Guide to Giving Gift Receipts

It is my practice to get a gift receipt for every gift I purchase for over $10. Not only do I get a gift receipt, but also I include it with the gift, either in the card or tucked inside the package. Why? Because I am not conceited enough to think that I am the perfect gift-giver. I would like to think that I have at least some notion of what my loved ones would like, but I'm sure that I'm sometimes way off the mark.

I have friends and family members who think that they consistently give fabulous presents. Most of the presents I have received from these people over the years are tucked away in the back of my closet or have been sold on eBay to help pay for things that I really wanted.

Gift giving becomes more difficult when it comes to friends that I don't see on a regular basis. I often don't have any idea if they already own a particular item unless it has been the topic of a phone conversation.

I make a point to actually provide the gift receipt along with the gift because this gives them complete freedom to do with it what they wish. Even if I despised a gift with every fiber of my being, I would feel just awful asking for a gift receipt, even if one had been offered to me.

Giving gift receipts works for me because I really could care less if someone returns my gift. If I'm buying a present for a loved one, I want them to have something that they will actually use and enjoy. An unwanted gift is nothing but a waste of my money. Still, I typically prefer selecting a gift and getting a gift receipt rather than giving a gift card because I have the satisfaction of knowing that at least I tried. What they do with it after that is their business.

Unfortunately, not everyone is as laid back when it comes to gift giving. With most people, it's better to pretend that the reindeer sweater that they just gave you is the most wonderful gift that you'll ever receive. Even if someone provides a gift receipt, its better to just keep the unwanted gift if they're the type of person that is going to follow up on it (asking when you're going to wear it, whether you've read it yet or enjoyed watching it, etc.).

It may sound corny, but when it comes to gift giving it really is the thought that counts. Some people interpret this sentiment to mean that every gift should be kept and cherished because someone who loved you picked it just for you. However, I look at it differently. The time and thought that I put into selecting a gift for someone is what makes the gift-giving experience meaningful for me. While ideally I would hope I always chose the perfect gift, I realize that whether or not the recipient likes the gift isn't all that important as long as I provide them with the opportunity to exchange it. No one is perfect and sometimes gift givers are just way off the mark. Oddly, some of my closest friends who I think of as very good listeners and insightful human beings give me some of the worst gifts. So, I'm certain that being a bad gift-giver doesn't make you a bad friend.

My only other advice is to make sure to become educated on the store's return policies. Many stores have their policies conveniently printed on the gift receipt, but some don't, so make sure to ask how long you have to return it and relay this information to the recipient.