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Original poster

Unwanted Clothing Gifts

16 replies

DianaOfTheLakes · 30/12/2020 03:05

I've received a scarf and gloves from a relative and they are too old for me. Do I keep them and just maybe wear them on the odd occasion I see her, or is it ok to give them to a charity shop? They were purchased from a local shop near where she lives, so I can't take them back. I feel bad giving a gift away but I'm never going to wear them.

OP posts:
Icytundra · 30/12/2020 07:23

No answer for you but I have the same issue, a scarf from MIL that I'll just never wear. Can't take back as it was bought abroad. Interested to hear thoughts.

grapefruitish · 30/12/2020 07:45

This is tricky and I guess it depends on the people and how often you see them. With my children's unliked clothes I take a picture of them in them and send it to the giver, I then use them in a spare clothes bags in the car. If I could tell the person that's not our/their taste I would but they probably wouldn't have got it wrong.

The worst is if they will ask about xyz scarf, then you have to keep them in your closet I guess! Can you tie them on a bag or use them for dog walking? Personally I have very strong opinions about the things I choose and a mother who buys thing she likes... apparently I 'don't wear much colour' and she wants to brighten me up. I've just told her straight now. No clothes or ornaments for my 'plain and bare' house. 😆 MIL I just wouldn't want to upset but she's in another country so they go off to the charity shop!

Bilingualspingual · 30/12/2020 07:54

There’s a theory in all those clutter books (yes I own a few!) that in giving you the present, the giver has fulfilled their side of the ‘transaction’ in the act of giving and you have no obligation other than to receive the gift graciously. After that, the keeping/wearing of it is neither here nor there. And people very often forget what they’ve bought you. I’d get rid of it in a ‘loving’ and grateful Kondo-like way and let someone who loves it buy them from the charity shop or receive them from you.
No point keeping them to gather dust and be wasted.

halcyondays · 30/12/2020 08:08

I don’t know how gloves can be too old for anyone but if they’re not to your taste just charity shop them.

Original poster
DianaOfTheLakes · 30/12/2020 08:31

I don’t know how gloves can be too old for anyone but if they’re not to your taste just charity shop them.

Fuchsia pink with large ornamental buttons on them.

OP posts:
Original poster
DianaOfTheLakes · 30/12/2020 08:33

There’s a theory in all those clutter books (yes I own a few!) that in giving you the present, the giver has fulfilled their side of the ‘transaction’ in the act of giving and you have no obligation other than to receive the gift graciously. After that, the keeping/wearing of it is neither here nor there. And people very often forget what they’ve bought you. I’d get rid of it in a ‘loving’ and grateful Kondo-like way and let someone who loves it buy them from the charity shop or receive them from you.

I like this theory. Thank you.

OP posts:
Bilingualspingual · 30/12/2020 08:35

You’re welcome!Grin

SpeckledyHen · 30/12/2020 08:46

You must give them to a charity shop and not waste them .
Everyone wins .
Your aunt gave a gift . The charity shop gets some money. You have done a good deed . A shopper gets a bargain . Happy new recipient, unless of course it is another unwanted gift .....

TableNiner · 30/12/2020 13:55

I get rid of anything like this immediately, otherwise the clutter mountain just grows. Someone else's poor choice shouldn't be your problem. To charity of course, not that the shops are open here in Tier 4...

purpledagger · 30/12/2020 14:04

I was given a cardigan for Xmas that just isn't 'me'. I tried returning it, but the tag with the barcode has been removed, so they can't accept it. I'll just charity shop it - it's brand new and still has the other tags on it, so I'm sure it will be a great find for someone (plus the charity shop gets money).

FuckOffDailyFailure · 30/12/2020 14:22

I think it's fine to donate them or pass on to someone. Wouldn't bother me if I'd given them to someone.

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 30/12/2020 16:19

This is so thoughtful. Clothing gifts from my mil go straight in ther charity shop bag without a second thought. I should be more gracious - thank you for giving me a lesson without realising it!

Time40 · 30/12/2020 16:38

Fuchsia pink with large ornamental buttons on them

Ooooh, they sound quite nice!

Original poster
DianaOfTheLakes · 30/12/2020 17:06

@Time40

Different strokes for different folks.

I like neutral colours with the odd bit of red.

OP posts:
slalomsuki · 30/12/2020 19:29

I"d love fusha pink gloves with buttons on them. I hate black/grey gloves which I use almost daily in winter and love the pop of colour if I can find them.

Stick them on eBay and they will sell

Annebronte · 30/12/2020 19:36

Give them to charity. They’ll get more from them if they’re obviously brand new. No point holding onto stuff you don’t like.

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