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By Hannah Jennings

Everyone has been given something that is just-not-what-you-had-in-mind. You can donate it to a worthy cause, or try the online community Free Cycle, where everything donated is free to users, or you might bury the unwanted gift in a box where you will hopefully never run into it again. Then, there is re-gifting, a risky and often unsavory practice. Especially if the person that gave you the gift finds out. There is a number of ways to put the gift to use, without the awkward and blatant re-wrapping and passing along.

1. Create a “Treasure Box.” I use a large tote. Make sure that you put a post-it note on the item and secure with tape telling whom the item is from.

A. Items that you cannot use, or you have duplicates of, all get put together in the same box.

B. Over time, group similar items together i.e. games, movies, an outfit, etc.

C. To give a “re-gifted” treasure, make sure you have at least 3 similar items. Let’’s say movies. Take the movies, wrap them individually and put them in a large popcorn bowl. Purchase two boxes of gourmet popcorn, popcorn flavorings (often available at Ross stores, TJ Maxx and Target) and some hot chocolate. If you are giving the movies to an adult or family, put in a homemade gift certificate for one night of free babysitting (if they have kids). The trick is to only purchase small items that add up to a big gift. Make sure that you are not giving the gift back to the person you originally received it from.

2. Dishes can be a little tricky.

A. If you get mugs, cups, or the like, use them as vases to give away flowers or small chocolates. If you are very creative, you can purchase glass paint and add a detail to make the item unique, just make sure to add a note to the bottom of the cup telling the recipient to hand-wash the cup.

B. Similarly, bowls can be re-gifted as animal eating and drinking bowls for small animals, such as dogs and cats. Use a permanent marker to write the animals name, paint several small paw prints on the outside of the bowl. For Christmas, or the owner’’s birthday, you can give them fancy canned dog food, chew toys, or a small “sample” bag of dry food (available at pet stores) inside the bowl. Finish off the gift with a wrapping of tissue paper in matching colors.

C. Plates require a little more work. By breaking them to pieces they can be used to make gorgeous stepping-stones, mosaics, and stand in for traditional tile. It is important to exercise care and caution when working with broken glass.

3. Clothes can get a new lease on life with a little creativity.

A. Your great aunt meant nothing but the best for you with the hand knit sweater with your name and several Shetland ponies on it. The best way to make this gift function is to sew up the holes and fill the sweater with stuffing. Shirts can make great pillows. This way, the item becomes both used and displayed.

B. Likewise, that pair of pants that is in just the wrong shade of brown can be turned into a purse. Simply cut the legs off the pants. Sew up both leg holes individually. Use the legs of the pants to create a handle. Cut and sew the fabric to the length of your preference.

C. If an article of clothing is simply boring, then jazz it up with tie-dye, fancy buttons, beads, appliques, or pockets. Any clothing can be made to suit your individual style for under $10.00.

D. If you like an item, but the size is wrong, then first ask the giver for the name of the store, and a copy of the receipt. Most people will be fine with knowing they got you what you wanted, you just need a different size. However, if you can”t ask for any number of reasons, then take the item to a tailor. Most tailors can make something that “almost fits” work relatively inexpensively.

4. Gifts that are inappropriate, you are allergic to, or you don”t want in your home (like animals, or pornography) then it is important to think fast.

A. Tell the giver you think the item is lovely, but (in the case of an animal) you believe that you cannot provide a safe/sane/appropriate home for the creature. If you express both appreciation and remorse, the giver should understand and take the animal with them. If the animal is given to a child, and the child is either irresponsible, allergic, or too young to appreciate it, then make sure that the animal is out of the house as soon as the giver is gone (should they refuse to take the animal with them). Pay a neighbor, ask a relative, or take to the animal shelter. Allowing the animal to stay with you for more than a few hours will ensure you will have an animal permanently.

Remembering that the person had you in mind when they give you a gift will often help create a solution to the bad gift problem. Always remember to be gracious, polite and teach children to act likewise.

If at first you hate your gift, then break it, sew it, fill it, and love it.

About The Author

Hannah Jennings creates beautiful themed gift baskets and is an expert on the art of gift giving. If you would like inspiration for your gift giving, visit her gift basket section at http://www.nectaroflife.com/Gift-Packs.htm . There you will find everything for your gift giving needs.