What to Do With Terrible Holiday Gifts

Whether its for Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or a combination of all three, no one wants a useless gift (i.e a chia pet, the clapper, an Ashanti CD). The only thing worse than opening up a package of homemade socks is opening up a package of homemade socks that were originally given to someone else. No one likes a re-gifter. But no one likes a gift changer either. Here’s how to stay away from being the only person who doesn't get a secret Santa next year because no one wants to waste time getting you a gift you won't like.

Tip 1: Don't return a gift unless there's a gift receipt.

While it might not seem like it during the brutal rush through stores, endless online searches and overwhelming amount of tacky gift wrapping, many people really are sincere about their gift giving. The last thing your roommate wants to find out is that you gave the camera that he gave you to your little sister to play with. It's not okay to return a gift unless the giver gave you some sort of okay. It's likely that he or she didn't say it from the mouth. However, one sure way to know is if they've included a gift receipt. It's the giver's way of saying, "Hey if you can find something you like better in this same store, go ahead and get it. On me!" The gift receipt is an admission on the giver's part that he or she doesn't know your taste, but really wants you to have something you enjoy. So if there's a gift receipt, take it back, guilt free.

Tip 2: Transform trash into treasure (got to love the alliteration there)

Sure no one wants a lifetime supply of dental floss. But what if you could turn that dental floss into the sturdy base of a necklace? Bad gifts don't have to stay bad. There are so many ideas looming out there about what you can do with what seems on the surface a useless product. Get an arts and crafts book (you can pick up at the library) and get to work. You can make collages, reefs for next year, or just keep the kids busy for a couple of hours. Whatever creative thing you choose, don't let that trash make a heap in the corner of a closet.