How to Turn Down a Gift of Money

Turn down a gift of money when you feel uncomfortable accepting it.

Giving gifts is a common way to express love and gratitude between people. The gift-giver may put thought and effort into the gift to make it a personal expression of his feelings. Sometimes a gift might be monetary instead of something personal. Perhaps you are in a situation that makes it unwise or impossible to accept a gift due to business policies or you just feel uncomfortable accepting the monetary gift. If you receive a gift of money that you cannot accept, you must turn down the gift without offending the gift-giver.

Instructions

1. Speak directly and privately with the gift-giver if possible. Tell the gift-giver "thank you" for the monetary gift and then immediately transition into sharing your regret about not keeping the gift.

2. Explain why you cannot accept the gift. If you are returning it because of a business policy that governs gifts you can receive from clients, explain this to the gift-giver. If you are returning the gift because you feel it is too extravagant, explain this as well.

3. Hand the gift back to the gift-giver in a friendly way, trying not to make the situation embarrassing for the gift-giver.

4. Change the subject after you give the gift back and try to move away from the uncomfortable situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about what you will say as you decline the gift before you actually give it back. Make a short outline of the points you want to cover so you will not forget anything. Rehearse what you will say if you feel nervous.

• If you cannot speak privately with the gift-giver, write a letter explaining why you are returning the gift and enclose the gift in the envelope with the letter.

• Consider carefully whether you should decline a monetary gift if the reason you are declining it is a personal reason. You may offend the gift-giver and damage a relationship by declining a gift the giver presented in love.

References

• GiftyPedia: Declining a Gift