What should I do when I get a gift I hate?

’Tis the season to give — and receive. But what should you do when you receive a gift you really don’t like?

We went to etiquette expert Karen Cleveland to find out.

When in doubt, always express gratitude, appreciate the sentiment, and don’t throw out those ugly sweaters from Grandma.

SHINE ON: What should you do if you receive a gift you hate — and you just opened it in front of the giver?

Cleveland: Express your gratitude. Every gift, no matter how simple or extravagant deserves the same sincere thank you.

Is there ever an occasion when you should keep the gift (decor, jewelry, etc.) even though it’s not your style?

Absolutely, for sentimental reasons. That gift, though not “you,” might come to mean something in years to come.

What if the gift is from someone close to you — a significant other, for example — and you’re really disappointed in their choice? Is it ever OK to broach the subject of gift expectations?

No. In fact, the question makes me really sad. It sucks the true spirit right out of the season.

What do you do if Grandma wants to know why you’re not wearing the sweater she gave you — after you gave it away?

Well….you should be wearing it. Come on, it’s a sweater. For your grandmother. But if you’re that precious that you can’t wear a sweater to make your dear sweet grandmother happy, tell her it’s at the cleaners? May cause her old heart some grief, though. Tsk.

If the gift doesn’t come with a gift receipt, is it ever appropriate to request one?

No.

What about re-gifting? Is it ever an option? (If it is, what should we consider when doing so?)

Bottles of wine have been known to make their way from one gift giver to another, but be sure to remove all tell-tales signs of its origin, and keep it well away from the social circle where it first popped up.

How should we handle unexpected gifts, when we have nothing to give in return?

The dreaded gift ambush! If caught without a gift, accept the present warmly and graciously. And if you’re so inclined, lie. Lie through your teeth. Explain that their gift is at your home and would they like to come over for a drink the night after next to get it?

How do you deal with unwanted gifts?