Gift-Giving Etiquette For Tricky Situations

Should you get a gift for an ex you want to get back together with?

"I wouldn't recommend buying a gift for an ex that you want to get back together with." Ingram says. It's too risky. You don't know how he feels about you and "if the feeling isn't mutual it doesn't matter what you buy, you're going to look desperate." The Dos And Don'ts Of Winning Back An Ex

Is it okay to ask to exchange the gift your boyfriend/husband got you?

"I don't believe that you should ever thrust a gift back at somebody and say, 'Take it back. I don't like this,'" Ingram says, but notes that it's fine to exchange something discretely. "A person who gives you a gift has to understand that once that gift leaves his hands it's your prerogative what you do with it." She adds, "Hopefully whether or not you wear or display his gift won't determine whether or not your relationship will be successful."

If your significant other doesn't like the gift, should you offer to exchange it?

According to Ingram, if you read something on your significant other's face that shows that he doesn't like the gift you got him, it's perfectly OK to offer to get him something else. Be aware though, that you'll probably get into a dance where he insists that he's fine with the gift and you insist that you're fine with exchanging it. "Offer to take it back one or two times and then let it go," Ingram advises. Your partner has his own rules of etiquette, so even if he doesn't like the gift he may not feel comfortable exchanging it.

What if you really, truly can't think of a gift to get someone?

"Ask," McKay says. "Talk." Simply asking what someone's interests are and typing it into Google will point you in the right direction. And be creative. "If someone's into basketball, I don't think you buy them a basketball. Find something that's unique and basketball-related that shows you put a little bit of thought into it." It doesn't need to be expensive, he adds, just thoughtful.

"The overarching theme is you gotta be on the same page, and it doesn't hurt to communicate, even if you barely know each other," McKay says. This will prevent both of you from feeling judged or embarrassed. And no matter what, adds Ingram, "a gift should not be what makes a relationship."

Readers, share your awkward gift-giving stories in the comments below.