Today is National ReGift Day which begs the question, "Should I re-gift...or not?" We've all received gifts, I'm sure, that were not eaxtly "Our cup of tea." These unwanted, unusuable presents stack up in closets and attics everywhere. collecting dust and taking up space. As an example, a well-meaning friend recently gave me a pair of swim fins. Really, swim fins? It was a lovely thought, but it's not an item that I need or will ever use. So, do I give those swim fins to someone else...someone who isn't a frog, perhaps? Or do I just keep them for an appropriate length of time, then give them to the secondhand store? Or do I simply toss them out? As it turns out, regifting is allowed, but only if you follow certain rules.
Most of us feel guilty if we regift but, according to the Wall Street Journal, this once social taboo is gradually gaining acceptance. One, simple solution to the whole re-gifting question might be for the gift-giver to encourage the gift-receiver to use the gift as they please. One study went so far as to say that the gift-giver should tell the receiver that it's perfectly fine if they should want to regift the present. Another study suggests that regifting should be based on the relationship between giver and receiver. Why? Because the gifts chosen by loved ones, or close friends, have a different significance than those given by acquaintances. Regifting presents from close friends/family tends to have a more negative connotation than regifting the presents received from those folks we don't know as well.
I checked with the website, regiftable.com and found a few rules of etiquette for regifting than should help cut back on your guilt, as well as the hurt feelings of others.
1. Is the gift regiftable? You never regift handmade or one-of-a-kind items. Signed books and monogrammed anything are definitely off-limits. And, of course, you never regift free or promotional items. A few of the items on the acceptable list include: Unopened bottles of wine, new household gadgets or items, and inexpensive jewelry.
2. How is the condition? Only regift new, unopened gifts in good contition. Never regift partially-used gift cards. And don't regift items that you've had for a long time. The general rule of thumb is, if you have to dust it off then it's not regiftable.
3. Is this going to work? Regifters must use common sense. Be very certain you know who gave you the item so you don't inadvertently regift it back to them. And only regift items you're sure will never be seen by the original giver.
4. Do you have good intentions? Don't regift just to give a gift; that's probably how YOU ended up with said item in the first place. Be sure that the new recipient will appreciate the item. It you feel the item is undesirable, then the new receiver probably will, too....unless you happen to know for a fact that the recipient is dying to have whatever it is you want to "unload." If you're regifting simply because you ran out of time, it's better to go out and purchase a gift card than to regift one of your preseents.
5. How does it look? When it comes to gift-giving, go for show! While it maybe alright to reuse gift bags that are in excellent (like new) condition, it's never a good idea to reuse wrapping paper. Always spring for a new card or gift tag, as well.
6. Can you handle it? If you aren't going to announce to the receiver that you're regifting, can you handle the secret? Never feel guilty about regifting, once you've decided you're going to do it. And lastly...
7. Have you considered your options? Regifting or throwing out that unwanted present aren't your only choices. An unwelcomd gift might be a welcomed donation to a charitable organization. It's also an option to "suck it up" and keep the present. It was, after all, a gift.
I hope these helpful rules will make it easier for you to decide whether or not to regift this holiday season. As for me, I've decided not to regift my swim fins, but to donate them to the local YMCA where they will be used to help a child learn to swim.
Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you back here tomorrow!
Most of us feel guilty if we regift but, according to the Wall Street Journal, this once social taboo is gradually gaining acceptance. One, simple solution to the whole re-gifting question might be for the gift-giver to encourage the gift-receiver to use the gift as they please. One study went so far as to say that the gift-giver should tell the receiver that it's perfectly fine if they should want to regift the present. Another study suggests that regifting should be based on the relationship between giver and receiver. Why? Because the gifts chosen by loved ones, or close friends, have a different significance than those given by acquaintances. Regifting presents from close friends/family tends to have a more negative connotation than regifting the presents received from those folks we don't know as well.
I checked with the website, regiftable.com and found a few rules of etiquette for regifting than should help cut back on your guilt, as well as the hurt feelings of others.
1. Is the gift regiftable? You never regift handmade or one-of-a-kind items. Signed books and monogrammed anything are definitely off-limits. And, of course, you never regift free or promotional items. A few of the items on the acceptable list include: Unopened bottles of wine, new household gadgets or items, and inexpensive jewelry.
2. How is the condition? Only regift new, unopened gifts in good contition. Never regift partially-used gift cards. And don't regift items that you've had for a long time. The general rule of thumb is, if you have to dust it off then it's not regiftable.
3. Is this going to work? Regifters must use common sense. Be very certain you know who gave you the item so you don't inadvertently regift it back to them. And only regift items you're sure will never be seen by the original giver.
4. Do you have good intentions? Don't regift just to give a gift; that's probably how YOU ended up with said item in the first place. Be sure that the new recipient will appreciate the item. It you feel the item is undesirable, then the new receiver probably will, too....unless you happen to know for a fact that the recipient is dying to have whatever it is you want to "unload." If you're regifting simply because you ran out of time, it's better to go out and purchase a gift card than to regift one of your preseents.
5. How does it look? When it comes to gift-giving, go for show! While it maybe alright to reuse gift bags that are in excellent (like new) condition, it's never a good idea to reuse wrapping paper. Always spring for a new card or gift tag, as well.
6. Can you handle it? If you aren't going to announce to the receiver that you're regifting, can you handle the secret? Never feel guilty about regifting, once you've decided you're going to do it. And lastly...
7. Have you considered your options? Regifting or throwing out that unwanted present aren't your only choices. An unwelcomd gift might be a welcomed donation to a charitable organization. It's also an option to "suck it up" and keep the present. It was, after all, a gift.
I hope these helpful rules will make it easier for you to decide whether or not to regift this holiday season. As for me, I've decided not to regift my swim fins, but to donate them to the local YMCA where they will be used to help a child learn to swim.
Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you back here tomorrow!
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