Around the Water Cooler panelists this week answered the question of whether it’s OK to return or exchange gifts you don’t like.
Richard Place “I don’t know why not. The gift is in the giving not the gift.”
Louise Ledesma: “Yes, but I’ve rarely done so unless it’s the wrong size. I often give people my receipts when I purchase clothes especially if they are for kids. I like to bake and give my friends and family cookies and homemade fudge.”
Nants Foley: “It is okay!”
Ruth Erickson: “Without a gift receipt, there is no way of knowing where a gift was purchased. If the gift giver encloses a gift receipt, it is for the recipient in case he/she wishes to exchange or return it due to being the wrong size or color or another reason, which is OK.”
Mary Zanger: “No. If there exists an ‘understanding’ to exchange for correct color or size then OK. However, more pleasure comes from passing the ‘gift’ on to others. Look for bazaars, thrift stores or white elephant sales and exchanges that happily receive your ‘donation.’ After all one person’s ‘truck’ is another person’s ‘treasure.’ Just check out Craig’s List on the Internet. In any event, all gifts should be thoroughly acknowledged preferably in writing.”
