It could be a vase, nutcracker, or pasta bowl. The story is the same. What do you do if you receive an unwanted gift for Christmas? You can’t get rid of it in case your aunt/friend/sister-in-law visits and asks where the beautiful bowl she gave you has been displayed. So you keep it. But the years go by and the gift is still there. The only problem is that this isn’t the only gift you have a lifetime contract with.
If an item you don’t like takes too much of your valuable space, you need to consider how to free that space to use for something you really love.
Here are 5 steps to get what you really want this year!
- First, make a list of your friends and family you want to give a gift to, as well as a list of the gifts you wish to get.
- Set a budget for your holiday gifts.
- Make a list of possible options. Include some of the gifts you never used and can be reused. Take a picture of these items.
- Send an email to all the people on your list telling them that this year you want to give them something that they really want. Ask for their ideas. Include pictures of the gifts you want to re-gift and make suggestions. Gift cards for stores /restaurants/spas/coffee shops are always good choices. You’ll be surprised how happy friends will be to have choices.
- A gift doesn’t have to be an object. You can suggest doing something helpful. In many homes, there are family photos packed in containers and shoe boxes. If your parents downsize or someone you know is moving offer to scan the photos and upload them to a digital frame.
My guess is that most of your friends and family members will respond in kind, and ask you what you would like for your gift. This is the moment when you spill your list and wait happily for this year’s gifts – because this time you will get what you want.
Happy Holidays!
