Wow! Thanks for thinking to get me a gift! You shouldn't have. The truth: you are thinking maybe they really shouldn't have. It is an awkward situation for some. Maybe it is in poor taste, a size too small, or just not that useful for you in particular.
Should you accept it? Of course. It is the thought that counts and what is significant is they got you something. However, you feel awkward accepting something that you may never use or even want. Socially, you accept it. Outwardly, you do not want to hurt their feelings. What if you could avoid this situation in the first place? Hee are some tips.
1) Give hints throughout the year
Please see #2. When your desired gift is a seasonal item, don't wait to mention it in November or early December. The family member or friend may have already had the opportunity to find you a great gift. Although, the gift may be well intended, the gift may have been perfect for someone else.
2) Make sure that they know you well
If you do not want to be a spur of the moment guess or subject to last minute shopping fury, it would be a good idea to mention what you care about. For the gift giver, make sure that that person knows your interests, passions, and favorite subjects. We should all be fortunate to be on the receiving end of gifts of friendship, family, or romantic love.
3) Make a list
Sometimes honesty is the best solution. It depends on the relationship with the other person. Are they a business colleague, a family member, close friend, significant other, or a friend of a friend? Depending on their means, they will try and make you happy hopefully as much as you would do for them.
4) On a shopping excursion
Maybe you are at lunch with a colleague and you see a great gift idea. Opportunity knocks. If you are out with family, it can come up in conversation or when out shopping for others. Sometimes colleagues, friends, and family happen to be in the right place at the right time.
5) What to do about that unintended gift
Be thankful that the other person cares. Sometimes we get it wrong. And sometimes the person who is the recipient should be thankful that they have people who care about them enough to give them something tangible to show respect, appreciation, degree of caring, or love for them.
Should you tell them that the gift is not something you can use or want? It depends on the relationship with the person and the type of gift. If you already have one, then what is wrong with a spare? If the other person asks and the question is sincere, it is okay to tell them. Otherwise, accept the gift and try to find use for it. In the event you cannot, there may be someone else in need.
Having friends, family, and those who care or appreciate you is a gift in and of itself. And no gift can top that, my friends.
Please see #2. When your desired gift is a seasonal item, don't wait to mention it in November or early December. The family member or friend may have already had the opportunity to find you a great gift. Although, the gift may be well intended, the gift may have been perfect for someone else.
2) Make sure that they know you well
If you do not want to be a spur of the moment guess or subject to last minute shopping fury, it would be a good idea to mention what you care about. For the gift giver, make sure that that person knows your interests, passions, and favorite subjects. We should all be fortunate to be on the receiving end of gifts of friendship, family, or romantic love.
3) Make a list
Sometimes honesty is the best solution. It depends on the relationship with the other person. Are they a business colleague, a family member, close friend, significant other, or a friend of a friend? Depending on their means, they will try and make you happy hopefully as much as you would do for them.
4) On a shopping excursion
Maybe you are at lunch with a colleague and you see a great gift idea. Opportunity knocks. If you are out with family, it can come up in conversation or when out shopping for others. Sometimes colleagues, friends, and family happen to be in the right place at the right time.
5) What to do about that unintended gift
Be thankful that the other person cares. Sometimes we get it wrong. And sometimes the person who is the recipient should be thankful that they have people who care about them enough to give them something tangible to show respect, appreciation, degree of caring, or love for them.
Should you tell them that the gift is not something you can use or want? It depends on the relationship with the person and the type of gift. If you already have one, then what is wrong with a spare? If the other person asks and the question is sincere, it is okay to tell them. Otherwise, accept the gift and try to find use for it. In the event you cannot, there may be someone else in need.
Having friends, family, and those who care or appreciate you is a gift in and of itself. And no gift can top that, my friends.
