Gloss How-To: Tactfully Handle Unwanted Gifts

Received something you know you’ll never use? It’s not always a faux pas to re-gift, especially if no one’s the wiser, says Alison Deyette, the shopping expert for TheFind.com.

Let’s face it—gifters who give you something that doesn’t suit your tastes probably aren’t the ones hanging around your home on a regular basis, anyway. Save the item for someone who will really appreciate it, and save yourself some money in the process!

Helpful hint: Make sure the gifter and your new giftee aren’t buddies, or you’ll risk getting busted!

· Gifts cards were considered the number one gift to give this past season. If you’re uncertain about wanting your card remember these tips:

o You may wish to save it until the store or designer is having a sale, so the gift card dollars will stretch further.

o If the gift card is for a store you’re not particularly fond of, consider the opportunity to perhaps buy new towels or sheets, cool kitchen gadgets, tools to motivate you to start the garden or stock up on items for your next party.

o Lastly, if you wish you had the cash rather than the card there are companies that will let you buy, swap or sell your gifts cards like www.PlasticJungle.com, www.Cardwoo.com and www.swapagift.com. Shoppers can easily turn their unwanted or partially used gift cards into cash. Gift cards with a balance of at least $25 can sell for up to 92% of the balance.

· Pack up those ornaments in organized containers so they don’t break and next year it’s simple to pull them out again and hang on the tree. Skip the box that may get wet or crushed in your garage and purchase quilted or plastic sectioned organizer containers from places like www.Solutions.com and www.Stacksandstacks.com.

· Buy wrapping paper, holiday bags and cards now since you’ll get them on sale, rather than paying full price before Christmas next year. Store them with your holiday décor.

· There’s no reason your home can’t make the transition from the holidays to still being a lovely, inviting home. Put away the cranberry or evergreen wreath and hang a living succulent wreath that will continue to grow into Spring. Once it grows you can easily use it as a centerpiece on your table with a hurricane vase and candle in the center of it.