I understand that there are seven ways to say "Thank you" in Japanese. They all translate to different degrees of resentment over the obligation to return the favour.
The term "White Elephant" comes from a tactic of, IIRC, a Siamese King. If he wished to bankrupt a Baron, he gave him a rare albino elephant. The guy couldn't re-gift a gift from the King, and the upkeep was ruinous. I don't know what the Elephant thought about it all.
Perhaps a good tactic would be to make no secret about passing on most gifts to a charity - you are just collecting for them, for a small commission.