It's always nice to receive gifts during Christmas and other special occasions. But, what about when you don't like them? Is it ok to sell unwanted gifts? 

The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and the tradition of gift-giving. However, amidst the unwrapping frenzy, many of us find ourselves holding items that don’t quite impress.

In the age of online marketplaces like Facebook and TradeMe, the temptation to sell unwanted gifts lingers as a convenient solution with thousands of new sales popping up on Boxing Day. There may be more value in retaining the gift than selling it on. 

Selling these gifts often emphasizes its monetary worth over their sentimetal or thoughtful values. The act of giving encompasses more than just the exchanging of gifts; it’s a gesture of love, appreciation and understanding. While the item itself might not fit our preferences, the sentiment behind the gift remains significant. Selling it demininshes this sentiment, reducing it to a quick way to make a dollar. 

Holding onto unwanted gifts can serve as a lesson in gratitude and empathy. Embracing a gift, even if it’s not exactly what we desired, encourages us to appreciate the gesture and effort put into choosing it. At the end of the day, that person didn’t have to give you a gift. 

The never ending cycle of gift giving and reselling only adds to the rampant consumerism that is Christmas time. 

While it may seem like common sense, don’t buy a gift for someone if you don’t know what they like. It only adds to the awkwardness on Chirstmas Day when you have to put on a fake smile. 

A gift should be backed by thought, care and intention. At this time of year, many people feel as though they have to buy gifts. Instead of buying something materialistic, something as simple as a food basket or grocery voucher would be greatly received considering current food prices. 

If you find yourself unwrapping something that didn’t make the list this Christmas, think about better ways of rehoming that gift rather than selling. Regifting, for instance, can be a thoughtful way to pass along a present to someone who may appreciate it more. Alternatively, donating gifts to charities or shelters can bring joy to those in need while preserving the goodwill and purpose behind the act of giving. 

So next time you hit up TradeMe to get rid of an unwanted gift, think about how you would feel if a gift you gave was up for sale.