by Leigh Goessl

Created on: December 26, 2008   Last Updated: December 24, 2010

At one time or another chances are you've received a gift over the holiday season you really don't want. After the holidays are over you are faced with the dilemma of what in the world to do with the unwanted gift.

When an undesired gift arrives most people opt to smile and politely say thank you. This is done in order to avoid any hurt feelings because it often a bit awkward to tell the giver that the gift is not really desired.

Rather than hurt someone's feelings you have a few other options. You can stick it up on a shelf in the closet, return it or choose a more creative alternative. Here are a few ideas of you can do with that perhaps thoughtful, but unwanted gift:

• Return or exchange it

The most common route people take is to return or exchange the gift. One problem with this is many stores do not give money back for gifts unless you have a receipt or a gift receipt. There are some merchants who will allow you to exchange the unwanted gift for another item of equal value or offer store credit, but it is not always easy to make an outright return.

If the item came from a store where you think you might like another product bringing it back may be a great option. However if the gift came from a store which is limited in items or is a themed store, a return may not be the best option since you'll have to choose another similar item you'll have little use for.

• Donate to a charity

The holidays are a time of giving and if there is an item you either do not like or have a real need for you can consider donating the gift to a charitable cause. Let the gift you don't want to keep for yourself be the gift that keeps on giving to others.

Chances are there is someone who would have a good use for your unwanted item. The charitable organization can either give it away to someone who has a need for it or they can sell it to raise money for their cause. Many charities hold annual sales or run thrift shops in order to generate money to help their cause. Your gift can be a contribution to this cause.

• Give it away

Individual tastes often vary and perhaps there is someone you know who might really enjoy the gift and consider it a treasure. Your undesired gift may make someone else you know very happy and they may truly have a use for it.

• Have a swap party

You can continue the holiday festivities and throw a party. Ask your friends to bring the gift they don't want and have a gift swap. You can approach this in a couple of ways. You can label each

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