"For many years I was also on the receiving end of gifts that were lovingly wrapped and gifted. I understand that for many people the best part of Christmas is to send a beautifully wrapped and thoughtful gift. I've discovered that when people ask, What do you want? or I need a list for you/your family, it's coming from a place of love, not to terrorize you."
"However, I also know that I am one of the lucky people who needs nothing and wants for nothing. My response is to request gifts of sheets, towels, blankets, cookware, dishes, suitcases, etc. and I happily donate these items to a homeless or rehoming shelter. My relatives are none the wiser and I'm able to send a truly heartfelt thank-you note with how much I love these thoughtful gifts."
"How does one politely suggest to an in-law's relative that we don't need to exchange Christmas gifts? My significant other and I are at the stage in life where we really do not need more stuff and would rather not deal with gifts that are generic at best and usually are regifted promptly via donation or gift-economy communities. Perhaps I should suggest we only exchange consumables (gifts of homemade baked goods or gourmet food items), but that seems rather controlling."
Many people receive gifts that are the wrong size, style, or simply not wanted, creating an ongoing gifting problem. Some recipients who need nothing intentionally request household items they can donate to shelters, allowing givers to feel thoughtful and recipients to avoid accumulating clutter. Communicating a donation plan to relatives prevents confusion when specific items are later sought. Couples who prefer fewer possessions may suggest exchanging consumables like homemade foods to reduce waste and unwanted items. Polite, appreciative communication preserves relationships while steering gift exchanges toward more useful or consumable options.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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