What to Do in Awkward Gift Giving Situations

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

05 Dec 2008 09:50 AM

No matter how we prepare for Christmas, sometimes we find ourselves in awkward gift giving situations. Take for example, the time that you neighbor brought over some Christmas cookies and you had nothing to give back. Or, the time that you gave a gift and got greeted with a "Oh, I didn't know we were exchanging gifts this year." Or how about when your child received a gift from a well-meaning friend or relative and blurted out a rude "I don't want this." Well, there are some gracious ways to deal with these situations.

Your neighbor brings you a gift and you don't have anything to give back.

The best thing in this situation is to graciously accept the gift and invite the neighbor in for tea, coffee or coco. If the gift was a food gift, serve it along with the beverage. To avoid this situation next year pick up or make a few small gifts to have on hand.

You give a gift and do not get one back

Try not to look disappointed. After all, gifts should be given not because you expect something back. Assure the receiver that you are delighted just to give the gift as a way to say thank you for everything that they did for you for the year. For example, you may mention to a neighbor how they shoveled the walk, or to a friend how they were there for you when you needed them.

Your child is rude about a gift

Most people understand that children are sometimes brutally honest, so don't worry too much about it. Ask your child to say thank you for the gift and then leave it at that. Let the gift giver know how much you appreciate the thoughtful gift. Later you can talk to your child privately and ask him to make a thank you card or draw a picture in thanks.

Have you ever been in an awkward gift giving situation?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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