THE BROKEN WALLET

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We’ve all been there – receiving a gift that we don’t really want or need. It can be tough to know what to do with these items, especially since you don’t want to offend the giver. But fear not, because there’s a solution: regifting!

Yes, you heard that right. Regifting is a great way to give a gift a new home AND save money in the process. But is it okay to regift? What are the cons of regifting? And how do you regift without getting caught? 

Here are a few tips and tricks to avoid any awkwardness or embarrassment.

• Choose the right gift: Don’t just give anything to anyone. Make sure the gift is in good condition, and that the recipient would appreciate it. This not only makes the gift more personable, it can stop the regifting cycle. If they like (and need) the item, they’re more likely to keep it. You can even ask them, “Hey, is this something you’re able to use?”

• Remove all traces: Before giving the gift, check the gift carefully for any tags or cards that indicate you’re not the original giver. When my husband and I got married, I can’t tell you the number of small wedding cards we found tucked in the sides of boxes for toasters, glassware, photo frames, etc. Had we never opened the gifts, we would have never found them. So thorough check the gift’s packaging and get rid of any evidence, but don’t ruin the original packaging (if possible).

• Keep track of who gave what: The last thing you want to do is give an item back to the original giver. Therefore, keep a mental note (or an actual note) of each giver and their gift to you. When in doubt, don’t regift.

• Regift outside your social circle: Better yet, you can avoid getting caught by regifting to a different social circle. For example, if you receive an unwanted gift from a coworker, don’t regift to another coworker. This also applies with friend groups and family members. This way, the original giver isn’t likely to find out.

• Be honest if you get caught: Regifting is risky business, and the reality is, you might get caught. If this happens, come clean, apologize, and explain your reason for regifting. A lot of people have been guilty of regifting, so they’ll likely understand and appreciate your honesty.

• Consider donating: If you don’t want to risk getting caught, donate or sell the item instead. The gift receives a new home, and you don’t have to worry about potential repercussions.

FAQ

Is it okay to regift?

Regifting can be a touchy subject, but in general, it’s okay to regift as long as you do it thoughtfully and respectfully. Firstly, make sure the item is in good condition and still in its original packaging, if possible. You don’t want to regift something that looks old or worn out, as this can come across as thoughtless or insincere. Secondly, consider the recipient carefully. Make sure the item is something they will actually appreciate and use, and that it’s appropriate for their tastes and interests. Lastly, be honest about the fact that you’re regifting. There’s no need to hide the fact that the item was previously given to you, but you can still make it a thoughtful and meaningful gift by explaining why you think it’s perfect for the recipient. Ultimately, regifting can be a great way to save money and reduce waste, as long as you do it with care and consideration.

What are the cons for regifting?

While regifting can be a great way to save money and reduce waste, there are some potential cons to keep in mind. If you’re not careful, regifting can come across as thoughtless or insincere. If the recipient knows that the item was previously given to you, they may feel like you didn’t put much effort into finding a meaningful gift for them. Also, regifting can be risky if the recipient knows the original giver, and it might be seen as tacky or inappropriate in certain social circles. If you’re unsure whether regifting is acceptable in a particular situation, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose a new gift instead. 

What to do when you get a gift you don’t want?

Receiving a gift you don’t want can be awkward and uncomfortable, but there are a few things you can do to handle the situation gracefully. First, try to focus on the positive aspects of the gift. Even if it’s not something you would have chosen for yourself, it’s still a kind gesture from the giver. Also, consider whether you can repurpose or donate the gift. Just because it’s not right for you doesn’t mean it won’t be appreciated by someone else. If you can’t find a use for the gift, it’s okay to regift it or exchange it for something else. Just be sure to do so thoughtfully and respectfully.