5 Tips on Re-gifting with Grace
Re-gifting – something we once kept secret has now become a way of life. Some people have no qualms about re-gifting (me included), while others say they would never (but I think they secretly do). If you receive two of the same item, you could keep one and share the other with someone who would absolutely love it. You may have been given something that you cannot use, but you know someone who can. There are many reasons you may choose to re-gift a gift, but there is an art to doing it with tact and finesse.
Following are some helpful hints.
- Remember who initially gave you the gift. – It can be embarrassing or insulting to give a gift back to the person who first presented it to you, especially if they call you on it. If you have a stash of re-gift items, be sure to write in a log who gave it to you.
- Rewrap and add a new gift tag. – Look the item over carefully and make sure any old gift tags are removed. Then put a little effort into making it look as if you have put some thought into the gift by rewrapping it or placing it in a new gift bag with a new gift tag.
- Don’t give used items. – It’s okay to give away hand-me-downs, but not as a gift. Gifts should be new and unused and not just something you don’t want, but something you believe the recipient will enjoy. Also, make sure you don’t give a partially used gift card…that’s the equivalent of giving someone a slice of pie with a bite taken out of it.
- Avoid re-gifting in the same social circles. – If you receive a gift from a co-worker, make sure you don’t re-gift that item to another co-worker. It would be best to re-gift to a friend or family member that you don’t work with to avoid any awkward moments.
- You may want to sell your gifts on eBay. – If you’re not comfortable with the idea of re-gifting, you could always sell your gifts on eBay and then use that money to buy real gifts for others.
Finding just the right person to give your “re-gift” to, can be just as much fun as shopping for the perfect item at the store. Be thoughtful in who you choose to give it to and make sure it is presented tastefully. Don’t hang onto re-gifts for several years, allowing them to become outdated. You can always donate the items that you can’t find a home for.
Wishing you much happiness and success!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
