How to Refuse Overly Generous Gifts

Accepting gifts, even overly generous gifts, is usually the right thing to do. However, there are circumstances when a gift must be returned. If receiving a gift makes you uncomfortable or can potentially damage a business relationship, then it is correct to politely refuse the gift. Refusing gifts from co-workers or clients is probably the most common reason to refuse generous giving and it must be done in a respectful way.

Instructions

1. Approach your generous giver in private, if appropriate, or write them a personal letter.

2. Thank your generous giver for their gift. Even though you are refusing the gift, you should still thank them for their thoughtfulness.

3. Explain your reason for refusing their gift. If it is company policy to refuse gifts, have a copy of that on hand or include that portion of your company policy in your letter.

4. Express your regret for having to refuse the gift. This is very important if you need to have a continued business relationship with your gift giver.

5. Return the gift, unopened if possible, to your generous giver. This gives them the option to return the gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Review your office's policy on accepting gifts from clients. Even though they may be small gifts, if your company states that accepting gifts is inappropriate, then these gifts should be returned.

• If a gift from a business associate is sexual in nature, it should be returned.

• Never make a client or co-worker feel ashamed or embarrassed about generous giving.

• A generous giver may refuse to take their gift back. Keep a record of your correspondence with them and make sure you have notified the appropriate person in your chain of command.