Gracious Gift Receiving - How to Receive a Gross Gift Gratefully

Gag gifts are one thing, but what if you get a gift that makes you gag? Here are some helpful tips, to get you through the initial shock and back to festive fellowship and holiday cheer without hurting anyone's feelings.

Try to focus on the giver, not the gift.

People love to give gifts, mostly because we enjoy observing the responses of those to whom we give. We hope to please those we love, and we may try hard to find or even create an item that expresses that love. Sometimes we hit the bulls-eye, and sometimes we miss the target altogether.

We all know what it feels like to give a gift, sure that it will be a smash hit, and then see the recipient's face fall when the gift is opened. Oops! The item was a dud.

What if this happens to you?

Try these tactful tips.

How can you prevent the generous people in your life from feeling deflated, if they give gifts you hated?

Look the giver straight in the eyes, and honestly express how much you appreciate the fact that he or she even gave you a gift at all. Compliment their thoughtfulness and generosity. Better yet, tell the giver how much you love and appreciate him or her, especially if he or she is a member of your family.

Try to come up with a practical or constructive way you might use the gift, and express it out loud, if possible.

Never, ever say anything outright awful about the gift or the giver. Avoid mentioning that you already have six sets of the same item. Resist the temptation to state that you hate the flavor, color or style of the gift.

If the item is the wrong size, or broken, then it may be acceptable to request the giver's permission to return or exchange the item.

Above all, remember that the giver spent his or her time and resources to procure or produce something special for you. That effort really does count for a lot.

Remember, that fuzzy purple moose-head slipper might be on the other foot one day.

After the holiday celebrations have ended, in the privacy of your own home, you can always rummage through the packaging for price tags and gift receipts. (Please see the links with this article and this author's content list for additional helpful information on gift returns.)

Remember what really counts.

Gift-givers of the world, repeat (in unison): "It's really the thought that counts." It's trite, but true.