It\u2019s Christmas time, there\u2019s no need to be afraid – expect of terrible presents from well-meaning friends and family.<\/p>\n
The threat of opening a dud gift on Christmas morning is all too real, so you need to be prepared. Here are some top tips for not offending anyone and making the most of a rubbish present…<\/p>\n
First things first: DO NOT PANIC!<\/strong><\/p>\n Sorry, those caps were slightly alarming. Here\u2019s what you need to do.<\/p>\n Your best friend in any bad present scenario is the FAKE SMILE. The fake smile is a powerful tool that can get you out of any awkward situation.<\/p>\n Beware, though: an obviously fake smile can cause more problems than not smiling at all. Over the next couple of days, stand in the mirror and practise. Show some teeth. Raise your eyebrows. Think about happy things like puppies and kittens if it helps.<\/p>\n Upon opening the present, smile politely and remark on how wonderful\/practical\/thoughtful the gift is. Remember your training!<\/p>\n You could even give them a hug, if you can disguise your disgust for more than two seconds.<\/p>\n You might be tempted to try and sell your unwanted gift as soon as you unwrap the disgusting beast, but hold fire! Scanning a CD as soon as you\u2019ve unwrapped it will give away that you actually hate it and thus ruin Christmas for everyone \u201d\u201c and you don\u2019t want that, do you?<\/p>\n Instead, wait until everyone has eaten themselves into a turkey-and-Quality Street coma and start planning ways to make money off your ghastly gift then. If it\u2019s a CD, DVD, game or electronic device, you can use our free app<\/a> to get an instant price there and then.<\/p>\n The\u00a0terrible present-giver will inevitably ask if you\u2019re enjoying their present a few weeks down the line, so you\u2019re going to need a good lie to cover yourself. Here are a few ready-made excuses for you:<\/p>\n – \u00a0 I donated it to charity because I already had one<\/p>\n – \u00a0 It was so good that I just had to share its joy-bringing power with someone else<\/p>\n – \u00a0 A friend borrowed it and hasn\u2019t given it back yet! Curse you, Jeff! I\u2019ll ring him as soon as you leave<\/p>\n – \u00a0 The dog ate it<\/p>\n Alternatively…<\/p>\n Tell them the present is rubbish, that you\u2019re going to sell it and, if you\u2019re feeling really brave, that you\u2019ll have to reconsider your relationship if this ever happens again. Sometimes you\u2019ve got to be cruel to be kind (and to make sure you get a decent present next year). Be wary that dropping the honesty bomb can seriously backfire and may ruin relationships, so think ahead!<\/p>\n Of course, you could always just be grateful that someone likes you enough to buy you a gift and be thankful that you can celebrate Christmas in peace and with the people you love.<\/p>\n You can still sell the rubbish gift, though.<\/p>\n You\u2019re off the hook slightly, but we wouldn\u2019t recommend bad-mouthing the gift and bursting into tears because it\u2019s so bad. There might be someone who is ultra-protective of the person who will take equal offence, and word travels fast too.<\/p>\n Just remember your fake smile training, remark on how much you like it and then sell it as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n Worried your gift’s a dud? Take our unwanted presents quiz<\/a> and find out!<\/p>\n
\nGrin and bear it<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nUse the post-dinner lull to sell it<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nThink up a good excuse<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nBe honest<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nBe grateful<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nIf they\u2019re not there…<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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