Stuck with unwanted gifts? 8 things to do with Christmas presents you don’t want or need
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Whether it’s an unflattering item of clothing, a bottle of booze you just can’t stomach or a book you’ve already read, it’s always awkward to receive an unwanted gift. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but you’re also not keen on the thought of said gift haunting your house like the ghost of Christmas past.
![[Everyone is likely to receive an unwanted gift at least once in their life.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/unhappy_msemail_jd_unwanted6jpg-JS627065018.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Research by Which? showed one in seven people exchanged their unwanted gift last year, while fewer than one in 10 made a return. If you’ve been given the receipt too, you can probably assume the gifter won’t take offense. If not, and you feel comfortable doing so, you will need to ask for the receipt to be able to return the gift in-store.
![[Receiving unwanted gifts can feel awkward.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1179743147_hp__4_jpg-JS773905225.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Online returns usually require the purchaser to initiate the return process, so you will need to liaise with whoever has given you the item. Most returns periods are extended over the Christmas holidays, so check to ensure you are within time. If the item is in good condition and you think there is a better owner for it out there, consider donating it to a charity, shelter or foodbank.
Most charity shops accept clothes, footwear, small items for the home, books and toys. But do make sure to check that your chosen cause is accepting donations and they are happy to take your item before making the trip down there. Which? says one in four people who received an unwanted gift last Christmas gave it to a charity shop or friends and family.
