338: What to Do With Unwanted Gifts (Without the Guilt)

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Somewhere right now, there's a decorative ceramic rooster sitting in the back of a closet—kept out of guilt, obligation, or fear of hurting someone's feelings.

In today's episode, we're finally setting that rooster free.

I'm sharing a simple, compassionate 3-step framework for letting go of unwanted gifts without guilt, why holding onto gifts we don't want isn't gratitude (it's fear), and how to separate the intention behind a gift from the object itself. We'll talk about the emotional beliefs that keep unwanted gifts stuck in our homes—and I'll even give you a simple script for what to say if Aunt Linda ever asks where her rooster went.

If you've ever smiled, said "thank you," and then wondered what am I supposed to do with this now?—this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn

• The 3-step framework for letting go of unwanted gifts

• Why over half of Americans receive unwanted gifts—and what usually happens to them

• The hidden belief that makes letting go of gifts feel so hard

• Why keeping unwanted gifts isn't gratitude—it's emotional self-protection

• How to separate the gift from the giver without damaging relationships

• A personal story about a childhood necklace and the mindset shift that changed everything

• The difference between honoring someone's intention and storing the object forever

• Exactly what to say if the gift-giver asks about it later (yes, I give you a script)

Key Takeaways

• Gratitude does not require permanent storage.

• You can appreciate the thought behind a gift without keeping the item itself.

• Unwanted gifts often stay because we fear awkward conversations—not because we value them.

• The object carried the sentiment, but once received, the sentiment lives in you, not the thing.

• Letting go of gifts you don't want is not rejection—it's stewardship.

• Keeping something out of obligation only creates clutter in your home and your head.

Mini Challenge Before the Holidays

Open one closet today and find your version of the ceramic rooster.

Ask yourself:

1. Do I actually use or enjoy this?

2. Am I keeping it because I want it—or because I feel like I should?

3. If the giver knew I was keeping this out of obligation, would they want that for me?

Then decide: donate, re-gift, or set a clear deadline.

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Go find your ceramic rooster.
Let it fly (even if roosters technically can't).
Make the decision.

I'll see you in the next episode. 💛