Another Christmas has come and gone. Although it’s meant to be simple and enjoyable, not about excessive gifting, maybe you received a scarf that isn’t your colour, or a scented candle that makes your nose run. You gratefully accepted them, but these gifts invariably end up in a cupboard and never see the light of day — unless they are regifted.
It’s hardly a ground-breaking concept, but regifting has become the new way of giving. Personally, I’ve been doing it for some time, whether it’s for birthdays, a way of saying thank you, or a random act of kindness.
Despite regifting still being un-PC for some, it’s the thought and intention behind it that truly counts.
Not only is there a science behind regifting, there’s psychological research with studies at Stanford, Harvard and the London Business School finding it to be far more acceptable. Even American Express got in on the act and found that 76 per cent of Americans find regifting to be okay.
The thing is, it’s important to remember that everything that is gifted to you has energy behind it. That means it’s vital to gratefully accept a gift in the first place, whether it resonates with you or not, and then pass it on with love and consideration to someone more suitable.
Here’s how to turn regifting into genuine giving:
Consider the energy and intention behind regifting
Generally, the idea behind regifting is that it’s new, unused, or at least rarely used, fully functional and not missing any parts. Most importantly, it’s passed on to someone who is considered a more suitably aligned recipient. If needed, write down who gave it to you, plus where and when so you can keep track. And if the recipient of your regift doesn’t appreciate it for some reason, they may also pass it on until the gift finds the best home possible.
Create some breathing space between receiving and regifting
While we don’t want or need to create clutter, it’s okay to have some healthy breathing space between receiving the gift and regifting it to another. It’s not about getting rid of it for the sake of it.
Etiquette for regifting food
Avoid giving foodstuffs that have almost reached their expiration date or have been partly opened. In saying that, as bottles of wine improve with time, unopened ones make the perfect regifts, providing the receiver actually drinks wine and likes what you’ve given them.
Avoid trashing gifts — verbally or otherwise
Even if it might seem like the most distasteful or ghastly thing out, don’t chide or bin the gift you have been given. Instead, consider using it for a quirky themed party gift or combine it with other gifts as a somewhat tongue-in-cheek addition. Alternatively, donate it to a party or op shop.
More often, the original giver will be more offended if you trash it, whether it’s a quality gift or not. They would rather see it regifted.
Regift well beyond your immediate social circle
Make sure that your gift is not regifted to the person who gave it to you in the first place or within their immediate or your combined circle of family or friends. As mentioned before, make a note of who gave it to you.
Although I prefer honesty, if you know the giver will be offended, ensure the present is sent far, far away so it’s not likely to be seen by them.
Honesty is the best policy with regifting
Of course, regifting doesn’t have to be hush, hush if you don’t want it to with the giver or the recipient. The whole point of regifting is to consider the source and the intention.
For the original giver, you could say something like: “I’m so grateful that you got this. I know someone who would absolutely love it. Do you mind if I pass it on to them?” Meanwhile for the recipient, it could be: “I knew that you would adore it as soon as I gave it to you. It’s so you.”
It’s really about how well you know your friends and considering the best approach.
Etiquette for regifting handmade gifts
When it comes to handmade gifts that have been made by the original giver, these types of pressies are best regifted to charity, not passed on to people you know. It’s far too personal to regift them to friends, especially since they were created with you in mind.
Regifting family heirlooms
As for those family heirlooms and antiquities that have been passed down, it’s usually best to have them remain in the family. If you can, pass them on to someone you think will appreciate it, whether it’s a close or distant relative.
If there are no relatives to pass it on to, consider friends who adore and/or value vintage or shabby chic and pass on pieces that may be similar to their taste. Alternatively, take it to a reputable antique store.
Give the regift some extra love with some uplifting giftwrapping
Always remember to give the regift a burst of life and/or love with some simple, creative and eco-friendly gift wrapping. Maybe add it as part of a combination of gifts that are being given.
Overall, the whole concept behind regifting and regiving is that it is done with thoughtfulness and comes straight from the heart. It also prevents wastage and being sent to landfill.
How do you feel about regifting?
By Kristin Lee
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