It’s inevitable. Someone is going to get you a wedding gift that isn’t exactly on your registry.
You may think you’ve covered all your bases in your registry and by the end of your honeymoon you’re going to come home to all the china, appliances, and towels you needed and wanted. But, someone on your guest list is undoubtedly going to try to think outside of the box and get you something you “really” want. Or it is very likely that you’ll end up with double gifts from your registry. But seriously, what are you supposed to do with neon-pink-zebra-head book ends or two toaster ovens?
We’ve gathered some tips for getting rid of these gifts without your guests being offended or even knowing! (ssshh!)
First is the obvious: return it. Fingers crossed the giver of the bad gift left a receipt in the package and you can painlessly return the item and use the value for something useful. Or you can always tell the gifter of one of the two blenders that you ended up with two of the exact same thing and you’d kindly like to return one. Just do it with gratitude and grace and the gifter hopefully won’t be offended. Of course its rarely this easy or we wouldn’t need tips on what to do with a 3ft ceramic cherub.
In such a case consider selling it. Ebay and Amazon are the perfect places to sell the random gifts you get when you don’t have a receipt to return it to the original retailer or vendor. There are plenty of other sites to sell your things through too. Just do some research to make sure the site is legitimate and not a scam. You can try to sell it at pawn shops or other resale stores too. There just tends to be less of a payout to you with these options.
Coming in with the least amount of payout is a donation. Maybe you’re willing to take a hit, not get your gift, and just get that creepy painting of you and your new spouse that your “artist” cousin painted for you out. of. the. house. Seriously, is that what your eyes look like?
One last tip- check the registry’s return policy before you sign up and start making that wish list. Some stores will allow you to return an item from your registry, no receipts or questions asked. Some work like usual- no receipt, no return. Just try to find the one that’s perfect for you and your guests’ price ranges.
It’s never easy to accept a gift that you… well… hate. Just smile, thank them regardless (thank-you note included) and try to graciously if not secretly get rid of that thing.