Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other family events can bring your presents from friends and relatives that are just not your scene. Think of the horrors already in your drawers that have never been used or even taken out of their box.

You may even the same item twice or even three times so what can you do with them?

In truth prevention is better than cure, and ideally the giver should ask you first what you need and would like, that way you get more ideal gifts.

You can always be tactful, and promote givers by making suggestions, making sure you know what their price range is - even offer to top up the price or get the money towards a more expensive gift.

Getting several relatives to club together for a decent gift is another option which may be practical.

Failing that here a few tips for disposal

1. save the gift and pass it on to someone else, but watch you do not give in back to the giver or someone they know.

2. see if the store will trade the item for something else - many will do this if you have the item intact and in original packing - ideally unopened. Failing that get a credit note - money refunds are usually only possible with original receipt which some givers inc with the gift.

3. Selling by online auction is useful for expensive or unusual gifts, but watch listings fees which you can be costly reducing the eventual sale price, or mean you PAY not to sell the item at all.

4. Growing in popularity is the swap and trade web sites which allow you to just trade x for y - values are not too vital as long as the deal is something both sides are happy with. Postage has to be paid by one side, or shared so a deal can be attractive.

Growing also are trade sites which work on a points basis, you trade your item for a number of points which you can then "spend" on someone else's listed item. The advantage here is you are not dependent on finding a direct swap which is often hard. Clothes and other wearable goods are more popular on this type of trade points site.

5. Maybe if you just want the space, give it away to a charity or thrift shop but watch out if the giver drops into such places and may spot the gift they gave you.

Maurice S Clarke is founder of the wearable goods trading web site http://www.whatweusedtowear.com and lives in Rugby, UK. This article may be freely republished provided it remains intact.