Unwanted Gifts: What to Do with Those Odd Holiday Presents You REALLY Don’t Need
Unwanted gifts piling up? Here’s your ultimate guide to handling those awkward holiday presents with style and humor! 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Lifestyle
ST. PAUL, MN – Every year, Jack and I eagerly look forward to the holiday season. It’s a time for family, festive meals with our favorite Minnesota dishes (here’s looking at you, tater tot hotdish!), and, of course, the exchange of gifts. But one year, we both found ourselves in a situation that tested our “gift appreciation” skills. His Uncle, in all his quirky glory, gave me a Big Mouth Billy Bass—a singing fish wall hanging that sang when you touched it. It wasn’t exactly the gift I had in mind, but it was… memorable. Jack and I looked at each other with wide eyes, trying to hide our confusion. What on earth do you do with a mechanical fish that sings songs when it detects motion?
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck with a gift you didn’t want or need, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a joke gift, a well-meaning but misguided gesture, or just something that doesn’t fit your style, dealing with unwanted Christmas presents can be tricky. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to make the best of it. Here are six things to do with gifts you’d rather not keep.
1. Regift It (The Right Way)
If you’re staring at a gift you know you’ll never use, regifting might seem like the obvious solution. But it’s important to do it right! Keep in mind that regifting should be thoughtful and done with care.
First, make sure the gift is in new condition and still feels appropriate for the new recipient. Don’t forget to check that the original giver won’t find out—especially if it’s a personalized or unique item! And hey, just like the Big Mouth Billy Bass, maybe someone else out there will appreciate it more than you did.
2. Donate to Charity
Donating unwanted gifts is a great way to give back. Plenty of people and organizations can benefit from a thoughtful, new item that you no longer need. Think about local shelters, thrift stores, or larger charities that help those in need.
Sometimes, donating to a cause you care about can feel even better than keeping the gift, and you’ll be helping others this holiday season.
3. Sell It or Trade It
If you’re not into the idea of donating the gift, consider selling it. Websites and apps like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark make it easy to sell unwanted items to people who are actually looking for them.
You could even try trading your gift for something you really want. There are platforms where you can swap items with others, helping you get rid of the fish and, hopefully, land something useful in return!
4. Repurpose or Upcycle
Sometimes, the best way to deal with an unwanted gift is to turn it into something new. You’d be surprised at how creative you can get when you’re forced to find a second life for something.
Maybe that oversized sweater becomes a cozy blanket or the singing fish could be turned into a funky piece of art for your garage. Repurposing is a fun, eco-friendly way to make sure nothing goes to waste. Plus, it’ll give you an excuse to show off your DIY skills.
5. Use It in a Fun Way (or Save for Later)
Not all gifts are totally useless. Maybe the gift isn’t something you would’ve picked for yourself, but you can still find a fun or practical use for it. The singing fish? Well, it made for some hilarious moments at our house. It could even make a fun party trick or gag gift at a future holiday gathering.
If you can’t find a way to use it now, store it away for another occasion like a Secret Santa exchange. Someone will get a kick out of it, and you’ll be rid of it once and for all!
6. Be Honest (But Tactfully)
Finally, if you’re really not feeling a particular gift, honesty can be the best policy—just be tactful. Instead of pretending you love it, kindly let the giver know that you appreciate the gesture but don’t need the item.
You could suggest donating it to someone in need or even offer to swap it for something that would be more helpful. The key is to be considerate of their feelings, but there’s no need to hold onto something that doesn’t bring you joy.
In the end, unwanted gifts don’t have to be a source of stress or guilt. Whether you regift, donate, sell, or repurpose, there are plenty of ways to find a new home for things you don’t want or need. And while we’ll never forget Jack’s Uncle’s Big Mouth Billy Bass (it still hangs in the basement, by the way), we’ve learned that sometimes the best way to deal with an awkward gift is to get creative with what you do next. What’s the worst holiday gift you’ve ever received? Let us know in the comments!
RELATED TOPICS: Adulting | Christmas | Kids and Family
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