Gift etiquette
What to do when you receive two of the same gift
Thank both givers, decide whether to keep or exchange the spare, and handle the follow-up without embarrassing anyone.
If you open a duplicate gift, thank the second giver as warmly as the first. Decide what to do with the spare later. The person who chose it doesn’t need to solve the problem in front of everyone.
Let the moment pass
Say what you like about the gift. “You remembered how much I like this author” is honest even if you opened the same book five minutes ago. If somebody points out the duplicate, keep it brief: “You both know me well. Thank you.”
Check what you can exchange
Look for a gift receipt and ask the shop what it accepts before opening packaging or removing tags. If you need the giver’s help, ask privately: “I ended up with two copies. Would you mind if I exchanged one for the next book in the series?”
Consider whether two are useful
A second pack of a favorite coffee or a spare set of travel cables may suit you. For something you'll never use twice, exchange it, donate it where accepted, or pass it to someone who wants it. Keep personal messages, inscriptions, and custom gifts out of a regifting pile.
Fix the coordination for next time
If several guests are choosing from the same list, ask them to reserve before buying and release any reservation they can't keep. Use quantities for things you want more than once. Keep one entry for the same gift even if two shops sell it.
Use these ideas with Piki
How to make a private wish list with Piki
Guests can reserve from your shared link. You choose when to reveal their names and notes.