For one of my first birthdays after Sam (my husband) and I were together, he gave me a pocket digital translator - something I really wanted. I was super excited, as I’ve been talking about getting one.
However, when I opened the paper box, there was no digital translator inside. Instead, there was another box, with a pretty necklace. I smiled, gave him a big hug and said thank you. However, I was quietly disappointed, as I didn’t really like jewellery, especially not a cute girly necklace like that. Apparently he asked for the opinion of the friendly Italian girl, who we shared the flat with at the time.
Over the years, Sam still surprises me for my birthdays, which I love and deeply appreciate, however, he learnt not to give me anything fashion or beauty related, which I also deeply appreciate.
As we all just had a round of Christmas presents being passed around, what can we do with those well intentioned gestures and given-with-love things, which we are actually not so passionate about?
Here are 6 ideas:
1. Upcycle your jewellery.
I wish this existed when Sam gave me that necklace. You can now use the gold you don’t wear to make something new out of it. Check out ALL IT’S FORMS here.
2. Take a picture of it and then give it a new home.
I know, you are afraid to be held accountable for the disappearance of that scarf/jumper/necklace, etc when your mother-in-law comes to visit. So gather all your courage, put it on, ask someone to take a picture of you in it and keep it as evidence.
Now, it’s time to get rid of it, you don’t want it to overwhelm you and clutter your mind and wardrobe every time you look at it.
Just think about my pretty necklace. If I didn’t like it, Maria-Ciara definitely did, which is fine - we all have different tastes. So if you were given something you aren’t going to use, find it a new home. Here are some places where you can give it away:
This is great - I’ve used it - it started off just with food but now you can give away pretty much anything - it’s a great app, I used it successfully.
And here are some places you can sell your stuff on:
This is where I sell all of my unwanted clothes
I haven’t used it myself but lots of people I know did and are happy
Great app for neighbourhoods, I used it lots myself
I used it lots to buy second hand toys - found it very user friendly.
Facebook - although not my fav, as I get distracted and just start browsing and procrastinating.
3. Frame it.
Perhaps the gift came from someone special, so even though you don’t like wearing it, you love looking at it, because of its sentimental value.
@ Houzz
@ Houzz
@ Houzz
4. Regift it.
Whaaaat did she just say?!?!?!
Even though regifting used to have a negative connotation, that’s no longer the case. It’s much better to give your gift to someone who will use it, rather than sitting on it and letting it pollute your home. You don’t have to do this straightaway – keep a collection of presents and you’ll always have a gift on hand when you need one.
5. Scrapbook it.
You can start a scrap book called “Thoughtful Gifts” and collect the thoughts people put into the gifts they give you - it can be the cutout of the Christmas card, along with the picture of you holding the present or wearing it. It’s the thought that counts, isn’t it? It’s not their fault they didn’t get you exactly what you wanted, they tried 😉.
6. Put it in a nice box, and tuck it away.
The worst thing you can do with something you don’t wear - is to hang it right next to your favourite go-tos. So get a nice box, or decorate a shoe box and tuck it away safely. You can get it out when you feel sentimental.
I hope this has been useful! What was the funniest gift anyone has ever given you?