Two years ago, I was professionally matched as a mentor with a women in a fellowship. Once the fellowship had completed, the mentorship developed into a primarily work-focused friendship. With COVID, we’ve been meeting via Zoom every few weeks and discussion is largely around her career related stuff with a bit of personal conversation. She asks me for my professional advice and I give it to her.
Last year for the holiday, she gave me a very nice assortment of chocolates to which I wrote a nice thank you note. I do not give gifts (outside of my own kids), nor do I send holiday cards. This year, she asked me for my address (since everyone is teleworking) and I gave it to her, expecting a holiday card. Today a package arrived and it contained a beautiful designer leather handbag. I did a quick search and it retails for $200-$300. Maybe it could be purchased on sale for as low as $150.
I’m not a designer handbag person. Several years ago, I even stopped carrying a purse. (I carry a small clutch wallet with my ID, cash and phone.) I do not have the type of lifestyle that would fit a designer leather handbag–I frequent places like Tractor Supply, Lowes and Aldi. My personal life is very different than my professional life, but even in my typical pre-covid professional life, a designer handbag wouldn’t fit.
I have no idea what to do with this (aside from writing her a very nice thank you note). It’s probably the most expensive item clothing-wise I now own. I could potentially sell it online (I do eBay & Poshmark), but she knows I resell online and it wouldn’t be difficult for her to find my account. I don’t want to hurt her feelings or embarrass her by giving it back. Regifting it at this expense level isn’t a reality for me.
I’m at a loss on how to proceed from here. Thoughts?