Q&A for How to React to a Gift You Do Not Like

Try to tap into your relationship with the gift giver. For instance, if a close friend or loved one gave you a gift you didn't like, you could just smile, say thanks, and remind yourself that it's the thought that counts.

Explain your feelings in a polite, tactful way. You might say "It makes me comfortable that you give me so many gifts" or "I feel uncomfortable when you give me gifts because it makes the relationship feel lopsided."

Then say whatever you want to. You have no obligation to be nice to someone like that.

Just say "thank you," and don't tell anyone that you don't like it, or it might get back to them. If you like them back, you might want to go the extra mile and be seen using/wearing it, regardless of how ugly it is.

Thank the gift giver and tell them the truth, it's the perfect gift and you really appreciate it, but you found out you're not allowed to have it, so you cannot accept.

No. What good would that do? Spend the coins, toss the makeup, and enjoy the bag as if you knew nothing of its history. After all, once you've put something in it and carried it around for even five minutes, it's "used" anyway, right? To call attention to it will only risk hurting and embarrassing your sister, who was kind enough to give a gift to her niece.

You'll likely feel a little upset but no one should feel mood off for such things, better to leave it and enjoy the rest celebration. Also think about what you did get and how life isn't about always getting what you want and people still cared enough to give you something. Lucky you, there are plenty of people in this world who have far less and who lack caring family and friends.

Graciously take it back. You can re-gift it to someone who will appreciate it. If you don't feel like selling it, because it is personal, put it up for display in your own house! Nothing beats your own work!

Tell them, "I already have that, but I'm itching for those new shoes in Macy's." Or something similar. If you know that they can't afford what you'd really like, just suggest something simple like chocolate or a movie ticket.

Thank the giver for the gift, then ask for idea's on what to do with it. Or if you don't want to ask, you could look it up on the internet or ask a friend.

Make sure you thank them anyway. If necessary, you can explain that you had something different in mind, but that you're very grateful for what they gave you. Whatever you do, don't make a fuss.

Be sure to react graciously, but feel free to tell them that you already have the item. E.g., "Thank you, that's so thoughtful! But I actually just got one of these recently." They should be able to give you a gift receipt so you can exchange the gift for something else.

In that case, you can definitely remind him that you are allergic to flowers. If you want to be polite, you could always say, "Oh these are so pretty! But I'm allergic to flowers, remember?" He will most likely apologize and refrain from bringing you flowers in the future. If he does continue to bring you things you specifically asked him not to, then he's not paying enough attention to what you say, and this is a sign of a bad boyfriend.

If you can't use it, then go ahead and pass the on to someone who can use it. Don't give the gift back to the giver as that will seem rude. Do not tell the giver that you gave away the gift, either.

You can get a small box, make a card, and bake something small like a cupcake or brownie she would like. place the treat in the box and the card over it. Just be creative and show your love for her.

Don't. You'll come across as rude and ungrateful. Just follow the steps above and try to tell them what you really want without being mean.

You should say something like, "I know braces are very expensive, and thank you for getting me them because I know I need them, but braces aren't exactly what I had in mind for a birthday present. I thought maybe I could get something I can enjoy. It doesn't need to be expensive." Unfortunately, some parents act like they are doing their child a favor simply by providing them what parents are supposed to provide. But there is, of course, a difference between buying your child something they *need* and buying them a gift.

You can always thank them and exchange it for a different color at the store later on. If the gift is something like clothing, you might be able to dye it whatever color you want.

Perhaps you could just say, "Thank you, Mom, but it isn't quite my style. Can I trade the top for a different shirt?".

Pretend it's an item you actually wanted, and react as you would for that item.

Thank him and say that it's wonderful, but depending on your type of relationship and personal dynamics, you could make a joke about how he was close while still missing the mark. You could also ask him if it would hurt his feelings for you to take the scooter back and get the trike you wanted.

Put it somewhere where you don't see it - then you don't even have to throw it out.

If you can, give the gifts away to someone who WOULD appreciate them. If that's not an option, I guess you're stuck with them.

If it's not useful to you, perhaps you could return it, give it to someone else, or just display it somewhere. Regardless, do your best to fake being thrilled about the gift and thank the person who gave it to you profusely.

Try to remember that these things are subjective. Most likely the person who gave you the gift thought it was a great gift, just like you thought yours was. Also remember that "things" are not that important. The important thing is that the person cares for you enough to give you a gift.

Say thanks and re-gift it, or stash it somewhere no one will ever find it, i.e. the back of your closet.

If you don’t see the person often or if you aren’t close, you can consider selling it on eBay or giving it to someone who might be interested. You can even give it to Goodwill, where someone may eventually find it. If you are close, you might just be honest and say you don’t have a use for it, or, if you don’t want to hurt their feelings, just keep it around. You can also consider finding a use for it, e.g., using the DVD for a craft project.

Tell her that it doesn't fit properly, or that you think it clashes with your skin tone. Make it sound like you really like the gift, it just doesn't suit you.

Treat your parents with respect and accept it anyway. Still thank them and be nice. Your parents work hard to provide for you and deserve respect whether you get what you want or not.

Ask them again, tell them you'd like to get them something they will really like. If they still don't offer anything up, try to think of something that relates to something you know they like - a favorite book, video game, movie, etc. If your gift shows that you know them well and care about them, they will appreciate it.