Gift-giving holidays are right around the corner and with them comes the age-old question “Is it OK to regift?” Even etiquette experts say “yes” when you do so carefully.
You may be tempted to regift for a variety of reasons.
- Maybe you are trying to simplify and Marie Kondo-ed something that would bring joy to a friend.
- Perhaps you are planning for a budget-conscious holiday. Debt-reducing-guru Dave Ramsey gives regifting the green light.
- COVID-era shopping challenges might make a caring regift seem like a safe and thoughtful option.
- You might even know a hard-to-please person or two. I’m like Santa with regard to these sweet people—I make my list and I check it twice. And wonder if something I already have might be just right.
When you’re thinking about regifting, considering these questions will help you avoid hurt feelings and awkward conversations. Remember that gift giving is, at its heart, a way to make others feel important and appreciated. Regift only things that you would have bought for the person.
Is the item new and unused?
If the answer is no, then it’s not a good regift candidate. Years ago, a friend of mine received as a wedding gift a cooler that came complete with a bag of cantaloupe. No one forgets that regift as my re-telling of this story illustrates.
Many people appreciate a gently-used hand-me-down but passing those on isn’t the same as giving a gift.
Does the item have sentimental value to you or to the person who gave it to you?
If the answer is yes, study carefully before you gift it forward. Family treasures, even ones you don’t much like, fit into this category and should probably only be passed along to other family members and with permission of the original giver.
Do you have another one like it?
Duplicates or strongly similar items make great regifts.
Do you know who gave you the gift?
Successful regifting is best done in a totally separate social circle. Label any potential regift with the giver’s name and occasion to be sure you don’t regift in the presence of the original giver.
Should the gift be given on a special occasion?
Probably not. Your friend’s wedding deserves its own special present. Regifting to the same friend just because seems more appropriate. Similarly, regifts aren’t a good idea for close friends and relations. Just give it to the person and don’t wait for an occasion.
Is it still (or again) in fashion?
Etiquette experts recommend allowing a little time before regifting, but not so much time that the gift seems out of style or old.
Is the gift intensely personal or customized?
Monogrammed or customized things make terrible regifts unless you cultivate friendships with those who share your initials or particular interests. Handmade gifts are not good regift candidates.
Have you re-packaged and re-wrapped the gift?
Be sure you aren’t passing on an item with a personal note or gift tag. If the gift is in the original, sealed packaging, you can wrap or bag it again with no worries.
Is it a commonly given gift?
Boxes of chocolates and bottles of wine are appropriate for regifting, assuming they are unsampled. If you’re thinking of regifting a box of Christopher Elbow chocolates or a particularly delicious bottle of wine, reconsider! Check for expiration dates before regifting food items.
What would you say if someone realizes you are regifting?
If your relationship with either the original giver or the regift recipient is one that would be damaged, you might want to reconsider.
With all that being said, regifting can be a good way to spread holiday cheer!
If you decide not to regift something you don’t want or need, consider donating to a local charity. KC Donation Pickup partners with Cornerstones of Care and benefit children and families locally.
