There is nothing more awkward than having to pretend you love a present you absolutely hate. While you know a family member, friend or colleague would have had the best intention when buying the gift, you know deep within your heart you will never use the item.
However, what if you could use the item? While we’re not for one second suggesting you start wearing that ugly Christmas jumper or listen to that terrible CD, we are suggesting you look for ways to turn that awful gift into a great present. Here are some top tips for making money from your unwanted gifts.
Re-Gift the Present
You might not love the item, but a member of the family or friend just might. In fact, when you received the gift, you may have even thought of the person who would appreciate the item much more than you.
So, instead of tearing off the packaging, keep the item to one side and present it to the loved one on their birthday. That way, you will save money on having to buy them an item, and they can make use of the gift. It’s a win-win! Just be careful not to re-gift it back to the person who gave it you in the first place. Now that would be awkward!
Exchange or Return the Item
Many people understand that a recipient may not always love the gift they have chosen for them, so they might have provided the gift receipt when they gave you the gift. If so, that’s great. Take the item back to the store to see if they can provide a refund.
If a loved one didn’t provide you with a gift receipt, but you know where they bought the present, take the item back into the store in its original packaging and ask for a return or exchange. While some retailers might be hesitant about providing a refund without a receipt, they might be more than happy to allow you to make an exchange.
Put the Gift Up for Sale
There are many ways you can sell your unwanted gifts. For example, you could sell the item on numerous websites, such as eBay, Amazon or Facebook. What’s more, if you have an unwanted gift card sitting in a drawer at home, you could sell the voucher for cash. EJ Gift Cards has made it easy to receive a monetary amount for your gift cards, as they simply provide you with a quote and, if you are happy, they will send the amount directly to your PayPal account.
Donate the Item to Charity
There are many charities out there that would gladly accept your unwanted gifts with open arms, as they can provide the products to people who will appreciate the item or could sell it to contribute to their charity – and you can’t put a price on that, can you?
While you might not enjoy the thought of giving away a present someone has kindly bought for you, it is important to remember that a loved one wanted to present you with an item you will love. So, if it isn’t right, you can trust they had good intentions and would want you to make the most out of their money regardless of how you go about it.