Five things to do with unwanted Christmas gifts - from selling to giving to charity
Share:
Sometimes, no matter how grateful we are for the gesture, a gift just doesn’t hit the mark. And then we’re faced with some awkward decisions: do we say we don’t like it? Only wear it when we see the gift giver? Or do something else? Here’s how to navigate the tricky unwanted present arena.
It’s understandable that saying you don’t want something could cause social difficulties you want to avoid. However, people do appreciate honesty in most cases. Ask if there is a gift receipt for the item, so that you can exchange it. This is particularly useful if you’ve been gifted an item of clothing that doesn’t quite fit right, or homewares that don’t fit with the rest of your décor. Some items are non-returnable, such as some food items or customised or bespoke gifts, so keep this in mind before you ask to exchange it.
If you’re stuck with something because they either don’t have a gift receipt, or it’s not returnable (or you can’t face the potential argument), you can always sell online. Websites like eBay are popular in January as people try to snap up the bargains of unwanted Christmas gifts, however – so if you can hang onto it for a month or two, you may receive a better price.
Research the original price and what second-hand items are fetching online, then (if it’s still in the original wrapping or box) find a price to list in the middle of the two. Take clear photographs rather than using the stock photos you can find online, as it will help people trust that your item is legitimate and you’re not trying to scam them. People like to see any potential issues, such as scratches or damage, so well-lit photos of every angle will help boost your sales chances.
