Holiday shopping for family, friends and business contacts can be tough. While I’m all for the idea that “it’s the thought that counts,” it doesn’t change the fact that some gifts are less needed (or wanted) than others. At that point, should you regift? Although regifting could be taboo, it’s also a great way to avoid wastage. So if you’re one of the 76% of Americans who thinks it’s socially acceptable to regift, according to American Express Spending and Saving Tracker, consider these shame-free regifting ideas by Lifestyle and Etiquette Expert Elaine Swann.
One can say, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but this is just challenging the concept to the max.... [+]
#1: DON’T REGIFT WITHIN THE SAME SOCIAL CIRCLE
Nothing is more embarrassing than regifting to someone who had originally given you the present. This is why, the golden rule is never to regift within the same social circle. But how can you ensure that? The key is to keep a running log of the presents you received, including the date of receipt, name of the gift giver and the content. That way, when you have to regift, you wouldn’t have to wonder if the present is best suited for your relatives, friends or business contacts.
#2: TAILOR THE REGIFT FOR THE RECIPIENT
Just as you would when giving anyone a present, make sure your regift is tailored for your recipient. A savvy regifter would always match the right gift with the right person. Although lotions and perfumes seem like popular choices, they’re actually challenging as many people often have distinct tastes on these items. Same rule applies to other personal items such as sweaters. So if you’re new to regifting, consider getting candles and general household goods that appeal to most people.
#3: MAKE SURE THE GIFT IS COMPLETELY NEW
This may seem like common sense, but remember this: Regifting is not the same as hand-me-downs. Don’t ever think that it’s okay to lightly use something before adding it to the regifting pile. Not even once. Whatever you’re regifting must be completely unused, in its original container, and in pristine condition. Although non-perishable items that fulfill these three criteria could technically be regifted at any time, you must make sure that the original packaging is still current. Unless your item is clearly vintage, anything else is just begging for embarrassment.
#4: PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO GIFT-WRAPPING
If you don’t want your present to scream regift, take extra care on gift-wrapping a selection of presents. First, remove all the telltale signs of the regift, such as nametag, tape and wrapping paper. Then, choose a nice basket or bin and carefully curate a selection of items that appeals most to the recipient. It’s all about protecting the gift from damage when it comes to gift-wrapping, so make sure you don’t try to fit a gift basket with too many things, and remember to bubble wrapping plus double wrapping each item. Bags, bows, tissue paper and other embellishments are elements of a thoughtfully presented regift, which are available at Container Store and Pier 1 Import. But if you don’t want to bother with any of that, there are always gift-wrapping services at local malls, shopping outlets and stores such as Papyrus.
#5: KNOW WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE REGIFTED
Believe it or not, many people are guilty of regifting useless and worthless presents, such as swags like tote bags or notepads with gigantic logos of insurance companies or outdated calendars and tote bags. So unless you’re sure the promotional item you have is absolutely perfect for the recipient, consider it a massive regifting “don’t.” As an alternative, why not send them to your nearby thrift shop and consignment store, or donate them to your local charity?