How to Graciously Accept a Bad Wedding Gift

Aunt Petunia has outdone herself again. Instead of receiving a modest gift from your personalized gift registry, she has decided to bedazzle a cheap blender from the local Dollar store, leaving you speechless. Accepting this gift graciously has now become a daunting task for you -- and the dozens of onlookers baffled by her choice of gift. Instead of faking a grin and eschewing it aside, a better strategy is required for accepting her bad wedding gift. It certainly will not the last bad gift you receive.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thank You notes
• Confidence

1. If she did not give the gift in person, thanking her is easier. Using your thank you card of choice, thank her for the gift and put a positive spin on one unique feature. If you receive a blender bedazzled to its insides, focus on how much you appreciated the personal touch. If you are given a sweater, focus on its practicality. Try to focus on one unique feature, even if you are not as appreciative of their gesture.

2. It is more difficult to graciously accept a bad wedding gift in person. However, as much as you would begrudge this task, you may end up accepting a bad wedding gift at your bridal shower or baccalaureate party. First, make it a point to smile, but take care not to overdo it. Smiling too much is just as ingenuous as forgetting to smile. Immediately thank your guest for the wedding gift while pointing out a unique feature, such as personalization or a unique color. If the wedding gift does not have a unique feature -- such as Uncle Roberto's cheap iron painstakingly purchased from the Dollar Store -- focus on how you will use the gift for years to come.

3. Graciously accepting a bad wedding gift does not stop at the thank yous, however. Find a use for your wedding gift, and whatever you do, never re-gift. Chances are that gift may be featured at another party, and Aunt Petunia will not be pleased to see her bedazzled blender being used as a doorstop at Uncle Roberto's latest family gathering.

Tips & Warnings

• If you receive a duplicate gift, follow the same steps as well -- but make sure to return it after the party, if it is possible. You will still own the same gift, although not the specific one given by the wedding guest.
• If you must comment on the gift, make sure it is always positive. Keep snippy remarks between you and your spouse -- you never know what fellow relatives may relay to the gift giver.
• No regifting. If you must, make sure to give it to someone outside of the family, such as a casual friend or acquaintance.

[theperfectfit]

on 2/23/2009 Double dip - It costs nothing to just be nice and be gracious. Maybe that is all that she can afford. It is a sign of a good upbringing from your parents that you love her just the same. Maybe write an article "How to Love Your Quirky Relatives"

[theperfectfit]

on 2/23/2009 It sounds like you have a very unusual aunt. Most people are very ordinary. As I get older I have fond memories of some of my quirky relatives. All families have them. Please try not to be embarrassed by her. I have an aunt that sings out with gusto in church. Everyone smiles - and we will miss her when she is gone. 5*