact and feel good while avoiding the possibility of unwanted presents.

Handling the Unexpected: From Unwanted Gifts to Holiday Home Disasters

The holiday season is full of surprises, from managing unwanted Christmas gifts to dealing with unexpected home issues. You can often return or repurpose gifts. But, after water damage or a storm, you must act quickly to protect your home and peace of mind.

Whether you’re tackling gift returns or addressing a post-holiday disaster, these thoughtful tips can help you enjoy a stress-free and meaningful holiday. And if your holiday didn’t go as planned, PuroClean Emergency Services is here to help.

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