Every year the festive season leaves a trail of unopened boxes and unwanted gifts. According to an Ipsos Doxa survey for eBay, 44% of Italians received at least one unwanted present this Christmas — roughly 30 million items at risk of being wasted. As shoppers and gift‑givers, we can do better: unwanted gifts are not failures, they’re opportunities to rethink how we value and recirculate items. Here’s a practical, stylish and ethical guide to handling those awkward presents.
Who gives the worst gifts — and why it happens
Surprisingly, the people who “miss the mark” most often are not distant relatives or clueless workmates, but friends (24%) and partners (21%). The more someone thinks they know you, the higher the chance of a very personal — and potentially off‑target — choice. That tells us something: emotional intent drives riskier presents. Understanding that fact helps remove guilt from the receiver and reframes unwanted gifts as simply misaligned attempts at care.
Smart options for what to do with an unwanted gift
There’s no single right answer, but here are three sensible pathways:
How to resell quickly and effectively
If selling is your choice, plan to maximise time and price:
Regifting with grace: etiquette that keeps feelings intact
Regifting can be tasteful when handled properly. Follow these rules:
When honesty is the best policy
If you prefer to ask for an exchange, approach the conversation with gratitude and tact. Thank the giver warmly before asking if they’d mind a swap or a gift receipt exchange. Framing the conversation around practicality — “I’d love to exchange this so I can get something I’ll use” — is more constructive than expressing disappointment.
Eco and budget benefits of recirculating gifts
Unwanted gifts represent an environmental cost: production, packaging and transport for items that may never be used. Recirculation reduces waste and cuts the ecological footprint of the season. Financially, reselling or swapping can recover funds that help fund more meaningful purchases or experiences — a win for sustainability and household budgets.
Practical tips to avoid future mismatches
Handling emotionally or ethically problematic gifts
Some presents must be declined — if they’re offensive, inappropriate, or conflict with personal values. In these cases, a firm and polite refusal is appropriate. Protect your boundaries and, if necessary, explain briefly why the item cannot stay: clarity is kinder than accepting and silently resenting.
Community solutions and creative reuse
Beyond individual responses, there’s a growing culture of communal reuse: swap events, charity drives and neighbourhood selling groups can turn the post‑Christmas glut into a positive community moment. Hosting or participating in a local swap — even a small one among friends — can be fun, social and sustainable.
Quick checklist for unwanted gifts
Receiving a less‑than‑perfect gift is part of holiday life; how we respond is what matters. By embracing practical, respectful and eco‑minded approaches — from considered regifting to savvy reselling — we can reduce waste, recover value, and turn an awkward moment into something positive for everyone involved.