WE’RE all feeling the pinch this year on the run-up to Christmas – especially with rising energy costs and the cost of living crisis looming.
So instead of splashing out and buying someone a brand new present, is there really anything wrong with regifting?
For those unfamiliar with the term, regifting is the act of giving someone a gift that was once gifted to you.
The topic is relatively divisive and everyone has their own thoughts and opinions about it.
Some people may say that they would only regift an item so it doesn’t end up going to waste if they won’t use it.
I mean, if you don’t like the scented candle that your neighbour gave you but your work collage might, surely it is ok to pass it along?
But others argue that it could be seen as insensitive or uncaring to pass on a gift that was meant for you.
Well, how would you feel if you found out your friend passed along a present you picked out for them?
But no matter which side you are on, there are definitely some rules to follow.
And on the run-up to Christmas, experts from Max Spielmann has shared their handy little guide of do’s and don’ts around the etiquette of regifting.
Just to help avoid any awkward faux pas and unpleasant Boxing Day run-ins.
The first thing to remember when regifting is not to list it online anywhere. The experts say “trading it in for cash is not a good look” and suggest that if it’s something that takes up too much space then they could always donate it instead.
Regifting in the same social circle is also another huge no – you don’t want your sister-in-law to spot their gift to you in your mum’s home.
Experts advise that people should “think ahead to make sure there are no potential crossovers” before they hand a gift over.
Don’t give the recipient something they know is yours – if you’ve told someone about a specific gift, don’t then hand it over to them.
It’s one thing to know yourself that you’ve regifted an item but you don’t want the person you’re giving it to to know as well.
And lastly – don’t regift anything that is homemade. Experts say, “You may never wear that crocheted scarf, but we can assure you that a lot of time, effort, and more importantly, love went into that.”
One thing that might surprise you is that the experts say you can register some used items that you think someone else will get more use out of.
For example, a book you have read and think another person will enjoy, art supplies from your forgotten hobbies, or tools you no longer need.
This could just be more practical and handy for your recipient who would appreciate it.
Also, if you already have the item you were given then you’re fine to pass along the second one.
Experts say: “If you were going on all year about a new kitchen gadget you really wanted and by a stroke of luck you received two, why not offer the spare to someone else?”
If you are going to regift a present, make sure you re-wrap it to make it to make it less obvious.
This may seem obvious but experts explain that “rewrapping your gift in the new wrapping paper you have chosen for this Christmas season adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness and care.”
Although regifting may make gift-giving easier this Christmas, it’s important to put some thought into it and think about who you plan to give the gift to.
They added: “Regifting to lighten the clutter around your house doesn’t cut it.
“Only regift something you think the other person will like, enjoy, and make use of.”
And, lastly, make sure you keep track of who gave you the gift originally so you don’t accidentally give it back to the person who got it for you.
If you have a few in the cupboard, then experts advise keeping a note next to them.
They said: “If there’s a couple of gifts shoved to the back of the cupboard on Boxing Day that you think may be best going to a better home, maybe add a little sticky note or some sort of indication to who gave it to you.
“You wouldn’t want to regift the gift to the original gifter now would you?”
