How to Avoid the Awkward Gift Exchange

Ah, gift-giving--the anticipation, the disappointments, the unexpected reactions. Receiving and giving presents is more than an obligatory ritual--it's an art form. Here are a few tips on how to avoid those awkward moments that put the anxiety in gift exchange.

• Practice Patience  Accepting a gift isn't as easy as untying the bow and ripping through the paper. Don't be over-eager to get into it, no matter how much the anticipation may be killing you! And don't try to guess what it is. If you're wrong, then they feel they've missed the mark. If you're right, you spoiled the surprise. Be gracious and dole out a sincere "thank you" before you open it--after all, it really is the thought that counts.


• Have Back-Up  If you're nervous, have a handful of reactions in mind to use when you find the ugliest sweater on earth inside. "How cool!,"  "You Are Sooo Sweet!," and "I needed new clothes!" are a few useful standbys.


• 'Fess Up  If you literally don't know what something is when you open it, it's best just to admit it right then and there. Tell them you love it but...


• Size ‘Em Up  Get your honey's (and family members') sizes on file--everything from bras and undies to shoes, pants, and rings. Write them down on a piece of paper and stick it in your wallet or jot them down in your Palm Pilot. Never again will you surprise your Size 8 gal with a beautiful pair of Size 6 stilettos that she can't squeeze half her foot into.


• Speak Up  If you receive a present that's broken, cracked or scratched, let the giver know. They won't want to waste their money on something that doesn't work. Say how much you love it and that you'd be happy to arrange an exchange.


• Drop Hints  You know a present is coming--maybe for your birthday, maybe for Christmas (if you've been nice). Rather than play Russian Roulette with the gift fairy, drop hints to loved ones so they can get you what you actually want. Circle things in catalogs, point things out in stores, and even give someone a wish list if you feel it's appropriate.


• Sign Up  Gift registries are a wonderful option for those getting married or having a baby. Sites such as Amazon have wish list tools that make it easy for anyone to let friends and family know how to buy them the perfect gift over the net. Just be sure to register for things at different price points so people can shop to suit their budget. Not everyone wants to shell out $200 for that sterling silver bacon fork!


• Warm It Up  Some people prefer to give cold hard cash. To add warmth, enclose the money in a card that suggests what it could be used for: dinner out, a relaxing massage, a new dress, and so on. Or consider giving a gift card to a favorite store, so the receipient won't be tempted to spend their gift on something sensible--like an electric bill.


• Re-Gift With Caution  Re-gifting can be fine. Just be classy about it. Don't re-gift something you've already used (obviously!)--and make sure the item is appropriate, not just "what I had lying around in my closet."


• Be Resourceful  Handmade gifts are always extra special (and a great option for those on a tight budget). Whether it's a basket of gourmet goodies straight from your kitchen or a cool craft of some kind, there's no better way to let people know how much they mean to you.