How to Politely Tell Your Parents You Don't Like Your Christmas Present

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Christmas for many people is about giving, not receiving, but, if you happen to be given a gift you didn't like, you may be at a loss as to what to do. This article explains how you can tell your parents you don't like your Christmas present, if this is something you feel you need to do. Get started at step number one below.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

If your parents bought the gift

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    This seems obvious, but you don't know whether you will like it until you have seen it!
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    Your parents have obviously tried hard, so you must be grateful of that. Say something like "thank you mum and dad, I know you tried hard"
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    Saying "I hate my stupid present" won't get the best results. You may be thinking that, but say something like "I'm ever so sorry, but I don't play The Sims anymore" or "sorry mum, but Evanescence isn't my thing". Be mature and make sure you apologise, or at least sound apologetic.
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    Some parents might apologise and offer to exchange it in the store for you, whilst others might be upset, offended, or they might not understand. If they apologise and offer to exchange it, thank them and decide whether to accept their offer (or be really mature and say that you can exchange it yourself). If they are upset or offended, apologise again and tell them that you know they tried hard, and either leave it there or politely ask if you can exchange it (it might be better to have this conversation later if they are really upset or angry). If they don't understand, say clearly "I'm sorry but I don't like my present".
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    It might be a good idea to write a Christmas list next year so they know what to get you.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

If a sibling bought the present

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    Give them a hug and thank them.
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    After all presents are unwrapped and your siblings are busy/not around, ask if you can have a private word with one of your parents. Tell them something like "I know Dixie tried hard, but I don't wear eyeshadow". Hopefully they should understand.
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    If your sibling(s) ask where your item is, or why you aren't wearing it say something like "that dress is so special I only want to wear it in special occasions" or "I love that ornament so much I have put it in my drawer so it can't get broken". Hopefully the conversation should end there.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

If an aunt/uncle/grandparent bought the present

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    As they probably aren't living with you (if they are, follow the steps in the "Sibling" method", this is significantly easier. You can tell your parents that you don't like it on the spot.
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    Ask if you can exchange it.
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    If not, you may have to sell it.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

If a friend bought the present

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    Remember that your parents won't have as good a relationship with your friends as they do with their relatives, this will be easier.
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    Remember to get your parents' permission first, though.
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    If your friends ask if you like it, and when you are going to wear it/use it, tell them it was special so you have put it away for safety. If you have the kind or relationship where you feel as if you can/need to be honest with them, you can thank them for the effort they made and tell them you exchanged it.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My mom bought me a super nice wallet/wristlet, but I don't like the color and my phone doesn't fit in it! What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You should say something like,"Mom, I really like the gift you gave me, but my phone doesn't fit in it. Is it possible to return it for another size?"
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 17
  • Question
    What if the person gets mad?
    Community Answer
    Make sure to say that it's a really nice gift and that you appreciate the effort, most likely they won't get mad.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 13
  • Question
    Is it okay to buy myself a present and put it under the Christmas tree if I know that my parent got me something I don't like?
    Community Answer
    Probably not. There aren’t many reasons you would buy yourself a Christmas present, and if you said you’d bought it yourself, it’d look like a passive-aggressive way of saying you knew you wouldn’t like your gift. Plus, if you get caught sneaking the present under the tree, you’d have to explain yourself.
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      Warnings

      • Some parents may get really offended, angry. If you have parents like this, it might be best to keep the item and not mention it.
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      • If you cry or get furious over getting a present you don't like, you may seem spoilt
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