The Case For Regifting

It’s that time of year… when we grit our teeth, force a fake smile, and mentally relegate that dud present to the back of our closet while assuring the giver that “It’s just what I wanted!”

Receiving gifts we don’t need, that don’t fit, or that just don’t suit us is part and parcel of the holiday season. And clothing can be the worst offender, with style notoriously personal and subjective.

But one person’s trash can be another’s treasure, and your unwanted present might be just perfect for a friend or loved one. Would you commit the ultimate Christmas faux-pas and regift?

Regifting, or recycling a present that was originally intended for yourself, comes with a lot of stigma. Fairly or unfairly, the practice is seen as stingy, ungrateful, and thoughtless. But with an estimated one in ten gifts thrown away and contributing to billions of pounds of landfill every year, perhaps it’s time we reframed this thinking and embraced the art of the regift. Just follow these regifting rules and enjoy a holiday season that’s kind to the planet- and your wallet.

1. Be choosy about what you regift

Do your best to regift mindfully. In other words, don’t pass on total crap to someone who’s not going to like it any more than you do. Not only is this pretty ungenerous to the receiver, but it just means the item will likely end up in their trash- and eventually, landfill.

If you really can’t think of someone who will appreciate a gift, consider giving it charity instead. But again, only if it’s in good condition and likely to be of some value. Charity stores aren’t dumping grounds, and it takes staff and volunteers hours to sort through broken or soiled items. If you’re not sure whether your gift is charity-appropriate, ask first.

2. Be upfront  

Depending on how brave you feel, be honest with the giver about your intentions, and the give-ee about the gift’s origins. A simple thank you and explanation that you have a friend that it will be just perfect for is a tactful way to avoid offense.  

Or if that sounds toe-curlingly awkward, just make sure the two parties are from different social circles and that they’ll never know. Where’s the harm in a little white lie in the spirit of Christmas?

3. Add a personal touch

One of the best things about gift-giving is that it gives us a chance to show our loved ones how well we know them. And there’s no reason why second-hand gifts can’t be personal.

For example, include a little something extra like the receiver’s favorite chocolate or a small accessory that matches the gift, go all-out finding the perfect card, or write a note explaining why the item made you think of the receiver.

These extra touches really show that you’ve put thought into the gift. And as they say, it’s the thought that counts.

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