Should You Include the Receipt With Your Gifts This Christmas?

Giving gifts during the holidays is intended to show that you care and that someone is special to you, but as commercialism takes hold, it is becoming more and more about giving the ‘perfect’ item.  We are always worried about whether our recipients will enjoy our gifts, and we worry what will happen if they don’t.  The question many have is whether or not it is appropriate to include a receipt with your gift – especially as more and more people are starting to give high-ticket items such as iPods and Blu-Ray players as Christmas presents.

One thing to keep in mind is that while the spirit of giving is in the intent, it is also impossible to know whether someone really likes that fluffy Armani sweater which we shopped for all afternoon.  Perhaps they already have the item, or perhaps the item does not fit or suit their personality.  By including a gift receipt you ensure that they are able to secretly return the item if it doesn’t fit, and instead get something they will truly enjoy. 

Most people worry about the recipient seeing how much they spent on the item when they consider providing the gift receipt, perhaps feeling embarrassed that they spent too much or too little.  If you do not want the person to know how much you spent on their gifts, ask the store you bought the item from to print a gift receipt.  This will allow them to exchange the item if needed but will not show a price.  You can also cover the price with ink if need be. 

While there are those who are offended when their gifts are not well received, the truth of the matter is that it is the intent that matters.  Allowing someone to exchange gifts for those that fit or that meet their needs is generally accepted in today’s society and a gift receipt is slowly becoming common courtesy when giving holiday gifts.