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7+ Ways to Avoid Being a Gift-Giving Grinch

PomeroySays
7 min readDec 8, 2024

My husband and I discussed gifts one night. He said when it comes to receiving gifts, it’s the thought counts and that I can’t donate the item.

I don’t agree. I have caught one of my in-laws reselling something I bought at their yard sale years ago. Another admitted they regifted several of the items I gave them over the years.

But I can’t donate? Or regift? Here’s what the etiquette says:

What to do after someone gives you a gift?

“Accept the gift graciously, smile and say, ‘Thank you so much for thinking of me,’” says Gottsman. You may also remark how thoughtful the other person has been or express that you’re surprised to be receiving something from them. “Whatever you say, keep the tone light and lively.Dec 21, 2022

So What Kind of Gifts Suck?

This list is not going to include everything but it’s a start…

  • candles
  • cheesy decor items
  • blankets
  • regifts
  • cheap candy
  • books if you don’t know what the person likes to read
  • small items given with no thought
  • gift cards that are not a match to the recipient

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PomeroySays
PomeroySays

Written by PomeroySays

New England born- now living in the Midwest. Blogger, author, influencer, and history addict. Say hi on KoFi- https://ko-fi.com/pomeroysays/

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