"Oh, But You Shouldn't Have!"

It can happen to anyone: Someone gives you a gift that you simply don’t want. You know it’s the thought that counts, but sometimes you would rather have not received anything in the first place.

With the holidays approaching fast, knowing how to graciously receive a gift you don’t want can be a helpful tool. From clothes that aren’t your style to duplicates of items you already have, use some of the tips below to deal with unwanted gifts.

• Smile! A smile goes a long way in conveying gratitude. Even if you don’t want the gift, show your appreciation for the gift-giver’s effort with a smile.

• Be sincere but polite. You don’t have to lie about wanting the gift, but you can express why it won’t work with tact and empathy. Thank the gift-giver for the present and explain your reasoning. This also depends on who you received the gift from, so use your best judgement on how to react.

• Let go of guilt. Maybe someone you care about spent a lot of time and money on a gift that you know will grow dust in your closet. This can lead to feelings of guilt, but it’s important to remember that nobody is at fault here, and it’s the act of gift-giving that matters most.

• Return or sell the item. Ultimately, if you don’t want the item, it is perfectly acceptable to return or sell it. This will free up space in your home and you can exchange or buy something that you actually want.

• Prepare for next time. If the gift-giver is someone you think you will receive presents from again, have an honest conversation with them about what types of items might work better. You can swap lists with each other, set a price cap or give them a few off-limits categories.

The bottom line is that receiving an unwanted gift can be awkward. By showing gratitude while expressing honesty, you can keep the holiday cheer going!