My Friend Gifted This to Me — And I’m Not Sure What to Do With It. How Do I Use It?

We’ve all been there: someone gives you a thoughtful (and maybe mysterious) gift, and your first reaction is, “Wow, thank you!”… followed by a quiet, “What is this?” Whether it’s a kitchen gadget, a spice blend, a skincare item, or some kind of artisanal food, not knowing what to do with it can be a little intimidating. But don’t worry — figuring it out can be part of the fun!

Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the "what-do-I-do-with-this?" moment:

---

1. Start by Identifying What It Is

First things first: take a close look. Is there a label, brand name, or ingredients list? If so:

• Search online: Type what you see into a search engine. Often, brands have websites with usage guides, recipes, or customer tips.

• Ask your friend: A quick “Hey, this is so cool — how do you use it?” is a great conversation starter, and they’ll probably be excited to explain.

• Use an image search: If it’s unlabeled or homemade, snap a picture and search it online using image tools to match it with similar items.

---

2. If It’s a Food or Spice Gift

These are some of the most common “mystery gifts,” especially from friends who love cooking or trying new flavors.

• If it’s a spice blend or seasoning: Try using it on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, popcorn, or in salad dressings. Start small and build flavor as you taste.

• If it’s a jar of something (like a sauce, jam, or chutney): Taste a small spoonful first. Jams go great on toast, in yogurt, or even with cheese. Savory condiments can elevate sandwiches, grain bowls, or grilled proteins.

• If it’s a specialty oil or vinegar: Drizzle it over salads, pasta, or bread. Use it to finish dishes rather than cook with it unless otherwise noted.

---

3. If It’s a Kitchen Tool or Gadget

Unsure what a strange contraption is meant to do? You’re not alone.

• Look for brand markings or a model number and look it up online.

• Common gift gadgets include milk frothers, herb strippers, spiralizers, or zesters. Watching a quick demo video on YouTube can be super helpful.

• If it’s electric, check for safety tips before using — and never plug in something you’re unsure about.

---

4. If It’s a Skincare or Self-Care Item

A lot of people gift handmade soaps, essential oil blends, or beauty tools.

• If it’s skin-related, test a small amount on your wrist before using it all over.

• Check for expiration dates or ingredient sensitivities.

• Essential oils should generally be diluted before applying to skin. Use them in diffusers or mix a few drops with carrier oils like coconut or almond oil.

---

5. When in Doubt — Get Creative

If the item is food-safe, skin-safe, or simply decorative, you can often use it in multiple ways. That spice you can’t pronounce? Try it on popcorn. That oil you’ve never heard of? Use it in a salad dressing. That odd kitchen gadget? Try testing it on something simple and see what happens.

---

6. Still Not Sure? Use It as a Conversation Piece

Sometimes, the best part of a gift is the story it tells. If you really can’t figure it out, put it on display, ask others if they know what it is, or bring it up at your next dinner party. You might be surprised how many people are just as curious as you are.

---

Final Thoughts

Receiving a gift you’re unsure about doesn’t mean it’s not useful — it just means there’s an opportunity to learn something new. Embrace the mystery, do a little digging, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Worst case? You have a great story. Best case? You discover a new favorite thing.