Stop With the ‘Gifting’ and Just Give (2024)

FAQs

How to politely say no to gifts? ›

If you really would prefer no gifts try explaining your feelings. Something along the lines of; “We have made a conscious effort to keep our home decluttered and calm this year, hence there is no need to buy us physical gifts. It would mean a lot to me if we could skip the presents this year.”

Do not go into details, a simple "I cannot accept this" should be enough. If you feel extra polite, a "Thank you for the thought, nevertheless, I cannot accept this present" should do as well.

After giving a gift

You're very welcome. You're welcome. I hope you enjoy it. I'm glad you like it.

No presents please, just your presence. Please bring only your company and your appetite. Your presence at the celebration is enough of a present. Your presence is the only present desired.

Gentle - We don't expect you to give us a gift, however, if you would like to, a small financial contribution would be wonderful to go towards setting up our new life together. Simple - Instead of gifts, if you would like to wish us well, feel free to add to our wishing well.

The best strategy is to be as honest as possible. Let them know that you've been focused on simplifying and decluttering or that you're working on a tight budget this year and are unable to participate in the same level of gift-giving.

Keep your response polite, simple, and honest. You don't need to get too personal with the details or overshare. Share a reason or two mentioned above. Finally, have tact and consider how the other person will respond to your declining to participate.

If it's someone you don't know very well, a sincere "thank you" will suffice. If someone you know well has given you the wrong thing, you're not out of line for asking if an exchange might be possible. "If it's, say, the shirt that doesn't fit, you might say, 'Oh my gosh, this is lovely.

“Your generous gift was greatly appreciated and put to good use. I want to express my sincere thanks to all who were involved in getting this generous gift to me. Thanks again.” “Thank you so much for your generous donation.

Express your displeasure at not being thanked for the gift.

If the person confirms they received the gift, you may tell them simply and honestly that you were surprised and disappointed you didn't get a “thank you” for the gift. Explain how it made you feel to not get a thank you and be honest about your feelings.

How do you say "no problem" in a professional way? ›

No problem/Not a problem

This super-casual alternative to “You're welcome” conveys that your helpful actions weren't an inconvenience at all. If you want to get really informal, you can even throw in a “No prob!”

Express what you want — like, 'It would mean a lot to me if I could make you a nice dinner instead of giving you a present this year. What do you think? ' — and then stop and see how the other person reacts.”

The best strategy is to be as honest as possible. Let them know that you've been focused on simplifying and decluttering or that you're working on a tight budget this year and are unable to participate in the same level of gift-giving.

If you know before it's given to you, you might say something to the effect of: “I was wondering if you knew I already had that? “ or “That's a great idea. My _________(fill in the appropriate name) gave me one on my _______ birthday. Say anything, but a blunt,” I don't want it, I already have one.”