I usually avoid getting my villagers clothes because I normally like their original outfits. I just give them fruit and other things I don't want :blush:
If I feel "bad" about anything, it's that their homes are ruined by ugly dinosaur fossils that I pressured them into buying from me.
You just have to be patient.
The most efficient way is to not interact with them in any way. This includes special event days, birthdays, and possibly even activities where they are present (hide and seek). For instance, I had Barold in my town (I wanted him to leave), and in the halloween...