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Chicago Tribune
DECEMBER 15, 1991 Column: THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE. One more time around It's acceptable to re-give a new, never-used gift to someone else-as long as you're careful Author: Paula Lauer. Edition: FINAL EDITION Section: DOING THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE Page: 33 Index Terms: HOLIDAY CHARITY BEHAVIOR GUIDELINE Estimated printed pages: 2 Article Text: Reduce, reuse, recycle! It's the environmental battle cry of the '90s and applies to everything from newspapers, bottles and cans to furniture, household goods and . . . Christmas gifts. Yes, Virginia, Christmas gifts. We're talking about those ``best of intentions'' that missed the mark: The orange sweater Grandma made you that makes you look like a pumpkin, the portable vacuum cleaner your husband presented instead of perfume or the 4- pound, five-grain ``happy bread'' from Uncle Ed that would make you healthy as a horse, if only you could swallow it. Yes, we're talking about recycling presents you received that aren't right for you by exchanging them or turning them into gifts that are perfect for someone else (or in Uncle Ed's case, feeding it to the squirrels). According to the most leading etiquette experts, it's not only OK to return a gift and get something else in exchange, it's also perfectly acceptable to re-give a new, never-used gift to someone else. As long as you're careful. ``If, for example, the person who sent (the gift) to you lives in California and you live in Chicago and you know that they're never going to see the person that you intend to give the gift to, there would be no problem,'' says Elizabeth L. Post, author of ``Emily Post on Etiquette'' (Harper Collins, $4.50). ``But if the people live in the same area and know the same people,'' she adds, ``then it just isn't the right thing to do.'' The recycled gift also seems to be perfectly acceptable in Letitia Baldrige's book: ``Complete Guide to the New Manners for the '90s'' (Rawson Associates, $24.95). Baldrige says practicality and value are the latest gift- giving buzzwords and that the bottom line in gift giving should simply be the intention to please someone. That seems to cover the recycled gift. But how far can you take this recycling thing? Post says any gift re-given should be useful to the recipient, not just a white elephant you're trying to unload. ``In other words, the person you give it to should like it more than you do,'' she says. Some other advice: A true gift from the heart that was obviously selected or created with you in mind but unfortunately misses the mark should be treated with sensitivity and tact. It's better to accept a hideous gift with grace than to risk hurting someone's feelings. If it's a duplicate or the wrong size and can be exchanged, it's acceptable to gently report to the giver the reason for the exchange and, in your thank-you note, let them know how much you are enjoying the replacement. And here's one last thought on recycling gifts: Consider making the holidays brighter for those less fortunate by donating clothes, toys or food to organizations dedicated to helping the needy. You'll be giving new life to your unwanted items and your holiday spirit Caption: GRAPHIC: Illustration by Mary Flock. GRAPHIC COPYRIGHT 1991, CHICAGO TRIBUNE Record Number: 12*15*4\91120004.360 |
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