What to do with Unwanted Christmas Gifts
Written and Photo by Sarah Campbell
@eatingalotofbanana
The season of volunteeringly becoming broke and receiving back refunds of gifts that may or may not be a burden has just passed. Christmas, a modern-day-gift-giving tradition, has brought many added troubles to our fried brain cells in contemplating over what to do with the unwanted gifts. For many of us, the joy of opening gifts only lasts that split second when the unwrapping paper makes the satisfying tearing sound. We then quickly realize that what has been wrapped is now another item that would rarely be visible after the living room is all cleaned up. What can we do with the gifts that we won’t use or even want?
MINDSET
We often worry about throwing away the gifts other people give us because we believe that we have a duty to keep them. In reality, the gift-giver’s job is completed once the gift has been given, the next part— to decide what to do with the item—is solely up to the receiver.
Gift-giving for many is a form of love. The act is only significant in giving, not what happens after; so, don’t feel guilty discarding an unwanted gift. As long as you appreciate the person’s heart and interest and thank them for taking the time to get you something special, it’s all good.
WHAT TO DO WITH UNWANTED GIFTS?
1. Donate to local thrift stores or shelters. Some places, like Salvation Army accept everything from clothes to furniture. SPCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Brunswick Street Mission give items to people living in poverty, and in SMU there’s a bin across from Loyola Residence heading towards Dockside that accepts clothes, and blankets.
2. Re-gift. Save the gifts for next Christmas or wait for someone’s birthday to re-gift them. Just remember to label who gave you the gift so you don’t re-gift it to the same person!
3. Sell. Get some cash back and buy something you want. Try selling your unwanted gifts online. For example, on “Dartmouth Buy, Sell, & Trade!” and “Halifax Buy, Sell, Trade and Give Away - Nova Scotia”, or websites like Kijiji, Amazon, eBay, or even your own Instagram and Facebook profiles.
4. DIY. Make it into something you would use or be able to give as a gift. For example, make a stuffed animal into a bag, turn a shirt into a bag, stockings, or a lap quilt, and turn mugs into plant pots or a pen holder.
5. Hold a swap party. This works best if you just came back from home for the holidays and host a Christmas get-together with your friends in the dorms, have some left-over holiday treats, catch up and swap your unwanted gifts.
6. Curbside. If you are willing to wait a little longer and dust out for spring cleaning at the same time, you can put your unwanted items in front of your home on Curbside Weekend in June and October.
HOW TO PREVENT UNWANTED GIFTS?
1. Put the receipt in with the gift. Therefore, the person can return it later, whether it’s the wrong size, colour or just not the ideal gift.
2. Ask for a list. Ask for a list of things people would like to receive and get them something they want or need.
3. Get gift cards. Remember the amount should be something you feel comfortable spending.
4. Give food. A perfect gift for college students. To change it up a bit give groceries, like a bag of carrots, that’s my personal favourite.
5. Write a letter. For people who don’t like much stuff, yet cherish personal things, writing something personal is a perfect way to show your appreciation.
6. Give an experience. Do something together. My aunt usuallys takes her mom out for a theatre date. You can plan to go to the movies, karaoke, restaurant, a ballgame, camping trip, or skating; after all, memories are the things we cherish the most.