Regifting is a term made popular in an episode of the TV show, Seinfeld, which is now in reruns. In one episode, Elaine, one of Jerry Seinfeld's closest friends, gives a gift to Tim who in turn gives the gift to Jerry. Elaine is insulted and calls Tim a "regifter", and this label sticks to the decades-old practice of regifting.
Why Do People Regift?
People regift for any number of or a combination of reasons, including:
- They could not use the gift themself.
- The gift did was not the right size.
- The gift was not of a style they preferred.
- They did not like the color.
- They already had the item given.
- According to regiftable.com, one-third of regifters do so due to financial budget pressures.
Regifting Defined
Regifting is not the same thing as a white elephant exchange where participants know that the gifts they are receiving are gifts that are being passed on to them. As the Seinfeld episode illustrates, regifting starts with receiving a gift and then, when a gift-giving occasion arises, passing that gift on to another person. But, regifting takes some thought so that the practice goes beyond getting rid of something you cannot use.
7 Steps to Regifting with Class
Handled correctly, regifting is a perfectly acceptable way to lighten your gift-giving budget. Here is how to regift properly:
- The number one regifting rule: If you saw the gift item in a store, would you buy it for the person you want to give it to?
- If a decorative item, does the gift fit in with the recipient's decorating and color scheme?
- Is the gift age appropriate?
- Is it the right size?
- Only regift new items. If you have used something once, do not give it as a gift to someone else, instead donate it to charity.
- Does the recipient already have the gift, but in different colors or styles? If so, do not regift (one only needs so many coffee mugs).
- If the gift is a book or movie, is it a genre or does it cover a topic that the recipient enjoys? If so, regift.
- Is the gift a consumable item that you know the recipient enjoys such as chocolate, nuts, bath products or candles? If so, regift, but edible treats should have been properly stored in a cool place for no more than 6 months to ensure freshness.
- Avoid the temptation to regift because you have been too busy to get out to buy a gift. Instead, explain your circumstance with an apology to the would-be gift recipient, and then buy and give a gift within two days. You can always shop online for convenience.
- As the Seinfeld example illustrates, avoid offending the person who originally gave you the gift by not regifting to someone who knows them. You can pass a gift on from a coworker to Aunt Sue, but you cannot pass a gift from your brother to Aunt Sue.
How to Keep a Regift Looking New
Wrapping paper tends to show signs of wear at the corners or seams, and you certainly do not want to give a birthday gift wrapped in Christmas paper, even if the paper is just solid red-colored. Worn or inappropriate wrapping paper is a dead give away of a regifting, and it can make the recipient feel like they were not worth the time it takes to wrap a gift once they are on to your regifting.
Store all items you expect to regift in a dark, dust-free environment to keep them looking new and to avoid fading colors. Add some shine or a finished look to the gift by giving it a quick polish with a dry or damp cloth before you wrap it.
Is Regifting Really Acceptable?
Regifting may seem like a dubious practice because of the care and forethought it requires. But doesn't choosing a gift in a store require the same care and forethought? When you regift with the recipient in mind and do not do so as a selfish convenience, the person receiving the gift will be delighted when they open the gift wrap.
Follow these tips and you will save money in your gift-giving budget while passing on an acceptable present to someone who will appreciate it. Always be a classy regifter.
What do you think about regifting? Do you have a funny or embarrassing regifting story, or advice for regifting with style? Please share it in our discussion forum!
