Regifting is not a grave crime, but you have to know how to do it right. Here are some tips we feel would help you with the art of regifting etiquettes!
#1 Create distance
Imagine how awkward it can get to be discovered passing along a gift meant for you, to someone else. So never regift within the same social circle — something you received from a family member is safer to be given to your colleague and vice versa. Especially do not regift something to someone who knows the original gifter.
#2 Appropriate for the recipient
Sure, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But that doesn’t mean you can regift mindlessly to get rid of anything you don’t like. Make sure that the recipient will enjoy the gift. For example, you receive a handbag from your office’s secret santa. Try not to simply toss it to your brother who you forgot to buy a present for. Even if you think he can pass it on to his girlfriend, why not just give it to his girlfriend directly? It will be much more appreciated.
#3 Personalise it
Regifting should not mean that no thought be put into it. Add a personal note for the recipient to create a personal touch as it will look and feel more sincere. Rewrap it too — you wouldn’t want to regift a Christmas present with Santa on the wrapping paper for someone’s birthday in March.
#4 No pre-loved items
There is an event you can organise to give away your used second-hand items — a garage sale! If you would not appreciate receiving a scarf with holes in it that has been worn to death, then avoid doing the same to someone else.
#5 Be honest when you have to
You have to know when to be upfront about the fact that you are regifting, and when not to. If you never want to risk being embarrassed, you might want to keep it to yourself. Remember that you not only have to keep it a secret from the recipient, but also anyone else who might accidentally expose you.
If you feel uncomfortable not being truthful about it, and you’re sure the recipient will be cool with it, go ahead and tell them. Say something like, “I got this for Christmas but I had bought it for myself before, and I don’t need a second one. I know you will love it, so I want you to have it!” Honest and straightforward, yet still heartfelt.
Any stories of successful or failed regifting? Share with us in the comments below!
