Gift reparation

[Danielelfe]

Hi guys,

I have a question: do you need to repair a damaged gift?

So let’s say you have received an expensive gift from someone close and you accidentally damaged it. You can repair it though but it will cost you money. The giver thinks you should repair it since it was an expensive gift and the giver would not be amused if you wouldn’t repair it.

Do I have a moral obligation to repair it then? Or if it was not a moral obligation, would it be insulting to the giver?

Thanks!

Cheers Daniel!

 

[Gilly_flower]

Once someone has given you a gift it is yours to do with absolutely as you wish. Kindness and good manners should come into play of course - who hasn’t temporarily displayed an unwanted gift during a visit from the giver before putting it back in the cupboard.

But a real “gift” does not come with any strings attached and you are under no obligations to the giver.

It Is also perfectly possible to be pleased and grateful that someone has thought kindly enough of you to give you something - even if that “something” is not to your taste.

 

[Danielelfe]

But would it be insulting not to repair it?

 

[humbleseeker]

The only person who should feel insulted is the gift recipient for being emotionally blackmailed. Gilly_flower’s answer above is spot on.

 

[EnglishTeacher]

What kind of a gift is it? I think that makes a difference.

 

[Allegra]

I think in most cases, it is fine to get rid of the gift anytime you don’t want it anymore. The only exception might be if it’s a family heirloom that another member of the family might want or has historical value. Possibly, if the gift was a functional item that a parent got for a minor child like a laptop or phone that the child actually needs. Those are the only circumstances I can think of.