How to Say 'No' to Gifts from Family Members

#TheMinimalists

[melanie_carstens]

My Dad hasn't accepted any gifts that he can't eat or drink for almost 30 years. He's so easy to buy gifts for because of this.

[emmaadams]

I haven't been able to convince my in laws that you can just not give gifts. But we've compromised that since we are all adults who can buy whatever we want we can give "boring adult gifts" whether that's a new microwave because someone said theirs was on its last leg. Or a gas gift card for someone who know likes to take day trips with their significant other. And honestly getting a little shop vac for the garage ive been looking at is way more exciting then getting something fun and sparkly that will end up in a future donate pile. We've established what our budgets are and communicate that so nobody is feeling pressured to buy more. We give each other clear issues or products we would find helpful and genuinely want. Then everyone gets what they want even if its something others might be confused about

[MCHkid]

I don't celebrate Christmas anymore but consumables are a great idea. Definitely something to keep in mind next time I gift something.

[guinnevereschronicles]

Now 98 % of the time i say no to gifts. I had to say that clearly to my family that I don’t want any gifts that i wont use or will throw away. I only want things that last for a long time, and if it’s clothes, i will have to donate. Those are my conditions. If it doesn’t last or it can’t be donated later on, I don’t want it

[TheDhammaHub]

I like to just wish for consumables at this point - something that doesn't end up lying around

[Kyriecat]

White elephant can also be you regifting horrid gifts you received or ones you don't want/use. The funnest is bringing something from home that is already used. We do this often in Northern Indiana. That's what White Elephant is here. And then like you said, stealing someone's gift etc.

[gwenj]

White elephant is where you bring something as a gift from your house. You don't buy anything. It's just supposed to be for fun.

[CoftheIsland]

I see gift-giving games as an experience and I am all about having experiences. I agree, it is not about the gift, it is about the game and interacting with others. It is about the reactions that occur when a gift is opened or stolen. I do like the idea of having the gift not just be under $X but also a consumable or experience.

[isabellealves]

Very hard to ask family changing their habit concerning gifts choice

[robbiesmith]

Gift Cards to buy what you want, coupons for "service", like I'll clean out your garage! are also great ideas, thanks for discussing this topic.

[wendyg]

We play this at work, but it is encouraged that the gift be something we already have in our home - the true “White Elephant”

[MissJubillee]

Before I discovered minimalism, I discovered being a cheapskate. I once suggested to my family a Christmas ornament exchange. I got an earful after that.

[chrisoulalakkas]

The learning process is a never-ending journey for you to enjoy over your lifetime.

[michelepascoe]

I like the charity gifts for people who really need them ... buy a cow for a poor family, or set up a woman in business with a sewing machine, or a water pump for a village, etc. Aid agencies like World Vision, Tear Fund and Christian Blind Mission (people with disabilities in poverty have double trouble) have wonderful gift catalogues.

[kat_trabue]

We call the game version White Elephant and sometimes hear it as Yankee Swap. When you have a specific person in mind when buying we call it secret santa.

[ravenstormchild]

If I get a gift that is not of value to my life, I regift it or donate it.

[Kyriecat]

Do it with unwanted items from home!! That's the funniest!

[bobblebec]

I’ve always said from a young age…it’s land fill don’t buy me anything please 😊 if I buy I only buy practical gifts, nice shampoo, soap 😊

[ladymallowyt]

In my family it is a tradition to bring a gift when you go to someone's home. I much prefer consumables because then it's not going to be left lying around, not adding any value to my life. My partner's friend got us a small glass table which is the most useless thing for us. We live in a small apartment and it takes up valuable space. I would like to donate it but my partner is a hoarder and likes to keep everything we get.

[spence]

I just send out a christmas list to everyone who I expect will give me a gift so that I know I'll like it.