I know people who think that regifting is tacky or means that you don’t think much of the recipient if you regift to them. As a life coach, encouraging individuals to clear clutter from their space, I personally think that regifting is great if done with the best of intentions and if a few “rules” are followed.
Regifting is the act of taking a gift that has been received and giving it to somebody else. I also say that it can also be gifting something that you bought for yourself but hasn’t been used. Some, and even those that scorn regifting, may have participate in a “white elephant gift exchange” that is supposed to be a fun way of “regifting” unused or unloved items.
If you do plan to regift with the best of intentions to declutter, there are rules of etiquette that you should follow:
- Not giving the gift in the same wrapping paper or with the original gift tag attached.
- Not using the gift before regifting it.
- Not giving the gift back to the original gift-giver.
- Not giving partially used gift cards.
- Not giving something that was made specifically for you.
- Not giving something that is incredibly old.
- Not giving something that is dusty or dirty.
Money Management International has named the third Thursday before Christmas “National Re-gifting Day.” To learn more read about National Re-gifting Day.
So, will you embrace regifting this holiday season?
Leave a Reply