Is re-gifting ever acceptable? It might be considered recycling, but can you live with the guilt when the gift was meant to be for you? Take a look at our reasons, rules and options to decide what’s best for you.
Did your aunt get you a scented sock drawer sachet again this year? If so — and if you never asked or hinted that you needed or wanted sock drawer sachets — there’s a 50 percent chance it was a grab-bag gift. A grab-bag gift usually comes from a box of last-minute or unwanted gifts — also known as recycled gifts.
Not all grab-bag gifts are cringe-worthy — some smart gift-givers keep a box filled with useful and trendy items. Items that make a thoughtful thank-you gift for a hostess or perfect last-minute party gift. But what if you know a friend that actually uses or needs sock drawer sachets? Should you re-wrap your unwanted gift, re-home it or donate it?
4 Reasons why you shouldn’t re-gift
- The purpose of gift giving is to give a thoughtful gift — from you.
- It can come back to bite you if not done carefully.
- Proper gift giving etiquette includes giving your gift with a receipt. Gift receipts allow the recipient to exchange or return a gift in the event that it’s defective, too small, too big or they just don’t like it.
- Break the cycle! When you receive a re-gift, do you ever wonder how many times it has been around the block? Break the cycle and save the next person the guilt.
4 Options for re-gifting
- If you receive a gift that is best suited for another person, simply give the person the gift. Don’t save it for a birthday, wrap it up and pass it off as your own.
- Donate your unwanted gifts to a local shelter or charity organization.
- Save an unwanted gift for a while elephant party — just make sure the gift giver isn’t at the same party.
- Repurpose your gift into a craft project with your kids.
Giving back after the holidays >>
4 Rules for re-gifting
If you do decide to re-gift, follow these guidelines so it doesn’t become painfully obvious that your gift is a recycled gift. If not done right, it can become an embarrassing situation for the recipient and you.
- Don’t give a gift just to give a gift. If the recycled gift doesn’t match the new recipient’s personality or style, don’t give it.
- Inspect the package! Don’t leave proof that the gift has been opened, don’t leave remnants of wrapping paper or a piece of tape, and check for any personalization on or inside the gift.
- Wrap the gift with new paper, in a new bag and with a new card.
- Include the gift along with a complimentary or larger-scale item like a gift basket.
Re-gifting successfully – Tips to help you re-gift with style >>
Tell us
Have you ever re-gifted? Did you follow the rules above? Share in the comments below!
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