As the festive season approaches, so does the age-old practice of regifting—a custom characterized by a spectrum of perspectives on its appropriateness, both socially and morally. Let’s delve into the whimsical art of passing along items you no longer want, all while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Regifting is a nuanced practice, much like donning a Santa hat at the office party—when done well, it spreads joy; when mishandled, it can lead to hurt feelings and awkward encounters. With a few helpful tips and a dash of common sense, you can enjoy the perks of regifting without the pitfalls.
Know Your Recipients
The ideal candidates for regifting are those with whom you don’t share a close bond. Family and close friends deserve thoughtful, personalized gifts. If time is tight, your loved ones will appreciate your honesty if you explain your situation. Simply let them know you intend to find something special for them as soon as possible.
Savvy regifters understand that the best recipients are those unlikely to discover the item’s original source or, if they do, won’t mind. Beware of the “Gift Police”—those who scrutinize labels and gift receipts—who can sniff out a repackaged item from a distance. On the flip side, a colleague who feels appreciated by your thoughtfulness will cherish that bottle of wine you received at a gathering.
Presentation Matters
Once you decide to regift an item, it transforms into a genuine gift and should be treated accordingly.
Rule #1: Ensure the item is in its original packaging and unopened, with all traces of its previous life removed. Don’t forget to check for personal notes or photographs that could reveal its history.
Rule #2: Wrap the item in the same paper you’re using for your other gifts, taking care to add a fresh card and thoughtful decorations.
Rule #3: Make sure the item is still relevant—there’s nothing worse than having your recipient discover that their new gift is a relic from decades past.
Keep Track of Your Gifts
Make a note of who gifted you the item, to whom you regifted it, and when. This record-keeping is essential to avoid giving a present back to the original giver.
The safest recipients for regifts are those who live far away or are outside your close circle—think coworkers or acquaintances you don’t know well.
Recognizing Common Regifts
As the saying goes, “There are only two fruitcakes in the world; we just keep passing them around.” While I happen to enjoy fruitcake, let’s rephrase that for clarity:
According to a corporate gift manager from an upscale department store, the most frequently regifted items include:
- Scarves and accessories
- Picture frames
- Vases
- Non-sized items (clothing is tricky due to individual preferences)
Other popular regifts are wine, spirits, and extravagant gift baskets filled with gourmet treats like artisanal olive oil or fancy preserves.
Regifts often carry an air of anonymity and disconnect from the giver’s personality. If it’s not a known saying yet, it should be: “The Gift That Was Regifted Was Most Likely a Regift Itself.”
When to Think Twice About Regifting
Gift-giving is meant to convey warmth and connection. It’s about making both the giver and receiver feel valued and festive. So, even if you consider regifting that paper shredder from your boss to your sister, it might be worth picking out something special for her instead. The effort of selecting, wrapping, and presenting a gift matters—it’s not just the thought that counts but also the time and care involved.
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In summary, regifting can be a practical and joyful way to share unused items, but it requires careful consideration of your audience and presentation. Approach the process thoughtfully, and you can maintain the spirit of giving during the holidays.