To regift or not to regift
We’ve
all heard that the thought is what really counts in gift-giving, but
even when someone has your best interests at heart, you still might
not love the prezzie. Sure, Aunt Suzie drove all the way to the mall
to buy you that sweater at Express … but it’s the wrong size. You
love the skirt your sister bought you at Target … so much that
you’d already bought the same one! Are you stuck with presents you
won’t use, or is it okay to return and regift sometimes?
If
a present is from a store you like but is the wrong size or is
something you already have, it might be in your best interest to
return it for store credit. If the item still has the tags, most
stores will take it back, but you’ll have to get a credit
certificate instead of cash unless you received a gift receipt with
the item. Don’t feel bad about exchanging it for something you like
at the store – even if your family member or friend thought they
bought the perfect gift (hey, she knew what store you loved, at
least!), she would also definitely want her money to be spent on
something you’ll actually wear.
An
item with missing tags or one you’re not sure where it’s from can
be trickier. Stores like Barnes and Noble will generally accept books
without price stickers and give you store credit, but only if it’s
something they sell. Other stores have stricter policies – for
example, Target will take your ID information and only allow you to
return one item without a receipt per year! You’ll have to decide
if getting the money for that board game is worth using your only
return until next holiday season.
With
items like beauty products and handbags (stuff practically every girl
loves), you’ll probably be able to get away with regifting. If you
already have five shower gel and lotion sets, why not bring one to
the next gift exchange you attend? Someone is guaranteed to like it!
Accessory gifts are also great to save and give to girls you don’t
know that well, like new friends or distant cousins.
And
when you’ve got something you can’t return or regift (seriously,
they still make Hairagami?), you can always donate it to a thrift
store or Goodwill. That way, there’s at least a chance that someone
will get some use out of it!
The
most important thing to remember, though, is to always be gracious
when receiving gifts, even if you’re not thrilled about them.
Whoever gave you a present tried her best, so smile and say “thank
you,” even if you’re not planning on keeping the gift. You don’t
have to tell her that!
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POSTED IN Fashion, holiday, christmas, gifts, hanukkah, happy holidays, Advice