Repurpose, Recyle and Regift Those Unwanted Gifts

Eliminating the Holiday Clutter

The holidays are filled with gift exchanges, and gift giving. Sometimes a gift or two is sent your way that you would not have chosen yourself. A gift may be unwanted for a beavy of reasons: the gift may not be your taste, the gift may not meet your needs, or maybe you already have that specific gift.

What do you do with those gifts?

Keeping such gifts in a disorganized state, one in which we shove them in a corner to deal with later is not honoring the gift giver nor the gift given nor the space you live in. How can we as receivers be respectful and kind with those undesired gifts? Below is a list of ways you can repurpose, recycle, and regift those gifts.

#1

Keep a a small bin in storage that is designated as a white elephant bin. As you receive the unwanted gifts put them in the bin and recycle next year by gifitng in the next white elephant gift exchange. Write the persons name on the item so you don't regift it back to them. Usually white elephant gifts are not taken very serious and are often recycled back into the gift exchange the following year without hurt feelings.

#2

For those gifts that are a little more serious in nature, the ones that you know some thought was put into it, don't be affraid to exchange the gift for something different you know you will use or for a different size. Often gift receipts are included with the gift.

#3

Don't be so quick to donate or exchange your gift. Sit with the gift for a week or more and you might just discover a new use for the gift. Think outside the box. Find a new way to use your gift. Repurpose However if the gag gift is absolutely hideous and you need it out of the house imeditely take it directly to a donation drop off site.

#4

Do you know someone who would absolutely love this gift. Give it to them. Regift.

#5

Have an after-holiday gift exchange with a friend or two. Trade gifts with each other. Each person should pick their own gift. Making it a concious choice.

#6

For all of the food, the sweets, snacks, and wine that you received over the holidays as gifts, don't feel obligated to eat or drink it all, especially those of you who have taken on weight loss as your New Years Resolution. Throw a party and share all the goodies you have received with others.