Regifting, the act of giving someone a gift that you received and didn’t want or need, is a topic that can create a lot of controversy. While some people see regifting as a practical and eco-friendly way to get rid of unwanted items, others view it as thoughtless and tacky. No matter which side of the fence you fall on, there are definitely some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to regifting.
Dos:
1. Make sure the gift is brand new and in its original packaging. When regifting, it’s important to ensure that the item looks like it has never been used. Nobody wants to receive a gift that looks like it has been sitting in the back of your closet for years.
2. Consider the recipient. Before regifting an item, think about whether it is something that the person would actually use and appreciate. Just because you don’t want it doesn’t mean that someone else won’t love it.
3. Attach a new card or gift tag. To avoid any awkward situations, make sure to remove any previous gift tags or messages that may have been included with the item. Instead, attach a new card or tag with a thoughtful message for the recipient.
4. Regift items that are still in style. If you received a gift that is no longer in trend or relevant, it may be best to hold onto it rather than regifting it. It’s important to make sure that the item is something that the recipient would actually want.
Don’ts:
1. Regift items that have sentimental value. If you received a gift from a close friend or family member that has sentimental value, it is not appropriate to regift it. The thought and intention behind the gift are what make it meaningful, and regifting it can come off as insincere.
2. Regift items that are personalized. If a gift has been personalized with your name or initials, it is definitely not suitable for regifting. Items like monogrammed towels or custom artwork should be kept for yourself or donated rather than regifted.
3. Regift items that are expired or damaged. It should go without saying, but regifting items that are past their expiration date or damaged in any way is a big no-no. Nobody wants to receive a gift that is unusable or unsafe.
4. Regift an item back to the original giver. This is perhaps the biggest faux pas when it comes to regifting. If you received a gift from someone, it is never okay to regift it back to them – even if you think they won’t remember giving it to you.
In conclusion, regifting can be a tricky business, but if done thoughtfully and with consideration for the recipient, it can be a way to give a gift new life. Just remember to follow these dos and don’ts to avoid any potential pitfalls and awkward situations. Ultimately, the most important thing is to give a gift from the heart, whether it’s new or regifted.
