How to deal with unwanted gifts for kids graciously

Christmas season and birthdays often bring presents that don’t fit into your ideas for your kids. Read along to get inspiration on how to deal with unwanted gifts for your kids graciously. In short: handle them with gratitude, patience, and perspective.’

First of all: what gifts do you want?

If you’ve never stopped to think about this before your child rips open their presents, take a moment to reflect. What gifts do you actually enjoy receiving? It may seem like a small thing, but understanding what you would love to get can be key to picking the perfect gift for your child.

Sometimes, it helps to mentally prepare for a birthday or Christmas. Ask yourself: What would I want to receive for my kids? What kind of gift would be both age-appropriate and interesting, while also aligning with my parenting philosophy? After all, the best gifts aren’t just shiny new toys. They should be meaningful and serve a good purpose, whether that’s educational or practical.

Knowing what you like and value can be a great starting point in navigating this whole gift-giving thing. And don’t forget to put some thought into the long-term use of the gifts. Will they be played with for weeks, or end up gathering dust in the toy bin? The more you understand your own preferences, the better you can find something your kids will enjoy too.

According to recent statistics, 40% of parents plan on spending over $100 for gifts PER CHILD. That’s pretty wild, especially when you consider that other gift givers will be spoiling your child as well. It can be easy to get caught up in the holiday chaos, where it seems like Christmas is more about new toys than meaningful connections. But remember, sometimes all these gifts can feel like a struggle rather than a celebration.

In fact, a gift card might be an easy way to handle things without getting bogged down in the toy frenzy. But even better? Experience gifts—the kind of memories that last a lifetime—could go a long way. They create moments that matter more than the latest gadget. Want to know how we keep the focus on what really matters during Christmas? Read here about how we celebrate as a Christian family.

Is it okey to not want gifts in the first place?

The whole question of unwanted gifts can spark some heated discussions. Is it even okay to call presents “unwanted gifts” when it comes to your kids?

We’ll get into gratitude later, but let me just say: Yes, it’s absolutely okay to not want a present! It’s not about being ungrateful—it’s about choosing what’s best for your family. People can give all kinds of stuff, like plastic toys, that may just end up collecting dust or, worse, causing harm. There are guidelines for screen time and sugar for a reason, right?

Now, here’s where things get tricky. Sometimes a Christmas present is given with love, but it might not align with your child’s needs or interests. Just because it’s given with love doesn’t mean it’s something they’ll enjoy. If someone’s gift-giving is their love language, you can absolutely appreciate the giver’s good intentions. Even if the gift itself isn’t a hit. You’re not a terrible person if the gift doesn’t land as expected.

Prepare in advance to prevent unwanted gifts for your children

There’s a lot you can do to avoid ending up in a situation where you’re stuck with unwanted gifts for your kids. Start by letting your friends and family know in advance what kind of presents you like. It’s much easier to share gift ideas that you do like than to tell people what’s on your list of unwanted things.

Take the time to write down the gifts you would love to receive. There’s definitely a good time to share your wishes before the big day. For birthdays, it’s easy to add them to the invitation or mention them casually. But when it comes to Christmas, finding the right moment to bring it up can be tricky. Try this:

1. “I found this amazing thing on Amazon. I think my baby would love this as a Christmas gift!”
   Or:
2. “We actually still need this for our toddler. It’d be awesome if someone could gift it for his birthday!”

These kinds of open communication phrases might work wonders when you’re expecting a present. But let’s face it—unwanted gifts for your kids often show up when you least expect them. If there are people in your circle who frequently gift your children, it might be helpful to let them know what you don’t want next time. This way, they can hunt for something that better matches your style.

And if the gift is already wrapped in that festive wrapping paper and you can’t exchange it, keep a gift receipt on hand just in case! Maybe you can swap it for an educational toy that’ll last longer than that pile of plastic toys gathering dust.

Try to be a good example to your children

Think about how you want to react and handle unwanted gifts for your children before they actually receive them. The way you respond to the presents will teach your kids a far greater lesson on gift acceptance than any words could.

If you want your children to be grateful and accept presents with enthusiasm, then that’s exactly what you should do. Model the behavior you want to see! On the flip side, if you’d rather show them how to respectfully return a present (maybe because your small home can’t fit yet another plastic toy), then go ahead and do it. Just be mindful that this moment is not just about you and the Christmas gifts—your child is watching and studying your every move, even if they’re still a baby.

This is all about your point of view. You could feel a little awkward or even experience some hurt feelings if you don’t like the gift. But remember, this isn’t just a one-off situation; you’re setting the tone for how your kids will react to gifts later on. So, whether it’s the absolute best gift or something totally off the mark, it’s how you handle it that matters most. And if there are sets of grandparents involved, you may need to navigate multiple gift-giving styles, too!

Try to be grateful even if the gifts for your children might be unwanted

Now let’s talk about the other side: gratitude. It’s an important step when dealing with unwanted presents for your kids. Even if you choose to turn down a gift, always remember to speak gratefully about the giver. After all, the person who took the time and effort to pick something out for your child is definitely worth that gratitude.

Try using phrases like:

• “It’s so amazing that we are blessed with an aunty who cares so much and picks a gift just for you.”
• “It’s such a blessing that we got to enjoy all these presents today!”
  And, of course, “How can we return this blessing to others?” (Haha, by returning the unwanted gift to a thrift shop, of course! 😉)

The way you choose to talk about the giver can have a deep impact on your kids—often far greater than the physical items they receive. Especially during the holiday season, your words can shape how they approach gift-giving and receiving for years to come.

If gifts are not only unwanted but a BIG no-no try this

Some gifts just don’t align with our taste, while others are things we definitely don’t want to use in our house. Picture this: your toddler receives a war set with all kinds of guns, or maybe a tablet when you’re no screens kind of parents. Sometimes, we really don’t want certain kinds of things around our kids. In these tricky situations, it can help to be clear with both the giver and your child. Don’t lie about using it if you know you really won’t.

Tactful examples of turning down a gift

But sometimes, being a bit more tactful can save the day. Here are some tips that might make these situations a little smoother:

1. Speak in “not yet” language.
2. Save items for later or repurpose them for another purpose.
3. Talk about your child’s interests, not your opinion on the gift.

For example, let’s say you get a screen-based gift, and you feel your child is still too young for it. Instead of rejecting it outright, you can frame it like this:

“This tablet is something she might not be able to use yet, but we can keep it in the car for drawing when she’s a little older.”

Or, try:

“I feel like she gets easily overwhelmed with screens at the moment, but maybe she’ll be able to use it when she’s a bit older.”

Focus on the giver

This way, you’re not rejecting the gift outright—you’re just explaining that it’s not quite right for now. It’s all about focusing on what your child will enjoy in the future while still showing gratitude for the thoughtfulness of the gift.

And remember, even if it’s a hard time dealing with a gift you’re not thrilled about, this doesn’t mean you can’t still appreciate the gesture from your family members. After all, they just want to bring your child much fun with their favorite toys, even if it’s not exactly what you had in mind.

Are those unwanted gifts for your children will ruin everything? See things in perspective

Sometimes your children receive presents that you would never buy, but they’re not completely against the rules either. For example, in our household, loud, plastic button toys are something I wouldn’t purchase, but they’re often given as birthday gifts for little kids. Of course, you can always take the batteries out. But even if you don’t, is it really going to ruin all your efforts to guide your kids toward engaged play? Imagine having a variety of toys that align with your ideas of play, and then you throw in this one noisy button toy. In the long run, it might not be as bad as you think.

Another way to think about it is that it’s not fully your choice. After all, it’s a gift for your child. If it’s not actually breaking any rules in your home, why not let your child enjoy it this time? If you’re still not comfortable with it, and want to limit the exposure, I’ll share some tips on how to get rid of unwanted items the nice way in a moment.

Having an open mind about gifts can sometimes lead to surprising benefits, even if it’s not exactly the types of toys you’d choose. And remember, this could be a fun moment for your child with extended family—they might have a different idea of what makes a good gift. So why not let them enjoy it for a bit? After all, the good news is, next Christmas, you can politely suggest more of the kinds of toys you prefer!

How to get rid of unwanted gifts for your children in a respectful way

If you choose to give away an unwanted gift for your children, there are several good ways to handle it that benefit both others and your family. So, what can you do with those less-than-ideal presents? Let’s dive into the best ways to handle the situation!

Eight ways do respectfully get rid of unwanted items

1. Bring it to a local charity: Many charities welcome donations of new, unopened gifts. It’s a great way to ensure the gift goes to someone who could really use it. Whether it’s a local school or a local charity, they often have specific drives or programs where unwanted gifts can make a real difference.
2. Put it in Christmas gift boxes for a charity: If the timing is right, you could put the gift in a Christmas gift box for a charity. There’s something truly special about passing on the generosity of the holiday season and ensuring those who might not get presents are able to feel that joy.
3. Donate it to a gift library: Gift libraries are a fantastic way to give things away that other families could truly benefit from. These libraries allow families to “borrow” toys and gifts for a period of time, making it an awesome way to pass along something your child might not be into right now.
4. Donate it to a daycare: If it’s a type of toy that works well in a group setting, consider donating it to a day care. Many daycare centers welcome gently used toys and educational gifts for their students. It’s a great way to make sure the gift gets plenty of use, even if your child doesn’t want it.
5. Sell it second-hand and use the money for a more suitable gift: Another option is to sell the unwanted gift at one of those thrift stores or on second-hand marketplaces. Use the proceeds to buy your child something they’ll actually enjoy. Talk about a win-win! And hey, less stuff around the house can only be a good thing.
6. If you have the receipt: hurry and return it to the store!: The first step here is to track down the receipt. If you’re lucky enough to have it, no need to feel guilty—just take it back to the store and use the credit for something you actually want. Good luck returning it to the charity shop or store!
7. Donate it to someone in your environment who would actually like it: Sometimes, someone in your circle could be thrilled to get that gift. Maybe a neighbor, family member, or close friend would love it. It’s always nice to pass something on to someone who will appreciate it more.
8. Toy rotation: If your child isn’t asking for the gift, consider using it as part of a toy rotation system. This is especially useful if you’re trying to manage the amount of toys in your home. Rotate them out of sight for a while, and then bring them back later. Sometimes, when a toy reappears after a few weeks, it seems brand new to your child, and they won’t even remember it was once unwanted.

For older children, you can make the process of donating an educational moment. Consider involving them in the donation process—take the gift and together, go donate it to children who might need it more. This practice is not only a great way to get rid of unwanted items but also an opportunity to teach your kids about generosity and empathy. Especially if you’ve already communicated to the giver that you plan to donate it, this can be a wonderful way to show them how much the thought counts, even if the gift didn’t work out.

I hope that these tips help you handle unwanted items with ease! The truth is, it happens to all of us. The holidays, birthdays, or other occasions often bring us gifts that don’t quite fit, but it’s also a great opportunity to teach our kids about gratitude and how to be mindful of less stuff. The key is to stay calm and approach the situation with a good mindset. What are your go-to strategies for dealing with unwanted gifts? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you manage it all!o to’s with unwanted gifts? Leave a reply I would love to read all about it!