“It is better to give than to receive.”This saying might be true when it comes to unwanted gifts, right?

But don’t worry, there are creative ways to dispose of unwanted gifts. Or to be more polite, let’s call them gifts much needed by other people.

1. Recycle – After unwrapping those gifts and finding they are not really to your taste, then think of people in your circle that might be interested in having them. But make sure that you have removed any sign that that gift is intended to you including those gift and personal dedications or letters. To be sure, always unwrap and examine the gifts. And a big no-no: do not recycle gifts that have your initials, unless you have the same initials as the friend you plan to pass the gift to.
2. Upcycle – Different from recycling in which one adds or reuses old things, upcycling means adding new accessories, new ideas, a new kick to a certain gift item. This is interesting and challenging to do, requiring creative thinking. That plain t-shirt? Well, you could tie-dye it and give it to your niece. That vase? You could ask the kids to paint or draw something on it, then it would be a great gift to their grandparents. That mug? You could add some beads and pass it to your mug-collecting friend, etc.
3. Donate – If you think that nobody from your clique would want that gift, then think about donating it. The local hospital needs drinking glasses? Your favorite turo-turo needs plates? The health center needs curtains? The barangay hall needs thermos? The indigent family in the corner needs bed sheets? The local feeding center needs rice cooker? There are people or communities that would be willing to accept your unwanted gifts. Just open your eyes and be sensitive to the needs of others.
4. Sell – You might need extra cash and you think that a second coffee machine you received is superfluous. You don’t have a space for that stationary bike, you don’t really use that microwave oven, that branded jeans is too precious yet it does not fit you – whatever the reason, if you think you would be getting money from them, sell. There’s e-bay, there’s word of mouth, there’s posting it on your wall in Facebook – there are many ways to sell items through the internet. Check it out and let those unwanted gifts bring you some cash.
5. Auction off – There is this tradition in Germany where they celebrate two Christmas days – on the 25^th and the 26^th. The 26^th is the second Christmas Day. It is also the day they hold these big Christmas Gift Auctions. They do it in a public plaza with a man in a Santa Claus costume calling the bids. Of course, those that are up for bidding are the unwanted Christmas gifts. It is like a fiesta and the atmosphere is really exciting and loud. You would be amazed that most gifts are exchanging hands! Most of all, you would be amazed what kind of people would be interested in items that you you wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole!
6. Exhange – That was the theme of our Christmas Party exchange gift in a club Christmas party. We were asked to bring an item that we don’t want to see at home anymore; in short, those unwanted gifts again. We had such fun teasing each other about these items – trash for some, treasure for others. And sometimes, the gifts are exchanging hands more than just two times! Try it, too.

So now, imagine those unwanted gifts you have sitting in your shelves or closets. Think carefully.

If you have decided to let go of unwanted gifts, here’s what you should do. List each items down. Check them one by one. Which way you would want that certain article to go – under recycle, upcycle, sell, donate, public auction or as exchange gift?

No second thoughts. Decide and then let go!

P.S. Here’s a special tip. My family here in Germany has lately agreed that adults would not be given gifts anymore. Yes, no gifts, no matter what the occasion might be. Only the children are to receive gifts and most of their gifts are pre-selected. Of course, we still bring a bottle of wine, a bar of chocolate, a bunch of flowers, or a special dish when invited to attend special occasions but that’s how far we go. That tradition results to: no clutters of unwanted gifts.

Raquel Erhard blogs at Deutschland in Review and Home Worked.