Handling Repeated Christmas Gifts from Relatives

The Challenge of Repeated Gifts

Receiving the exact same gift from a relative for multiple consecutive years can be both awkward and uncomfortable. Whether it's a beloved family member or a less involved relative, the repetition of such gifts can lead to various degrees of discomfort. Here are a few strategies to manage this situation gracefully.

Gracious Response

A simple and positive approach is to thank the person sincerely for their thoughtfulness. This maintains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere without causing any hurt feelings. Expressing genuine appreciation can help preserve the relationship and keep the focus on the positive aspects of the exchange.

Light Humor

For those with close relationships, a touch of humor can lighten the mood. By acknowledging the repetition, you can show that you value the relationship and can laugh together about it. Examples include:

Oh, another [gift name]? I must be on coincidental gift lucky charm duty this year!

Using humor can break the tension and create an even stronger bond between you and the relative.

Subtle Hint

If you feel comfortable, you can gently hint that you already have the item and suggest something different for the next gift. This can be done in a way that is subtle and doesn't come across as harsh. For example:

Thank you so much for thinking of me [gift name]. I actually already have one, so I hope you'll consider something different next year that might suit my tastes better.

This approach can be effective in leading to more personalized gifts in the future.

Direct Conversation

In more direct relationships, it may be appropriate to have a conversation about future gift preferences. This can involve sharing a wish list or suggesting different types of gifts. For example:

Thank you for your thoughtful gift this year [gift name]. I'd love to know more about what else you might consider for my next gift. Perhaps you could look at my wish list or try something totally different?

This opens up the conversation and can lead to more meaningful and personalized gifts in the future.

Personal Experience: A Lamp and a Lesson

From personal experience, I've been in situations where the same gift was repeated. In one instance, my mother-in-law (MIL) gifted a lamp shaped like a lacy pink purse. While I was grateful for the thought, the gift was simply not to my taste. I kept a smile on my face and donated the lamp to goodwill. When she gifted the same lamp the following year, I expressed gratitude but with less enthusiasm.

This experience taught me a couple of valuable lessons. One, be cautious about regifting or donating gifts without informing the giver. The person might come across it again at a garage sale or thrift store and feel hurt or excited to buy the same thing again. Two, don't allow the giver to think you truly love something you don't. Maintaining this balance can lead to fewer gifts that you end up despising for years to come.

Conclusion

No matter the approach you choose, the key is to maintain a positive relationship while addressing the discomfort of repeated gifts. Whether you opt for a simple thank you, a touch of humor, a hint, a direct conversation, or a more private solution like regifting, the goal is to ensure that both you and the giver are satisfied with the outcome.

Keywords: Christmas gifts, gift handling, gift preferences, relatives, regifting