What is the best way to react when you get a gift that you don't like?

Question

For my birthday, my mom gave me a present that I'm not particularly fond of. I like to think that I'm polite, and if it was from anybody else, I'd smile and say thank you and either try and get as much use out of the gift as possible or take it back without them knowing. My family doesn't have much money, and the gift my mom got me was rather pricey, and I'd much rather her have the money than have a gift that I won't use .. but I don't want to hurt her feelings! What do I do?!

Answer 1

if it were me, id be like oh u didnt have to get me something so expensive and i appreaciate it. remember its the thought that counts.

Answer 2

No matter how much the gift isn't to your liking, accept that you at least got that gift. And when you receive that gift, exclaim with phrases like "Wow, Thank you so much. This is really wonderful."

Sometimes, its really not about the gifts when they're giving you. It's about their heart that's part of the gift. Because they had a heart to go and buy you a gift, that's why you can't throw that gift away at all, no matter how much you dislike it.

That's why you always have to love of all the gifts you get from the people that love you.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Accept it, but do not lie.  Look at the gift, and think of the best use for it.  Take advantage of the gift.

Answer 4

What is the item? If it's a clothing item or something like that tell her it didn't fit or you'd like it in a different color. Good luck!

Answer 5

say:

"mommy, i appreciate your love for me and the gift you got me! I just don't see how I am going to use this, so I would rather have you return it and get the money for yourself. Please!"

than you smile and give her the poppy dog eye look, lol, and hug her. Insist in a good way she will get it.

Good Luck

Answer 6

I've told my mom that I wouldn't use a gift that shes given me.  No one likes to hear they bought a bad gift but I agree its better to return it and not have wasted the money.  If your close with your mom and you think she might understand, then tell her the truth.

Answer 7

That is funny my sister was just saying that to me the other day..... how she doesn't want to buy me as many gifts as she used to because I would always ask for the receipt right away or say thanks but I'll never use this & can I exchange it......

I'll tell you what my sister said .... she said it really hurt her, because she took her time & money & really thought about what I would like & then for me to be so casual and say -  thanks but no thanks - made her not want to buy me gifts anymore.  

Now she just gets me gift certificates to stores I like but she said it has taken all of the fun out of the holidays for her.

I don't know either ....... but I know we shouldn't be rude.  The thought really is what counts - especially when you can tell there is some real thought there.  Not so much for the socks or gas card.... those things I think you can say - I don't wear that brand or I don't get gas there........

So the big hug & the OMG you shouldn't of!!!! == is #1.  

Thanx so much for thinking of me is #2 with lots of smiles.  

& the crazy thing is that our family grew up tight on money also and that is why I ask for the receipt...... because it kills me to think this person bought me such an expensive gift that is going to go to waste.... ie in the bottom of my closet.  

Here is one trick that you might be able to do that your mom might not know ...... but my sister busted me on it right away ... because she really knows me .....

You get the gift .... OK do all of the excited stuff & then say - where did you get this - this is awesome!!!!   Most stores will take stuff back in new condition without a receipt - you won't get cash but at least you can get a store credit.   & for situation .... then you could get your Mom something she really needs that is practical & hopefully she will never ask to see the "whatever" she bought you.      I would say honesty is the best policy, but my sister said it really wasn't in this case.   She said no matter how nicely I said I didn't like the gift it would hurt her feelings.  

& hey there is always regifting.  

Answer 8

I get tired of pretending to like presents that I don't.  I tell people not to buy me presents.

Answer 9

Graciously accept it, don't try to fake a surprised look...it never works.   I think you did the right thing.  

Answer 10

yu should say

"wow! this is something i'd never expect! thank yu for taking the time out of yur life to think of me !"

Answer 11

How old are you ? what was the gift ?

Answer 12

to tell her the truth won't hurt her feelings. SHE loves you so much at least that's the best honesty reaction to her.

Answer 13

Thank her,be gracious- return it if you can.  It is nice of you not wanting to hurt her feelings, but if you don't like it - it is of no use to you

Answer 14

Graciously. Your mother spent time and energy thinking and purchasing this gift.

Tactfully take her aside and say how you don't know if you are going to get the use out of it and don't want to waste her money.

Take her with you when you refund it and choose something together. Make a day of it. Thank her when you buy your replacement and overall make it a fun day you two spend together. That way she will know you appreciate her opinion and effort.

Good luck.