How to Handle Receiving a Gift You Don’t Like

In my last two episodes, I discussed proper gift giving in a new or unofficial relationship, which raised a lot of questions. One reader asked: “What happens if you don’t like the gift from your unofficial boy/girlfriend?” Wow, that IS a good question. After all, in a new relationship, your guard is still up and you’re not always as honest or as open with your emotions as you should (or will) be. And I will say, this question is not just for new relationships. Bad gift giving is like death and taxes – you can’t avoid it!

How to Properly Handle Receiving a Gift You Don’t Like

From a tie for someone who doesn’t even wear dress pants (let alone a dress shirt), to a monogrammed snow shovel (seriously!), we’ve all received gifts that we hated. But despite not enjoying the gift, your reaction should not consist of gaping as if you would rather have received a punch in the face.

So with that, here are my top 3 Quick and Dirty Tips on how to properly handle – and react – to receiving a gift that you didn’t want:

Tip #1 – Smile, Nod, and Say Thanks

I love buying my family and friends presents for their birthdays. But I love their reactions even more. Nonetheless, I’ve gotten the raised eyebrow from time to time on a gift that didn’t quite hit the mark. And from those uncomfortable situations, I’ve learned a lot. Firstly, my wife does not find a subscription to ESPN Magazine nearly as cool as I do. Go figure.

Despite my own miscalculations, which I’ve overcome in the past few years, I found that it’s even worse to be on the other side of the gifting pond. Last year, I opened a gift from my aunt that “appeared” to be a bag of fresh coffee, only to find that it was really a half used bag of coffee (thus no longer making it “fresh”). I don’t know what made her think I would enjoy her already used bag of coffee, or that it would make for a proper gift, but it was something I had to take in stride.

Still, as unmannerly as it is to give someone used food as a gift, I made sure to show my appreciation. Was I lying? Yes! Modern Manners Guy lies to elderly relatives who give improper gifts. But I will say at that at the time, it is what was called for. I gave her a big hug, a kiss on the cheek, and told her I’ll be thinking of her when I made my next cup of coffee. Although I didn’t say it would be from her used bag.

In the end, a smile and a thank you, should be your first reaction....

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