In theory, when someone gives you a present, it is yours to do with as you please. In practice, however, when people give gifts, they choose a specific item with the recipient in mind. When you think about it in this way, regifting can be a precarious endeavour. However, you can do it well when you have a plan in place.

The Ethics of Regifting

Firstly, regifting should not be about dumping your unwanted clutter on other people who may not want it either. The important thing is to think about whose feelings could be hurt in the regifting process. Ask yourself these questions before you regift items.

Did the giver buy this item specifically with me in mind? If the giver personalized the gift (hand-made, custom-made), or it is unique or specialized (e.g., engraved), don’t regift it. You never know who is posting pictures to social media. The giver (or someone else) could easily identify the regifted item.

Will the original gift giver be hurt if I give the item to someone else? Did Aunt Joan spend hours choosing the perfect present for you? You probably shouldn’t regift it, especially if you think she will inquire about it, expect you to wear it, or see it in your home. If it isn’t unique (see the point above) and she lives far away, then you’re probably safe to regift it.

Would regifting mislead a recipient? Be careful when regifting an item outside the scope of your usual spending allowance. Giving a generous present could create a sense of indebtedness. Then, the recipient may feel bad when they do not have the financial means to reciprocate.

Should I tell the recipient the item is a regift? Whether or not you disclose a regift depends on the item and your relationship. Some people choose to do it and explain why. For example, “I received this vase from my aunt, but I’m gifting it to you because the colour and style match your living room perfectly.”

Should I mention that someone regifted something I gave or if someone gave me a regift? You probably do not know the circumstances of the giver. Maybe the item was not to their taste, they already had something similar, or they might be in a sensitive financial situation. Whatever the case, being gracious – and silent – is usually the best response.

Create a Plan

Designate a “Regifting Zone” in your home. It could be a filing cabinet drawer in your office or a shelf in your closet. When you receive a gift you probably won’t use, inspect it carefully to ensure no hidden personalized notes, tags, or cards are stuck inside the packaging or on the item itself. Check hidden corners on jewelry and other articles for monograms and engravings. Flip through books thoroughly because people often write on the inside pages – not just on the inside cover.

Label the regifts with a sticky note and include the giver’s name, the date received, and the occasion. If it is a food item (box of chocolates, wine), add an expiration date on the label too. You could create categories of regifts too. Separate them as a store would (e.g., bath & beauty, kitchen, etc.) or by the potential recipient.

Keep a list of regifts on your smartphone to know what you already have when you are out shopping.

Regifting Guide

Here are some guidelines to help you regift appropriately.

Don’t regift used items. Keep items in their original (unopened) packaging, complete with original tags and instructions. Lightly used items may be acceptable if they appear brand new. If you have a used-but-good-as-new article, give it away but not as a gift. Explain that you have used it, but you no longer need or want it.

Don’t regift new-but-outdated tech. Technology changes so rapidly that even the unused tablet you got as a gift last year might be outdated. Please do some research before you regift new-but-old tech to ensure it is still useful. Again, feel free to give it away, but not as a gift.

Choose the right gift. When regifting, apply the same rules as to when you pick out a new present. Choose an item that is specific for the recipient. Don’t regift your unwanted bath bombs if you know the recipient would never use them.

Wrap it right. Just because you saved some money by not purchasing a gift doesn’t mean you can hand it over in an old, beat-up gift bag – presentation matters. Wrap the gift with care.

Regift from stores still in business. If a store has been out of business for a while, it will be obvious you didn’t take the time to choose a new gift. Plus, they can’t return or exchange the item.

Regift locally sourced items. Don’t regift an item purchased from an out-of-town store if you haven’t been there recently. It’s an obvious regift. For example, if you haven’t been to London, don’t regift the scarf your sibling bought you at Harrods.

Don’t regift within your social group. Do not regift items to people who may know or interact with the original giver. And, considering how connected we are, I’ll repeat – you never know who is posting pictures to social media. The giver (or someone else) could easily identify the regifted item.

Downsizing and Regifting

You can use regifting to downsize. The best way is to tell family and friends what you are doing – and why, well before the holiday season. For example, you could write everyone a letter/email that explains you would prefer to give your treasures to family than donate or sell them. With each regift, try and include a story about how the item came into your possession, why it is meaningful to you, and why you want the recipient to have it.

If you feel that your family might not like the regifting approach to downsizing, consider having a holiday-themed Downsizing Party. It’s a great reason to bring the family together to socialize, reminisce, and share in the abundance.

If you need help downsizing, decluttering, and creating a regifting zone, contact Out of Chaos today!

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