In a perfect world, you would give your loved ones the ideal gift. They would love it, cherish it, and keep it forever.
This is not a perfect world.
Sweaters are too big (hopefully! Cross my fingers and close my mouth!). iPods are in wrong colors (when the only choice was white, it was a lot easier). Parts are missing (I once gave someone one of those 3D puzzles and half the pieces were missing).
So what to do?
Gift receipts are the best. I usually attach them to the gift so the loved one can privately return the present (my taste is definitely not everyone’s which is why those Christmas sweaters exist). I do this immediately upon purchase (before I lose it). I also highlight the return policy (written on the bill).
If I don’t get a gift receipt, I tend to pay with cash (as many stores will only refund to the original credit card). I photocopy the receipt, give the loved one the original and keep my copy.
I also keep the other receipts in a separate folder (actually I have one of those great accordion type files with the flap closure that I use for my receipts so it lets me divide them into sections).
Obviously the care I take with my receipts increases with the value of the present. I don’t keep receipts for cash purchases at the dollar store (unless I can deduct them).
Comments (1)
That sounds like a good way of doing it. There have been some presents that I desperately wanted to exchange but couldn't bring myself to tell the person (like someone gave me a velvet shirt...I can't touch velvet, it's like fingernails on a chalk board!).
Posted by Mrs. Micah | December 21, 2007 9:51 AM
Posted on December 21, 2007 09:51