A gift isn't a gift unless it's given or delivered. When a present is given with the aim of injuring the recipient, it constitutes theft. A gift is an uncompensated and voluntary transfer of property from one person to another.

Let’s find out when is a gift, not a gift!

9 Signs When A Gift Is Not A Gift

There are many signs that represent a gift that is not an actual gift. Here are 9 most common signs that we often encounter.

A Gift Is Not A Gift Until It’s Given

A gift is not considered a gift until it is given. For all, what is present if it is kept in a closet and never given, or if it is inside a person's brain, heart, or hands? It's a 'waiting present,' you might say.

But who are the persons that bring these unseen treasures to light?

If what they say about a gift not being a gift until it is given is right. It is also true that a present is not considered a gift until it is received. After all, if we take a present from the closet and offer it as a mark of regard to another, or if we offer a natural ability to another, and they reject the offer, where does that leave us?

When You Get The Wrong Gift

It's a horrible feeling to wait for a gift and then receive something that isn't what you expected. You may be becoming dissatisfied and frustrated.

This is the signal to double-check the size of the gift to ensure it is not too tiny or too large before opening it. If it is, it signifies that the individual who gave you the gift made a mistake.

When The Giver Forgets Your Name

Forgetting someone's name is a typical occurrence. It can be unpleasant and humiliating when this happens. The one who forgot your name may feel they are being impolite, or they may believe they are not clever enough to recall your name.

When someone forgets your name, you might reply in a variety of ways:

"Nice to meet you," you may say, and then introduce yourself again. This is the most courteous approach, however, it might be irritating for the other person if you have to repeat yourself.

You might ask them how they remember you or what we previously discussed. This is a fantastic option since it demonstrates that you are interested in the topic and want to continue speaking with them.

When You Get Too Many Things

You stroll into a friend's house and notice a bowl of sweets on their table. You go in and see a ready candy dish, and exclaim, "Wow! Thank you for inviting me!" "Sure, no problem," they say. "I just wanted to show you around my new home."

When you go around their house, there is a dish of sweets at each entry. When you're about to go, they exclaim, "Wait a minute! "I have one more present for you!" They hand you another candy bag.

This is an example of someone giving you too many things and it is when is a gift, not a gift.

When Someone Gifts You an Out-of-Date Thing

Everyone has been there. You receive a present that is out of style, does not fit you, or is something you do not need. So what are the best means to inform the guy that you don't like the gift they gave you?

There are several approaches you might take in this case, and each one is dependent on your connection with the individual who gave you the present. If it was a family member or acquaintance, we recommend being open about your thoughts and explaining why this gift isn't appropriate for you.

If it was a coworker or a friend, we recommend thanking them for their kindness while also informing them that this present is not for you without being too direct.

When the Gift Is Useless or Ugly

There is a popular misconception that gifts should always be wrapped in beautiful paper, but this is not always the case. In fact, packaging an unappealing present might be interpreted as a display of affection and respect.

It is common in certain cultures to wrap an unsightly present in beautiful paper to demonstrate respect for the receiver. This tradition derives from the notion that if someone has gone to the work of crafting a gift for you, you should appreciate it even if it is not visually beautiful.

When Your Birthday and Time Were Forgotten

Some people fail to remember the birthdays of others. It might be due to a hectic work schedule or the individual being distracted by something else.

The people who forget their birthday may not want to do pain to the other person. They might just be distracted or forgetful.

Someone who missed your birthday should apologize and compensate with a gift, flowers, or cake.

When You Open A Box And Find Nothing Inside

Your birthday has arrived. You're going through your gifts, but when you get to the last one, there's nothing inside. It's completely vacant. There is no present inside. And that is definitely when is a gift, not a gift!

"What am I going to do with this?" you may be wondering. Should I get rid of it? Put it on my desk as a reminder of how horrible my situation is?" The answer is to save the box and use it as a lesson of what not to do in life: gift someone an empty box for their birthday.

When Someone Gives You Something You Already Have

What does it mean to be given a gift? And you have already owned it? This might indicate that the person is unhappy with their relationship with you. It might also be a hint that they are just attempting to make themselves feel better by giving you anything.

In any case, receiving a present you already have is not your fault. It's their fault if they didn't put some thinking into the present. Yet, as the gift recipient, you must still show your appreciation.

Yet, you must cope with their oversight in your own way. You have the option of keeping, returning, or donating your gift.

When it's a tiny item, simply put it away and forget about it. When you wish to return it, be careful not to come out as ungrateful. When you wish to contribute, find someone who is in serious need, such as a charity.

When Someone Gives You Something That Isn't Seem Right For You

This sign refers to a person who is given an item that does not match their personality.

The item might be a gift, or it could simply be something they come across while shopping. If it is not something you would choose for yourself, chances are you would never wear or use it.

When this occurs, the first step is to evaluate if the present was intended to be an insult. If the giving has poor intentions, this should not be taken personally and should be returned with no hard feelings.

If the sender did not intend this as an insult, retain the gift with gratitude and appreciation for their kindness in giving you a present at all.

Final Thoughts

No matter how hard we try, there will always be an unwanted gift. So, when is a gift not a gift? This might be owing to the recipient's personal preferences or to their inability to be in the right location at the right time. Although while we would want to believe that there is a present for every occasion, this is just not the case.

The issue with these gifts is not their monetary worth. That is because they are undesirable, which renders them ungiftable.

Likewise, a gift is not necessarily given with the goal of receiving something in return. It is not a gift when someone does something for you and then asks for something in return. It's a deal.