Many have experienced the uncomfortable situation of receiving unwanted gifts from close friends or family members, yet there are ways to handle this awkwardness with grace and ease.
In this blog post, we will offer practical suggestions on what to say when someone asks what gift you would like for Christmas.
Be specific
When someone asks what gift you want, it can be hard to give an immediate and straightforward reply. No one wants to seem selfish or greedy while receiving something they won’t use either. In this post we will explore practical methods of responding without making someone uncomfortable or awkward.
One way to ensure the person you’re speaking with gives you an amazing gift is to be specific about what you would appreciate; this will allow them to narrow down their options and find something just for you. For instance, saying things such as, “I would really appreciate a new set of kitchen utensils” gives them ideas while simultaneously guaranteeing something suitable will arrive in your mailbox.
If you’re worried that you might be asking for too expensive of a gift, try providing multiple options in various price ranges to allow the person more freedom when choosing what fits their budget best. In addition, suggest that they purchase an experience instead of something physical as this will create something memorable while showing your gratitude for their generosity.
Thanking someone who gives you a gift is crucial – regardless of its value – as it shows your appreciation and can encourage future giving. Thanking the giver can take many forms; cards or phone calls are great ways to show this gratitude; however, nothing beats sending handwritten thank-you notes!
Be honest
When receiving a gift from someone special, it is essential that you are honest about what you need and want in return. Doing this ensures you receive something truly useful without sounding rude or ingratitude – this blog post explores effective strategies for doing just this without feeling awkward or rude!
If the person is close, it may be easier for you to tell them exactly what you would like as a present, saving both of you time and energy searching. Or you could provide a list of gifts available within different price ranges so they can find something fitting your budget.
Experiences can make for more lasting gifts than physical ones and will stay fresh in their recipient’s mind for longer. From day trips and spa treatments to concert tickets and concert attendance tickets – experiences tend to make more lasting impressions than physical goods.
Sometimes it can be necessary to return a gift given to you. Doing this can be tricky if it involves someone close to you; therefore it is best to do it personally whenever possible, though if this is not an option then handling the situation diplomatically should still be maintained.
Make sure to thank the gift-giver for their thoughtfulness and effort; this will ensure they feel valued. If unable to accept their present, explain it does not meet with your style or taste, while noting your attempt at being more aware about what comes into your life.
Gift-giving is a common social practice throughout the year, from birthdays and weddings to holidays or just to show our appreciation. But when someone asks what gift you would like for themselves or another, it can be challenging to reply without appearing rude or inconsiderate – this guide will help you be specific while remaining respectful and courteous when responding.
Be polite
Many people avoid telling others what they want out of fear that doing so might come off as rude or ingratitude, leading them to receive gifts they do not truly need or appreciate with fake smiles and halfhearted thank yous. One way to prevent this situation from arising is to request gifts in a polite way, such as providing them with options in different price ranges that they can select a gift that meets both their budget needs as well as makes you happy.
Experiences can make lasting memories that will stay with them long after a tangible item. They also show that you care for their wellbeing – for instance by sending them gift certificates to their favorite restaurant or theater performance.
When buying gifts for others, always be honest and do what is in their best interests. Gifts should never become burdensome to their recipients – instead they should be considered thoughtful gestures from you! If a recipient does not appreciate it then do not purchase another present for them.
However, if a gift really is not what you expected or your giver cannot afford it, declining it isn’t rude or ingratitude-inducing – especially if someone else already gave you one! Just be sure to mention why you do not want it; perhaps you already own the item or it doesn’t suit your size/color requirements – to prevent anyone feeling like they were being rude. This way you won’t appear rude.
Don’t lie
Answering “what do you want as a present?” without appearing desperate can be challenging, but with proper etiquette know-how it can be done without awkwardness and with thoughtful responses that make someone else feel special and valued.
When people ask what you would like for a present, honesty is of utmost importance. By being forthcoming with what you want for yourself or as a gift for another person, they can ensure they give something you truly enjoy – while helping the gift-giver avoid wasting their money or collecting unused items that will sit unused on a shelf somewhere. If a particular present doesn’t suit you or is of no use to you at all, politely declining it by saying you already own an equivalent or is too large/small etc.
Some may lie when asked for their gift wishlist because telling the truth can feel rude. Although occasional lies may be acceptable, omitting unpleasant gifts from this list should always be avoided as doing so will only irritate its giver and could potentially create future relationship issues between yourself and them.
Study results on children who lied about what they wanted for Christmas gifts showed that many justified their lies by citing prosocial concerns such as being honest or protecting the feelings of gift-givers. This suggests that adults may also lie when asked what they want in return, so it’s essential not to do this in order to maintain relationships with those whom you deal with.