Ahh. The perfect gift! Is there really any such thing? We’ve all had the experience of receiving a gift that isn’t right for us. When you get a gift that’s far from perfect, you may be tempted to regift it. Today’s post will look at circumstances when regifting makes sense. And, I’ve got five simple regifting rules to make sure you don’t end up in a tricky situation.
Our views on regifting have changed
Not that long ago, regifting was considered a huge faux-pas—a practice reserved for the cheap, tacky and low-class. Do you remember those days?
These days, regifting is more socially acceptable. Maybe it’s the increased focus on smart money management, a desire to only own things that make us happy, or it could be the environmental angle. Regifting is even endorsed by etiquette expert Emily Post, and money guru Dave Ramsey. If they’re on board, it must be okay, right?
Situations when regifting makes sense
There are a few situations that come to mind when you may want to consider regifting.
Sometimes you receive a gift that’s given with the best of intentions, but it just isn’t your taste. For me, heavily-scented items like candles or personal-care products fall into that category. I’m very sensitive to strong scents and just can’t use them. Also, I’m particular about the ingredients in my cosmetics and personal care products, and prefer to stick to tried-and-true products.
Maybe you’re a non-drinker and don’t have a use for that bottle of wine you received at your office gift exchange. Or, those delicious-looking gourmet chocolates may contain traces of nuts that could be a health hazard.
Another example is when you get something you already have. No-one needs 2 copies of the same book, CD or video game. And, we can only use so many household items.
If returning the gift isn’t an option, and you don’t want to donate it or throw it away, don’t feel bad about regifting. Just be sure to follow some simple regifting rules.
Five simple regifting rules
If you’ve decided to regift an item, here are five simple regifting rules to make sure you don’t put yourself in an embarrassing situation.
- Remember who gave the gift to you. Don’t regift it back to them, or someone close to them. If you’re going to regift, it’s best to do it in a different social circle. For example, if the gift came from a friend, you can probably safely regift it to a co-worker or family member.
- Don’t be cheap or thoughtless about regifting. While it can be practical and money-saving, only regift something you know the recipient will like and will use.
- Never regift handmade, personalized or unique gifts. If someone has taken care to make something just for you, it’s never okay to give it away to someone else. My daughter loves to knit and she’d be devastated if the scarf she lovingly knit for someone was passed along to someone else.
- Regift only new items in original packaging. It’s never cool to open something, use it once or twice, and then shove it back in the box and regift it.
- Rewrap the gift nicely, and be sure to remove all tags, and personal notes.
Don’t feel like you need to wait for an occasion to regift an item. You could regift something “just because.” Regifted items also make excellent hostess gifts, but the same simple rules apply.
Make it fun
Finally, why not consider making this year’s family gift exchange a regifting exchange? It’s a creative way to save money and take away any concerns about passing along gifts. You could also turn it into a fun game.
This Christmas, don’t be shy about regifting. Just follow the rules and feel good about passing that unwanted item along to someone who will love it!
What are your thoughts on regifting? Tell me your thoughts below
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I used to keep every single gift I was given but that meant I kept hoarding things I didn’t use, so now regifting is definitely something I do frequently. I don’t think it’s bad or rude at all, because giving with a good heart to someone who would genuinely like the gift is a thoughtful thing to do. Great post!
Thank you! I agree that giving something to someone who will love and appreciate it is never a bad thing. I think all the guilt came from not hurting the feelings of the person who gave it to you in the first place. Honestly though, if I gave someone something and it wasn’t their taste, I’d rather them pass it along than just throw it out.
I am all for regifting as long as I am regifting something that will be more meaningful and useful to someone else than it is to me. I cannot stand those pungent candles either, but I have many friends who absolutely love them! Since candles are a wonderful gift to take along to a meet-up after I have not seen someone for a while, I love to save them for just that.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
I think you’ve hit on the key point when you say “as long as I’m regifting something that will be more meaningful and useful to someone else.” Candles are a great item to regift.
I honestly don’t mind getting a ‘re-gift’ if it’s something I like and can use. I have regifted in the past, and I have taken into consideration not to give it to the person who gave it to me – that can be super awkward 🙂
I don’t have a problem getting a re-gift either. Honestly, I’d rather the person pass along something they don’t need than just throw it away. But, as you say, it needs to be something I like and need.
I think it’s fine as long as the package isn’t open and like you said, don’t give it to the one that gave it to you! I love the idea of saving money in the case of, say, a white elephant gift exchange! We do that game every year at Christmas
The regifting/recycled gift exchange is so much fun. We’re doing it again this year with my in-laws. And the best part is, if you get something you don’t like, you don’t have to feel guilty about regifting or donating it!
Exactly 🤗
Ok admittedly I have regifted before but absolutely agree with you that it takes work! Memory work! Don’t regift it to the original gifter and only regift it if you truly think the person will really want it! And of course, yes, please remove all tags and personal effects 🤣
I think that’s why regifting has had such a bad rap over the years—it’s often done mindlessly and that’s when people get in trouble!
These are great rules to follow when re-gifting something. I think the idea of re-gifting feels a little stressful or wrong to some people so instead they just tuck the unwanted gift away.
Years ago, I received serving dishes that resembled giant sea shells. They weren’t my style but I felt bad about giving them away, even though the gift giver would never notice. After I began decluttering my home, I found the unopened box and knew it was time to let it go. I sent pictures to my friend whose parents had just bought a beach house and they happily accepted. It was a win-win.
Ahh the guilt factor! That’s such a great point, Suzanne. I haven’t done a lot of regifting but I can definitely attest to feeling guilty when I have. Love your story of the sea shell dishes!