Do you dread getting fruitcake or socks from a certain relative every Christmas? Amazon.com may be working on a solution. The online retailer just received a patent for a bad gift defense system that intercepts gifts you don't want and instead sends you something that you actually do want.

For example, the system would allow you to set up a rule like "Convert all gifts from Aunt Mildred" that would automatically convert any online gift orders from Mildred into a gift certificate.

The patent, titled System and method for converting gifts, was granted Nov. 9, and lists Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Colin Bryar as inventors.

Here's an excerpt from the patent filing: As in other gift-giving situations, it sometimes occurs that gifts purchased on-line do not meet the needs or tastes of the gift recipient. For example, the recipient may already have the item and may not need another one of that same item. Alternatively, the item may not be the right size, the right type, the right style, and so on. In such situations, the recipient may wish to convert the gift to something else, for example, by exchanging the gift for another item or by obtaining a redemption coupon, gift card, or other gift certificate to be redeemed later.

Other examples of how the system might be used: You could convert bad gifts to something off your wish list; block specific products ("Not another XYZ comic strip calendar"); or ensure that any clothing gifts match your exact size ("Check clothes sizes first"). The system could even auto-generate thank you cards on your behalf — a generic one or a personal note.

Here's an image of the "Gift Conversion Rules Wizard" envisioned by the Amazon patent:

See also: Etiquette expert cries foul over gift conversion concept

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