Former 'SNL' Star Ego Nwodim Reveals Her Tricks to Avoid 'Resting Gift Face' This Holiday Season

The captivating and hilarious actress and comedian Ego Nwodim is partnering with the Scotch™ Brand to raise awareness for a holiday conundrum that many of us know all too well—"resting gift face" (or RGF). We've all been there—maybe you open a gift from a distant relative that doesn't know you that well, or a coworker who had their heart in the right place but just got it wrong. Resting Gift Face sometimes happens without even realizing it.

The former Saturday Night Live cast member even starred in a PSA-style video to teach viewers how to avoid the gifting faux pas.

"Scotch Brand approached me about this, and I thought it was such a fun concept," Nwodim says. "The cool thing about the campaign is that Scotch Brand has given a name to this phenomenon, and I think we've all experienced it in one shape or another. 'Resting Gift Face' is giving someone a gift, and they look less than enthusiastic about it."

Read on to learn how the professional actor herself recommends handling this awkward situation, as well as her favorite gifts she's received, beloved holiday traditions, and gift ideas that everyone will love.

How to Avoid 'Resting Gift Face'

According to a study conducted by Scotch Brand, 56% of survey respondents skillfully conceal their disappointment with a “resting gift face,” and 57% believe they’ve mastered this art. To avoid hurt feelings and awkward holiday exchanges, Nwodim has some gift-giving (and receiving) advice of her own.

Her first tip for giving a good gift? Make sure the wrapping is executed well. "The packaging, it's the first thing a person sees when they get a gift," Nwodim says

If you're worried you might receive a gift that you're not crazy about, Nwodim has a great way to reframe the situation. "I mean, we should all be grateful we're getting gifts, period," she says. "The fact that anyone thought to get you something is so kind, and we're so fortunate to be in that position."

What Makes a Great Gift

According to Nwodim, a great gift has two things: good packaging and thoughtfulness. "I think thoughtful gifts go such a long way, and not only is it a matter of what the actual gift in hand is, but when a person feels like, 'Oh, you've been listening to me, and you've been listening to what I'm interested in or what I need.' I think it makes a person feel really valued," she says.

As for the most thoughtful gifts she's ever received, Nwodim says two come to mind. "Heidi [Gardner] gave me a Genesis T-shirt that said 'I Can't Dance.' She got me this because I told her a story about my childhood, which was that I apparently used to dance in the grocery store aisles whenever that song came on." Nwodim says. "And my friend Patrick got me a cast-iron pan when I moved, and I've used it for years and years. It's really, truly, as cliché as it is, it's not about how expensive a gift is. It's the thought that the person you love can find in it."

A Safe Gift for Anyone

Since thoughtfulness might only work for someone you know exceptionally well, Nwodim has a gift recommendation for situations when you don't know the person well enough, like a host at a home you've never been to or attending a gift exchange party. "Candles. I think everyone can benefit from having a better-smelling space. Now, some people take issue with candles, but I think they are part of a small group," she says.

Beloved Holiday Traditions

Aside from gifting and receiving presents, Nwodim has a special family tradition that she holds dear. "We'd just have this house full of people; the adults, the kids, and it was just so much fun piling into a small space together a couple times a year for the holidays. I look at those times so fondly," she reminisces. "I would be in charge of cooking because I asked to at certain points, and that was always fun. My mom would cook all the Nigerian food, and then I'd cook all the American food, and it was just a special time."