How do I say no to a present?

Tell him you wouldn’t like a gift, but maybe a nice dinner or breakfast or lunch or something. I’m nowhere close to being a father, but I think that dads would appreciate the time spent together anyway.

Nip it in the bud while you can. If this person is going to get you a present, why not say something now along the lines of, “Hey, how about this year, instead of exchanging gifts, we go out and get a drink together.” If you wait until the moment of gift exchange, I’m afraid you’d have no choice but to accept the gift.

“hey dad I know you want to buy me a (present) but instead, why don’t you invite me to that restaurant you love and spend some quality time? That would be the best present ever”

Just return it, that way no one’s feelings are hurt.

Why would your dad be giving you something you don’t want? What gave him the idea you might want it? Is this perhaps something that you ought to use? Or can you “regift” it to someone else?

As others have suggested, propose a gift-free Christmas this year, perhaps saying that you want to fight the rising tide of commercialization (never mind that it has gone past the normal tide and is approaching tsunami proportions), or that you just want to spend time with him or with family instead.

By saying. Thank you.

Sometimes people get joy in giving. As long as it makes him happy and it is not too extravagent, why would you want to take that joy away? You might want to direct him to something like a donation in your name or a gift you will use or regift what you can’t use. That way he gets the pleasure of giving and someone benefits from his generosity.

Tell him no before he gives it to you.

@galileogirl GA