The Dos and Don’ts Of Accepting A Terrible Gift Gracefully

Let’s work on your Christmas poker face with eBay!

1. DO have a planned line.

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Although try to avoid “you shouldn’t have” – that’s what everyone says when they don’t know what to say.

DON’T have a planned reaction.

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Come on, the last thing Christmas needs is some hammy overacting to make everyone feel bad about themselves.

2. DO give them a hug!

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You can have a fake smile, but never a fake hug! Sure, you can have a disingenuous hug, but only *you* will know of your hollow emotions.

DON’T hug them too long and make it awkward.

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This is a common mistake. You get caught thinking about the present and end up over-hugging. Clear your mind!

3. DO pay the person a compliment.

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Tell them how wonderful they are for taking the time to buy you a present.

DON’T ask them to talk you through why they thought this would be an appropriate gift for you.

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Yes, if you understand their thought process, you *may* be better able to appreciate the present. (Or you could just say thank you!)

4. DO smile and be happy.

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Think happy thoughts before you open the present. Just be careful not to visualise a better present, or you’ll risk looking utterly devastated. Which is the opposite of what we’re trying for.

DON’T smile too much.

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You only need a few muscles to smile. Not all of them. Don’t over-egg it.

5. DO thank them for the kind, thoughtful gift.

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Because whatever the gift is, it was kind and thoughtful of them to buy you one.

DON’T run away.

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You can’t keep running away from your problems! And it’s debatable whether this is even a real problem.

6. DO move along the situation quickly.

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Deflect attention by giving someone else one of their presents that you know will hit the mark. ‘Tis the season of giving, after all!

DON’T get locked in.

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You’re already struggling to find the appropriate thing to say; don’t double-down and prolong it. You’ll only make it worse for yourself!

7. DO bite your tongue.

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Even if the present is exceedingly inappropriate, smile, say thank you, and take the high road like your mum taught you.

DON’T literally bite your tongue.

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That hurts…a lot.

8. DO think of how blessed you are to be around friends and family at Christmas.

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Think of all the dinner you’ve still to come. Think of how chuffed your mum is to have everyone back home. Think of the fact you’re off work for two whole days. This is what Christmas is all about!

DON’T begin plotting your revenge.

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This is not what Christmas is all about.

Received a naff gift? Why not consider listing it on eBay and donate the proceeds to charity?

Whether it’s a duplicate gift or something you just simply don’t have any use for, head to eBay to find a proper home for all those gifts that didn’t quite hit the mark.

And as it’s the season of giving, why not consider donating some of the proceeds of your rehomed gifts? Plus, eBay lets you choose what percentage you’d like to give to charity and which charity you’d like to support.

Plus, every time you list an item for charity, you'll get a fee credit on your basic insertion and final value fees equal to the percentage you donate. So if you donate 50% of your selling price to a charity, eBay will waive 50% of your fees.

It’s the perfect way to make a difference this Christmas!