I return, regift, and donate unwanted Christmas gifts.
Go ahead. Call me Scrooge. It’s ok.
Because even with my well-documented desire to own less, I receive many things I cannot use. But I express gratitude for all the gifts. Once received, I use, return, or donate. Because the nature of a gift should be offered without strings. Receiving a gift means you now own it and can decide what is best for you when it comes to keeping it or not.
Every year, shoppers buy $9B in unwanted gifts. So chances are good you received unwanted gifts this holiday season. And if getting organized is your New Year’s resolution, I recommend starting with gifts.
The average American home contains 300,000 things. We are drowning in clutter. And the holidays compound this problem as we figure out what to do with clothing, gadgets, and tchotchke. Typically, these are items we do not need, did not ask for, and will not use.
Here are five ways to ensure that unwanted items don’t turn into clutter in your home.
1. Return Promptly
Return policies factor into purchasing decisions because generous refund policies encourage us to buy more and keep more.
However, most returns don’t make it back to the shelf. And often end up in the landfill.
Clear Returns CEO Vicky Brock explains: “A lot of people think that when they return something, it’ll go straight back on sale. But it may never get back on sale — by the time it’s been sent back to distribution, repackaged, if it’s in a condition for sale, it could have been discontinued or discounted. In some cases, it’ll just get shredded.”
If we return a gift promptly and in the best condition possible, it increases the chances of the item can be resold. Do the following on the day the gift is received.
- Try on clothing immediately
- Let gift givers know you wish to exchange for a better size
- Make note of return policy expiration dates
- Organize your returns in one bag. Place returns in the car. The longer an item stays in our home, the less likely we will return it. Schedule a day to return items to the store or take care of shipping.
According to University of Texas-Dallas Researcher, Ryan Freling, “The longer a customer has a product in their hands, the more attached they feel to it.” More leniency on return time limits is associated with a reduction — not an increase — in returns. The long time frame creates less urgency around the decision over whether or not to take it back.”
2. Donate to a Good Cause
For items that cannot be returned or exchanged, pass them on to a charity you feel good about. Did you receive a sweater that is not your style? Offer it to a homeless shelter that actively seeks new cold-weather gear during the winter months. Not sure where to donate?
- Find a local charity
- Schedule a donation pick up
- In Northern Virginia, I recommend, The Herndon Closet
3. Blessing Bags
Build blessing bags and keep them in your car. Fill a gallon ziptop bag with basic necessities. Hand out bags or deliver them to a homeless shelter. Include the following:
- Socks
- Gloves/Hat
- Hand Warmers
- Toothpaste/toothbrush
- Shampoo/soap
- Sunscreen
- Water and Snack Bar
- Coffee shop gift card
4. Re-Gift to Friends and Family
Yes, I encourage re-gifting. I believe a gift comes without strings. Guilt is not a gift. I have received regifted items because my friends know I love reusing items in this way.
By listening to the needs of my friends and neighbors, I also re-gift items that add value to their life but did not serve mine. Pay attention and you might find a home for your unwanted gifts.
- Clothing for my friends’ children
- Housewares to replace a broken item
- A hat of their favorite sports team
5. Share In A Local Buy Nothing Group
Offer gifts to your local Buy Nothing Group. These groups reside on Facebook Groups where members give, ask, and express gratitude.
- Join your local Buy Nothing Group
- Snap photos of items to give away
- Post to the group with a short story
- Connect with interested parties who live nearby
- Get to know your neighbors and share stuff
Conclusion
Remember, a clutter-free and organized home has boundaries. In order to stay organized, you must maintain these boundaries.
I’m not suggesting we never buy or keep Christmas gifts. But perhaps it’s time to rethink our gift-giving. $9B seems like a lot of wasted time and money for items no one wants.
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