Christmas has come and gone just like that! Isn’t it something how we get all worked up 364 days of the year to get to this one day? Then we get there and receive gifts that may not be the right fit for us. Sure, they may be nice gifts for someone, but they are not right for you. You may even have tried to get a refund, but that didn’t go as well as you had hoped. So now, what? Should you be stuck with gifts that you know you won’t use? Absolutely not. That’s where regifting comes in.
Regifting is not altogether a bad thing. There are many reasons why people choose to regift. They may have received an item they once wanted but can no longer use due to changed circumstances. They may have received an item they have too many of already. They may have received something that doesn’t fit or look good on them. Many of us have done it. You’ve probably even been the recipient of a regift. Not only does regifting help give purpose to something you do not desire. It also saves you money next year when it’s time to do this all over again.
Good Items to Regift
Most of us try to avoid regifting, but when it makes sense to do it, why not right? There’s just one thing. Not everything you receive makes a good gift to re-gift. Here are some items that would make great gifts to regift:
- New, unopened household items or small appliances
- Unused personal products, like soaps, lotions, or perfume
- Unopened gourmet items, like cookies, teas, or chocolates (be mindful of expiration dates)
- Bottles of wine that haven’t been opened
- Unused candles
- Unused gift cards
- Gift baskets that haven’t been opened
- New clothing items with the tag still on them
- Jewelry that hasn’t been worn
- Picture frames
- New scarves or gloves
Not-So-Good Items to Regift
Some gifts were just not made to pass off to someone else. Whatever you do, never regift an item that you outright hate yourself—unless you know for a fact someone who would love to have it. Outside of that, you don’t want to make the mistake of regifting these items:
- Monogrammed or handmade items
- Anything that has already been opened
- A dated item (who wants the PS5 Just Dance 2022 in 2023?)
- Anything you don’t like yourself or wouldn’t buy for someone else
Helpful Tips When Regifting
Regifting the right way is an art. It requires a lot of thought and consideration. Regifting is not about getting rid of something you no longer want yourself, but it’s about finding a forever home for that special item that does not have a place in your heart or you don’t need. I can’t stress enough how important it is not to regift something you wouldn’t buy for yourself or anyone on your Christmas list. Given that, here are a few good tips for regifting.
Remember the original gift giver
There’s nothing more embarrassing than regifting a gift and giving it to the same person who gave it to you. Regifting doesn’t have to take place the very next year. You could mistakenly give the person who gave you the exact gift years later. You don’t even have to wait until Christmas to regift. With so many holidays and special occasions between now and the next Christmas, regifting can occur any time of the year.
To avoid hurt feelings, try to keep a mental note of who all of your gifts came from. Not only would you not want to give it back to the giver, but you also don’t want anyone in a close relationship with that person to have it either. Be mindful of your social circles. It’s possible someone else within the group is aware of the gift that was originally given to you.
Be selective in your regifting
A gift you receive may not be a good fit for you, but it may be just right for someone you know. If the gift isn’t staying with you, try to find a home where it will be most appreciated. Don’t just give it to anyone. You already know the feeling of receiving a gift that doesn’t fit who you are. Your intention should be to find this item a home where it will be most welcomed, so be selective with the unwanted gift in relation to who you regift it.
Rewrap and retag
Rewrapping the gift and retagging it are absolute musts if you’re going to regift it. Leave the gift in its original packaging, but use new wrapping paper or bags to give it a new look. Also, not doing so runs you the risk of giving a gift that has someone else’s name on it. How embarrassing is that?
Alternatives to Regifting
If you’ve piled up a closet full of unwanted gifts for years and haven’t found the heart to regift, do the next best thing. Sell them or donate them! Selling these items will be a great way to make some extra money for the holiday season or any time of the year. eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great sites to sell unwanted items.
Lastly, many places welcome various donations throughout the year. Consider Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and the like when it comes to cleaning your garage and closets. Donating to places that will be grateful for the product is better than wasting it away in your closet.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, you want to avoid regifting as much as possible. But if you have an unwanted gift that would be a good fit for someone else, give it in love—the right way by avoiding nightmare-regifting scenarios and saving yourself some money simultaneously. Keep the tips above in mind, and you’ll have the art of regifting down in no time. Till next year!
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