Christmas may be a time of giving, but not every gift is a hit. Etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, offers advice on how to handle a present you dislike without causing offence.
According to Meier, it is acceptable to feel disappointed if you receive an unwanted gift, but showing that emotion is not. “You should never show negative emotion in response to a gift you’ve just opened, as it could truly hurt someone’s feelings. We should only ever show gratefulness,” she said. She advises always smiling and saying thank you, being mindful of body language and facial expressions.
If you wish to return or exchange a gift, Meier recommends contacting the retailer directly for store credit before asking for a gift receipt. “I would only ever recommend asking for the gift receipt if you have a real reason to return or exchange the gift, other than you simply did not like it,” she explained.
When discussing a return with the giver, Meier suggests starting with a positive comment and avoiding the word “but”. For instance, thank the person for the gift before explaining you already have one and politely asking if you could exchange it. She advises weighing each situation carefully: if the giver is sensitive, it may be best not to pursue a return to avoid tension.
Meier, who trained in London under a former member of the Royal Household, also emphasises the importance of writing a thank-you note regardless of your feelings about the gift. She recommends using descriptives such as “creative” or “thoughtful” instead of lying about loving the gift.
