You’ve been there. Unwrapping a gift with hope and trepidation only to find that thing  you’ve never wanted, or worse, can’t quite comprehend – a look of false joy paralyzed on your face as you assure the onlooking gift-giver that it’s what you always wanted.

DIY disasters, unwanted family heirlooms, offensive merchandise – whether it’s a white elephant exchange or an earnestly given present, the bright side of receiving an unusual or just plain awful gift is that it makes for a great story – and we want to hear yours!

What’s the weirdest gift you’ve received? How did you react? How have you put it to use?