Every year millions of people wake up on Christmas morning hoping to find their dream gift under the tree. But sometimes, even those who know us well make bad choices about the gifts that they choose for us.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Centre in the United States, 49 million people across North America admitted to getting stuck with awful holiday gifts. That's roughly 20 per cent of all the adults surveyed.
We all know their pain.
How many times have we unwrapped a present on Christmas morning, only to find another wok or mop to add to our collection?
What about those musical boxer shorts or the Chia pets that always seem to find their way under the Christmas tree?
In most cases, we mustered a brave smile as we opened these duds and tossed them into the closet when no one is looking.
In rare instances, however, irked recipients were a bit more blunt.
According to Consumer Reports, two per cent of the adults surveyed confronted givers of lousy Christmas presents to return the unwanted items.
Another two per cent posted these awful presents on the Internet, so that the whole world could cringe at the sight of these "prizes."
Such payback is gratifying. But instead of risking any hard feelings or cluttering up your closets for the year, try these more constructive ways to ditch the holiday gifts that you don't want or need.
Swap and share
Everyone loves a holiday party. Instead of the usual Christmas bash, try throwing a gift swap party.
"You never know. You might find that item you were going to buy before the holidays," said Rita Liefhebber, a style and fashion director for Page One Management in Toronto, a company that represents celebrities and editorial artists working in film, TV and magazines.
Set the party's date for sometime between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.
"Invite a group of friends over -- the more the better," Liefhebber told CTVNews.ca.
Set out some post holiday snacks. Stir up some casual cocktails. Keep the mood relaxed and make sure all gifts are welcome, even those that are impossibly awful.
Even those who return to work after Boxing Day can still get in on the fun.
"Do a lunchtime swap with your coworkers," said Liefhebber.
"Whatever is left over you can donate to charity."
Sell it on eBay
According to Consumers Reports, nearly half of adults shop between Christmas and New Year's Eve. That's good news for disgruntled gift recipients, who can use that time frame to unload presents and turn a quick buck.
If you don't have the time or inclination to do it yourself, companies such as iSoldit will take care of the job for you for a percentage.
Give for good
You may have not need a kitschy pair of Rudolph the Reindeer slippers, a dated holiday sweater or your mother-in-law's fruit cake. But others less fortunate would be thrilled to have these items.
Box up all your unwanted gifts and drop them by the Salvation Army, a homeless shelter or a senior citizens' home.
Toys, DVDs, books and unwanted electronic items can also make a great contribution to a local school, library or community centre.
Finally, call local charities and donate these goods for Bingo prizes or silent auctions. You'll clear out your home and help these organizations raise much-needed funds for the New Year.
Proudly re-gift
Over the years, we've heard a lot about how unseemly it is to re-gift. But according to 2011's Consumer Report's survey, 15 per cent of respondents proudly re-gifted unwanted holiday presents.
Instead of doing this with a sense of shame, learn to re-gift with a sense of purpose.
Take stock of your unwanted holiday gifts and think realistically about who could use these goods.
If it's a foot massager, give it to your granny. If it's a second toaster pass it along to your daughter or son at university.
Simply match their tastes with the items up for grabs -- and be honest about it. You'll make many people happy, which is the whole point during the holidays.
Return presents -- but be prepared
According to Consumer Reports, 11 per cent of people return unwanted presents to retailers for a refund or merchandise credit. In most cases, receipts are included with gifts to make returns easy.
If you don't have the receipts, however, keep all items in their original packaging.
In recent years retailers have been plagued with counterfeit items being returned during the holidays. As a result, retailers are getting tougher about what they will take back. So be prepared before you head for the mall.
