MOLI VIEW™

There's a lot of talk about shopping right now. It is, after all, the HOLIDAYS (as if anyone can fail to notice with the blaring Christmas music in public spaces — tunes that are cute and nostalgic the first couple of times you hear them, then drive you mad with their sing-song sentiments). But I want to address what to do with all the well-intentioned gifts you will get from your bevy of family, friends, and coworkers. I speak not of the gifts you love and adore, but those thoughtful items that you know you will NEVER use. Let me introduce you to the idea of "unshopping."

What is unshopping?

Well, it's a semi-shameful practice many of us are guilty of. It's basically the act of taking much appreciated, often pricey gifts you got from other people — BNIB (brand new in box) products such as the latest J-Lo perfume or a coffee table book from Rizzoli — and returning them to either get stuff you really need or want, or even better in this season of giving, get really spectacular gifts for other people without spending a penny of your own money.

Basically, it is much the same procedure as returning any gift, any time of year, though at the holidays it's even easier because everyone else is doing it too. Here are some helpful tips from an unshopping pro:

If you get a gift from a chain store like the Gap, take it back ASAP. Prices on items like this drop dramatically within days, so the sooner you take it back, the more likely you'll get to exchange it or a get a refund for the full amount the giver paid.

Though it may be more intimidating, the high-end department stores tend to have more liberal return policies than chain stores, and rarely question you. That is, as long as you look like one of their average shoppers, so dress the part: Cover up those tattoos, take out those piercings, and put on your best air of entitlement.

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