Regifting Is Great, But There Are Rules To Follow

Do you really need all those gifts you got? Do you even like them all? Well, not to worry, you can regift, just make sure to do it right! Here is your guide to regifting without remorse!

You can’t stand the sight of the green vase your friend gave you for Christmas, even though you pulled off an Award-winning Academy performance when you opened it in front of her. But now you’re left with a horrid gift that you really don’t want to decorate your house with. Then a naughty thought comes to mind: would it really be a bad idea if you regifted or upcycled it?

No, not upcycled the actual glass, but upcycle the gift to someone else, which is also known as regifting. You could easily pretend you had bought the vase for a different friend, someone who you know would appreciate the bright pattern more.

Is it okay to regift?

Yes, Regifting Is good for the earth!

Here’s something that will make you feel a little less guilty for having regifted in the past. From an eco-friendly perspective, regifting could be seen in a positive light. Instead of throwing away a gift that is in perfectly good condition, thus contributing to the world’s waste, you are giving the gift a new lease on life.

The gift can also be used in a more productive way (that terrible vase could be a way for someone to add some decorative flash to their home without having to purchase something themselves from the store), instead of being stashed away in a cupboard at your home.

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Image: The Eco Hub

How to regift in a good way?

From an etiquette point of view, however, regifting does come with some downsides or risks. If you have forgotten the card from the initial giver inside the gift, that’s extremely embarrassing!

The new gift recipient will know that you didn’t seek out an original, thoughtful gift for them but merely recycled your second-rate goods. It can also be seen as rude to give your friend something that you simply don’t like; it’s as though you can’t be bothered to go out and buy them something with your own money.

But you can get the best of both worlds. In order to find a suitable way of dealing with your unwanted gift in the spirit of eco-friendliness while also regifting in a way that is not rude or tacky, there are some tips you can follow:

1. Make it tactful

Here’s where you make sure the original gift card is not stuck to the gift, bearing your name in bold letters! But it’s also ensuring tact on an emotional level. Instead of simply re-wrapping the gift for your friend and pretending that you bought it specifically for her, you could try being honest with her about the gift’s origins.

Don’t say something like ‘I hate this gross thing, so do you want it?’ because the recipient will just feel like you’re handing them your unwanted goods. You could rather openly ask your friend if they would like the green vase that does not cater to your personal taste or doesn’t match your home.

Also, ensure that your friend would appreciate the gift beforehand. Don’t just offer it to them in a wishy-washy fashion. The whole point of a gift is to show that you were thinking of your friend, so make sure you have a strong hunch that your friend would actually want the gift.

2. Don’t give it away after you’ve used it!

Regifting might be a type of recycling, but it’s not the same as using a water bottle and then tossing it out where it can be used in a new way. If you received a dress as a gift that you wore once and then decided you didn’t like it, it’s not a good idea to wash it, wrap it up, and regift it to someone else.

This comes across as tacky and unfair to the person receiving the gift. If you’re going to pretend that the gift is something you personally chose for your friend, then make sure that your gift remains sparkly, new, and unused. It’s only fair. Ask yourself: would you want someone else’s hand-me-downs that were already worn or used?

Sell the gift for cash Sometimes a much better way to avoid the etiquette and moral issue of regifting is to sell the unwanted gift on eBay and then use the cash you receive to buy your friend a more thoughtful gift. In this way, you put the unwanted gift to good use, you save money and you don’t have to risk getting caught out for regifting!

So what can you regift and what shouldn't you regift?

The all-rounders, like that coffee mug you got from your secret Santa at work, that you really don’t need for the office or home. Package it up with some coffee beans and give it to a coffee lover.

Chocolates, smelly candles, and bath salts can also give year-round. Things that are timeless and things that you simply don’t need. Package these up for a tired mom as a pamper package and away you go. A wine that you don’t drink, package it up with a pretty ribbon and give it to a hostess that you know will enjoy it.

Regifting Ideas:

  • Candles
  • Unused beauty or bath products, I get so many products from brands, I keep them all to regift
  • Gourmet foods like cookies, chocolates, teas, and coffee, unopened of course
  • Natural perfumes
  • Books
  • Gift Baskets, you can even break these up to give to multiple people
  • Throws or blankets you don't use
  • Gift Cards, make sure there is a decent balance on it
  • Unopened bottles of wine, honey, maple syrup, etc.
  • Clothing (with tags) like gloves and scarves
  • Mugs or novelty gifts

Regifting Ideas we don't recommend:

  • Anything signed
  • Anything handmade especially for you
  • Gifts you have opened

Final thoughts on regifting without remorse

Presentation is key, be creative; Make a note of who you gave the gift to; don’t regift if it has sentimental value - (a sweater knitted by granny); give it to a thrift store; don’t regift to your inner circle.

If it's a book, make sure you look inside to make sure there are no written personal messages; Perfume is another great regift idea, leave all the plastic wrapping, etc on it though; Vases are another great gift, you have received flowers and don't want to keep the vase, fill it with flowers, wrap it up and add a bow, its a great gift for pretty much any woman and any occasion; Should you own up to regifting?

It's really a personal choice. After all, it's the thought that counts. I'd love to know your thoughts. Have you ever regifted? Help someone by sharing this article – sharing is caring 🙂 !

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