Refund it or regift it?

When giving an office gift, it is best to always include the gift receipt in case the person needs to exchange it.

Q: Jill, I got a gift from a colleague I don’t think I’ll ever use. The gift didn’t come with a receipt so do you think it’s OK if I kindly ask for it so I can exchange it or get a refund? Or do I just hold on to it or maybe even give it to someone else at another time? Happy holidays to you.

– Anonymous

A: According to what the gift item was I’d say simply hold on to it and don’t make too much of a fuss about it. It’s the thought that counts, right? If it’s an item you’d actually use if only it were in the right size, colour or flavour then surely ask for the receipt, indicating how much you love it and can’t wait to put it to use! I always recommend that office gifts come with gift receipts for this very reason for no-hassle switcheroos. If it didn’t come with one it’s likely the person might want to keep the price confidential or maybe they too have done a little regifting of their own!

Should you choose to regift, please do not do so to someone in the same office. I’ve heard very embarrassing stories of that nature. It really doesn’t rate that high on the etiquette scale either — even if no one but you knows. Next year you might want to encourage people in your office to give gift cards. These are sure bets, especially ones for coffee shops, bookstores, drugstores or the movies.

Happy holidays to you and to all my Ask Jill readers. Thank you for your questions, your kind words and may all your brightest dreams come true in 2008!

jill andrew for metro toronto

info@jillandrewmedia.com

Jill Andrew CYW, BA (Hons.), BEd, MA ’08 is an award-winning journalist and educator with additional expertise in the performing arts, public speaking, PR, media literacy/awareness, fundraising and entrepreneurship. www.jillandrewmedia.com, or www.curvycatwalk.com.