How to react to a bad Christmas gift this year

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LUTONER The right way to react to a bad gift this Christmas

Celebrity etiquette adviser Myka Meier shares her experience on how to deal with the most sensitive issue that can happen at Christmas - receiving a bad present

Expected jewellery but instead got a pair of socks? Is there ok to show your disappointment or there is a polite way to handle your emotions?

Myka Meier, leading etiquette expert, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, says: Feeling disappointment or annoyance is natural, but there is a significant difference between feeling annoyance and showing it.

The correct manner is to be gracious while you say thank you. Always keep smiling and never show negative emotions. Don’t forget not only your words but your facial impression and body language also can express your feelings. Asking for a receipt is also a no-no. If you don’t have a very strong reason, please don’t do it. Fortunately, these days, many retailers offer the option of letting you exchange your unwanted present without receipt as long as it’s still in the original package.

When an in-law buys you a present you don’t like, that is always a minefield. Myka’s advice is to handle each situation on a case by case basis. Usually, a bad present does not worth hurting or causing any tension within the family. Here are the top advice from the etiquette expert If the person who gave you the gift is present when you open it, always make sure you use the right face impression.

Choose your wording carefully. You don’t have to say I love it. You can use the word creative or thoughtful instead. If you decide to take your Christmas gift back, try to do it first without asking for the receipt. Regift your unwanted present is always a winner. The only thing you have to remember is who gave you that present to avoid an embarrassing situation. You can also swap it on specialised websites or flog it on eBay or Gumtree. Donating your gift is also a great option, so there is no reason to feel bad if you get one.