You know we’ve all done it at one time or another, and if you haven’t then you’ve probably been the recipient of a regifted gift. Is it wrong? Is there a proper way to regift, a regifting etiquette if you will? Let us celebrate Christmas in July with a little list of the do’s and don’ts of regifting, so you can be a great gift giver all year long.
Regift: (verb): To give an unwanted gift to someone else; to give as a gift something one previously received as a gift. Webster’s New Millennium™ Dictionary of English
Do:
1. Regift an item that someone else would enjoy or love to have. If the gift is lost on you but you know someone who will find it useful or enjoyable then regift away.
2. Make sure the gift is in good condition, it should be brand new and unopened. If you are also reusing gift wrap or packaging then make sure it also looks new and unused.
3. Donate unwanted gifts to a local charity or Good will center. There is most likely someone that will find the item useful and appreciated.
4. Commit to the act. Once you regift don’t feel guilty about it and don’t admit to the recipient that you gave them a regifted present.
5. Have a re-gifting party. This is a great idea for Pollyanna situations, as long as everyone knows that the items being exchanged are all regifted goods.
Don’t:
1. Regift unique or personalized items. It should go without saying that personalized or monogrammed items are off limits, as well as promotional items that were free. Super unique or unusual gifts are also bad choices for regifting-it’s just too obvious and could hurt the original gifter’s feelings.
2. If the item has been opened, used, or is damaged in any way, it’s off limits.
3. Regift to someone who is close to the original gifter, it will end badly and feeling will be hurt.
4. Regifting is not an excuse to be thoughtless. Just because you have an eligible, regiftable item doesn’t mean you should give it to Aunt Betty. Make sure the gift is appropriate for the person you are giving it to.
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