(part 2) And the flip side- what to do with gifts people give you that don’t fit your aesthetic
Looking for ways to repurpose unwanted gifts (well… not unwanted… but what do you do with it??)?
Sometimes the thought is the most important thing, and it's lovely that someone went out of their way to think of you! Here are a few ideas for things you might not be wild about but don't want to regift- by the way I am 100% A OK with regifting or if my gifts get regifted. I want things to be useful and appreciated, so if it's best somewhere else that is dandy with me!
1. Books
Perhaps you’re not much of a reader. Or maybe the book’s topic just doesn’t tickle your fancy. Either way, there’s no need to chuck that brand new book! Use pretty paper to create a book cover that coincides with your home décor. Place the book on a shelf for an eye-pleasing additional accessory. These paper covered books are precious from Harbour Breeze Home, and she tells you step by step how to do it!
https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/paper-covered-books-a-simple-spring-decor-diy/
2. Picture frames
We can all usually use a good picture frame. But sometimes frames we receive as gifts aren’t quite the right style or perhaps they are a size we don’t have an image for. No worries! If the color or style is a bit off, you can always paint the frame to match your décor. Or, get really crafty and use Mod Podge to paste paper or fabric of your choice onto the frame for a whole new look. If the frame just isn’t the right size, try to think outside of the frame. You’re not restricted to just pictures and prints! Hang a trinket directly in the center of the frame for a cool look. If you have kids, allow them to draw a picture on a piece of paper cut to size and then frame their artwork. Evan Blackwell is an artist out of Washington state, USA and he's a master at repurposing everyday items into works of art!
3. Ugly sweater
If you’ve fallen victim to the ugly sweater gift this year, there is hope. If it’s literally an ugly holiday sweater, save it for next year when you’re sure to be invited to an ugly Christmas sweater party. If it’s just something you don’t normally wear, break out that sewing machine and create something new! Even if the sweater or other article of clothing morphs into something more
practical like a scarf or potholder, it’s something you’ll actually use instead of something that will collect dust in your closet.
*I know this isn't an ugly sweater ( I don't have one) but it is as ugly shirt I was gifted by my MIL so when I was invited to a 'Terribly Tacky' Christmas party I knew I could pull out all the stops! I won! This was 2008 when I still had dark hair and we were active duty in the US NAVY. Gotta love that Navy housing!
4. Jewelry
Jewelry is a tough gift to purchase. We all have our own style, and it can be really difficult to select jewelry as a gift for someone else. If a friend or family member struck out when buying jewelry for you, that’s okay! You can turn jewelry into lovely hair accessories with the use of plain headbands, bobby pins or hair clips. Grab some craft glue and turn those boring hair necessities into sparkling statement pieces.
Shop this barrette here
At the end of the day, we love being gifted things, so just say thank you and decide from there what you can do with that gift that might not be what you would have selected for yourself!
XOXO- Brit
