Regifting isn’t actually bad if you do it right
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Regifting is one of those not-so-secret secret time honored traditions everyone practices. Everyone and (literally) their mother would be a liar if they said they hadn’t stuffed a previously gifted bottle of perfume into a new paper bag at the last minute and sent it on its merry way to a new home.
On the surface, it looks bad. Regifting is basically taking something that was gifted to you (that you don’t like or didn’t use), and forwarding it to another person under the pretense that you got it for them specifically.
This might be a controversial opinion, but there’s nothing wrong with regifting—if you do it the right way. If you’re short on time and planning to regift something to someone else, here are a few ethical considerations you should make before hand.
The do’s
Check if the item is worth regifting
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One of the usual suspects of the regifting ring are perfumes—right up there with body mists, toiletry sets, and reed diffusers. The first thing you should check on any item (especially if it’s perishable) is the expiration date. If it’s expired, chuck it. End of story.
If the item is well within usable range, check for damage and clean it. It’s one thing to regift something, but it’s another to regift something that’s obviously being regifted.
Make sure the recipient will actually use the gift
If you’re not sure the intended recipient of your gift will use the item, it’s better to stop by the store on the way to the party and grab a nice bottle of wine. If its new owner isn’t going to use it, it might end up on the regifting chain indefinitely.
Wrap it nicely
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Just because it’s regifted, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t look brand new. If you have the time and energy, buy a nice paper bag or some wrapping paper and add some bows. Gifts should evoke joy, and that includes the wrapping.
The don’ts
Regift items with sentimental value attached
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Most of the time, people give gifts with a lot of intention attached to it. If the gift you’re thinking of regifting has sentimental value (like it was a graduation gift or a wedding or anniversary present), you should probably look for something else.
Even if you’re not on good terms with the original gifter, there should still be some respect for the sentiment attached. This is a case to case basis, but that usually holds for the most part.
Give away something you’d hate to receive
If you don’t like what you’re giving away and you’re giving it to a friend, chances are, they probably might not like it, too. That is, unless that’s a very niche gift item that your friend thoroughly enjoys. Then by all means, gift away!
Gift something you just want to get rid of
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There are hundreds of environmentally responsible ways to get rid of things you don’t want, but regifting for the sake of getting rid of something is not one of them. If you really want to get rid of your ratty display pillows, just donate them to Goodwill or the local shelter.
You may also like: Gift guide: What to give the frequent flyer friend
And never…
Regift something to the original gifter. It’s common sense not to, yes, but it does happen from time to time. This shows that you don’t really care about the person and just leaves a general bad impression. Do not do this.
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