My grandma gave me a terrible Christmas gift. Is it OK to re-gift my grandma? I don't think she'd ever find out but I have guilty feelings before even doing it.
Grandmas have been around a lot longer than we might want to accept. And there’s a damn good chance, after all these years, she’s amassed stuff from people that she doesn’t want. And you know what, it’s probably gone to some of your family members.
I remember the first time I got a Christmas card that had some duck conservation logo on the back. I realized it was a free card that she got with a donation and she didn’t actually go out and handpick the Christmas greeting. At first, I was bothered – maybe a little offended – but then realized it’s the thought that counts. Plus, it’s not like she went and spent a ton of money on a piece of paper. ($7 for a greeting card? I wouldn’t want her paying that for something I’m tossing out in the new year.)
Grandmas know us but not necessarily very well as we get older. It’s one thing for Grams to get you the hot toy this year because your mom or dad said what it is. As an adult, you should be lucky that a grandma is still giving you a gift. In our family, there was an age cut-off and at a certain point all you got was a card. Again, it’s the thought.
Sometimes lying to spare feelings is OK. She spent hours slaving over a special meal for you but it tasted horrible. Are you really going to tell her that? No, you’re going to lie. And that’s just fine. Ditto for when she asks about the gift next summer. Unless she’s expecting to see it in action, it’s a simple, “Yeah, it’s great, I love it. Thanks again.”
Unless your grandma went out and spent a ton of money on something, it’s not an issue. If she took the time and effort to make you something crafty, then yes, you’re a total asshole for re-gifting it. (“I hope you like it. It’s a sweater my grandma made for me that I think is ugly.” Yeah, you’re a good person, dickwad.)
Without telling me what it is, I can’t give a true assessment. If it’s a generic, inexpensive gift, then whatever. Secondly, to whom is it being re-gifted? Are you using it as a donation to charity this year? Is it a lazy way of participating in Secret Santa at work? Moreover, is it something your grandma will ask you about next time she sees you? Because chances are, she won’t remember what she gave you six months from now if it was just another gift on her list.