Is It Rude to Get Rid of a Gift?

Dear Reverend,

I know that I’m lucky to have people in my life who give me gifts, but I don’t know what to do with the things that I don’t really want or need. I’ve always thought it was rude to get rid of a gift, but I just have too much stuff. Help!

Cindi Leu (woman, 53)

Dear Cindi Leu,

I’m a sentimental fool, and I tend to hold on to things that people give me even when I have no use for them. I still have notes that people passed me in eighth grade, for goodness sake! But I’ve been working on it.

Something that I’ve found helpful to keep in mind: The only thing you’re obligated to do when someone gives you a gift is to say thank you. After that, it’s yours to do with as you see fit. You can donate it, regift it, sell it — whatever floats your boat.

If it makes you feel better to hang on to the gift for a while before offloading it, just be sure to keep it somewhere in view. Otherwise it’s likely to get forgotten and wind up adding to your collection of closet clutter.

There are plenty of thrift stores who donate their proceeds to charity. Pick one that you like and make it your designated drop spot. That’s an easy way to make sure the gift will keep on giving.

If you choose to regift the item, you should give it to someone in a different circle of people than the original gift-giver. You don’t want Aunt Sandy seeing the Chia Pet she gave you on Cousin Bob’s windowsill.

Whatever you decide to do, it really is the thought that counts when it comes to gifts. Even when the item is gone, the fact that someone cares about you remains. And that’s the best gift of all.

Good luck and God bless,

The Reverend