What should I write in a thank you card when I don't like the gift?

Shift the focus from the gift to the giver. You can be warm and gracious without pretending to love something you do not.

• Thank the thought: "Thank you for thinking of me, it was so kind of you to pick something out."
• Acknowledge the effort: "I know you spent time finding this, and that means a lot."
• Stay genuine: praise the gesture, the person, or the sentiment rather than the object itself.

This keeps your note honest and appreciative, and the giver walks away feeling their kindness was noticed.