Often, a stigma is attached to the fine old art of re-gifting. That was then. This is now! Re-gifting is a part of modern day culture. Just about everyone has re-gifted at least once. Even though they might not admit to the practice. Re-gifting is actually a fun project. Re-gifting is recycling with a twist. A way to save the planet.
Even Peggy Post, etiquette advice columnist for Good Housekeeping, admits she's a frequent re-gifter. She reports receiving two copies of a book and deciding to give one copy to her mother-in-law. Re-gifting when done properly is wonderful but there are a few warnings. Re-gifting might cause embarrassment to all involved if practiced incorrectly. Here are a few suggestions.
Getting Started Re-gifting
Collect the gifts which should be in their original boxes. Remove the item from the box. Check to make sure they are in good condition. Look for little nicks or cracks. Are the items sound? In pristine condition? If so, they are ready to re-gift. Note: Toss the wrapping. It is probably crinkled, old, or torn.
Perfect Re-gifting Matches
Select the right gift for the right person. For example if there's an electric power drill in the box, odds are your mother in law would think the gifts a bit inappropriate. Or if there's a complete set of crock pots, your brother might think this gift is a bit weird. In this scenario your mother in law would be the perfect candidate for the crock pots. Your brother might really appreciate an electric power drill.
Rewrapping a Re-gift
Warning. Never use the original gift wrapping. The wrapping is probably a bit shabby. Update the package with new wrapping. And please...a new gift box. Gift boxes are cheap and available in an array of designs at local dollar stores. Now re-wrap the item with extreme care. Add a notecard with the appropriate message and a bow. If done properly, the receiver will not know it was re-gifted.
Warnings
- This is very tacky. Some people actually re-gift hand me down clothing, furniture, personal items. This is not re-gifting. This is recycling leftover junk. A re-gifted item should be brand new and never used period.
- Never re-gift a fruit cake. Who knows how many times it’s been re-gifted already. And re-gifting brand candy, cheap soaps, tacky perfumes is discouraged. This is just sound judgment.
- Never tell anyone that the present is a re-gift unless you are guilt ridden or extremely honest. Sharing such information takes the joy out of giving and receiving gifts.
In summation, most find re-gifting totally acceptable practice...just don't re-gift to the person who gave the present originally. This will certainly cause embarrasment.
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