Letting Go of Unwanted Gifts

Have you ever opened a gift with a big smile, all while thinking “What am I going to use this for?” Maybe it’s a lovely scarf that simply isn’t your color or a kitchen gadget you know you will never use. You appreciate the gift and the thoughtfulness from the person who gave it to you, but you also know keeping it will not bring you joy. So what to do with it? It’s absolutely ok to let go of these items. You can do so with a guilt-free mindset knowing it will benefit you and your space.

How to: Declutter Unwanted Gifts

Focus On The Intent

When someone you care for gives you a gift, their intention is likely to make you happy and show appreciation for the relationship you share with them. Often we feel a sense of obligation to keep anything that was received as a gift. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or seem unappreciative. It’s important to know that the value of the gift is in the thought behind it, not the actual physical item. Shift your focus to the care and thoughtfulness of the person as you let the item go. This doesn’t diminish your gratitude for the gift.

Consider The Clutter

If you have unwanted gifts in your home that you don’t use, they are likely tucked away in a closet or spare room. This creates or adds to clutter in your home. Over time, as this clutter builds, it will become harder to maintain an organized home. A cluttered home can greatly impact you mentally and emotionally. Learn more about that here. 

When deciding whether to keep a gift, ask yourself:

• Does it serve a purpose in my life?
• Do I love it?
• Would I have chosen it for myself?

If the answer to these questions is “no,” it’s okay to let it go.

New Purpose

While this item may not be perfect for you, it could be the best thing for someone else. A great way to offset the guilt of letting go of a gift is to give it a new life and purpose. Donating new or gently used items to a local charity can feel good knowing you are positively contributing to your community. Do you know someone who would love the item? Regift the item to someone who can both appreciate and use it. You can also consider selling the item. You can use the money you make to invest in something you love or your latest home organization project!

Letting go of unwanted gifts is about more than tidying up. It’s really a form of self-care as you work to keep control of your space. Decluttering and organizing allows you to create a space that is functional and helps you embrace an intentional mindset and life that feels lighter and more like you!