How to Accept a Gift Graciously

Remember that graciousness is part manners, part compassion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calligraphy Pens
• Postage Stamps
• Personalized Stationery

1. Smile and say thank you, no matter how odd, ugly or wrong the gift is. A sincere show of appreciation is the only appropriate response.

2. Hold the sweater up to yourself and tell Aunt Bess how perfect it is for your trip to Cape Cod. Open the book and gush over the pictures. Put the frame on the mantel and "ooh" and "ahh."

3. Let the giver know how you might use a gift of money. "Oh, Gran, now I can finish art school," "I'm off to Istanbul" or "Here's my new car."

4. Live with the gift and learn to love it if it's engraved, monogrammed, specially made or specially ordered.

5. Keep in mind that something like an engagement ring might be difficult to exchange, but it's not always impossible. Be as diplomatic as humanly possible.

6. Talk to the giver in private if the gift is too expensive, too sexy or not suitable to the occasion or your relationship. Never discuss such things in public.

7. Write a more effusive thank-you card for a more special gift. In public, however, every gift gets equal time.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, "I never imagined myself in a tiara" is far nicer than "A tiara? What were you thinking?"
• If the gift is really expensive or if it's from your partner, parent or child and it's not right, ask the giver if you can exchange it for something you need or want.
• Don't recycle gifts within the same small circle of friends.
• Try not to look disappointed. Set your mind to it.

on 3/6/2006 Gifts should come without conditions by the giver. Once you give a gift, it should not matter what the person who gets the gift does with it. Don't make the gift acceptor slave to the gift giver. Be gracious and thankful to each person who you get a present from. Then after everyone leaves and you are alone, do what you want to with the gift. Throw it away, donate it to charity. It is now yours to do with as you wish.

on 11/22/2005 If you have more than 10 invitations, invite a few female family members or friends to help make your work easier. Set out some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Have address lists divided up among those helping out. When an invitation is complete, check the name off the list. Put one person in charge of mailing all the invitations. Mail the invitations the same day or the next. Above all, buy self adhesive stamps! After all the work is done, it's time to party and have fun!

on 11/22/2005 Don't overreact or you'll look stupid. Just have your eyes light up (or get wider) and smile and talk at the same time. Even if they got you something ridiculous, it's the thought that counts.

on 11/22/2005 I use the phrase "Oh wow, I've never owned a ____ before! Thank you!" at every occassion where I receive an odd gift. It works really well without forcing me to say I like it. "Oh wow, I've never owned a pretzel-shaped pillow before! Thank you, Emily!"

on 11/22/2005 in almost any event, a big, warm, (fake) hug will fool the giver