by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: April 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 29, 2007

Gag gifts are one thing, but what if you get a gift that makes you gag? Must you lie and say, "Gee, another Chia Pet . . . just what I always wanted!"

We all love to give gifts, mostly because we enjoy observing the responses of those to whom we give. We hope to please those we love, and we may try hard to find or even create an item that expresses that love. Sometimes we hit the bulls-eye, and sometimes we miss the target altogether.

We know what it feels like to give a gift, sure that it will be a smash hit, and then see the recipient's face fall when the gift is opened. Oops! The item was a dud.

How can you prevent the generous people in your life from feeling deflated, if they goof and give you a gift that you can't stand?

1) Look the giver straight in the eyes, and honestly express how much you appreciate the fact that he or she even gave you a gift at all. Compliment their thoughtfulness and generosity.

2) Try to come up with a practical or constructive way you might use the gift, and express it out loud, if possible.

3) Never ever say something outright awful about the gift or the giver.

4) If the item is the wrong size, or broken, then it may be acceptable to request the giver's permission to return or exchange the item.

5) Above all, remember that the giver spent his or her own time and resources to procure or produce something special for you. That effort really does count for a lot.

Remember, that fuzzy purple moose-head slipper might be on the other foot one day.

Grandmothers of the world, repeat (in unison): "It's really the THOUGHT that counts." It's trite, but true.

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