Once a taboo subject, regifting is becoming a practice that is not only accepted but often seen as the smart thing to do. Still, there are rules to regifting to avoid hurt feelings and embarrassment. Still not comfortable with the idea of regifting, try one of these alternative ideas that will still leave everyone pleased and the unwanted gifts out of your hands.
Do Most People Regift?
Money Management International did a survey a couple of years ago stating that sixty eight percent of women had either regifted or planned to regift. Since that survey was based on responses all the way back in 2007, I imagine that the number is much higher today. The reality of the current economy plus a real surge of frugalness and a cutback on material things must be putting some extra practicality back into regifting.
What Not to Do
When you regift an item, you want to make sure that the person you are gifting it to does not know the person that originally gave you the gift, nor are the two people ever to come in contact with each other. Otherwise, your little secret will find its way out.
Make sure the regift actually fits its new soon to be owner and look it over carefully. “I once got a broach with a big letter “M” surrounded by pretty gems. The problem? My friend’s name starts with a D.
Alternatively, and a safer way to regift is to simply be upfront and say, “I received this wonderful gift and instantly thought of you. I know the blue scarf (insert actual gift) will look so much better on you!” Don’t offer the gift on a special occasion, especially if you would have normally bought that person a new gift.
Host a Regifting Party
Having a regifting party is a great way to get rid of your old unwanted gifts and pick up a few new ones either for yourself or for others. It is a new form of regifting.
Who knows, what you couldn’t used could be enjoyed thoroughly by someone else. Bring a number of new unused gifts to leave and go home with the same amount of other new things.
You might drop off a candle set and pick up a great scarf that is just perfect for your sister-in-law, for example.