Are you making these gifting mistakes? Seven rules to avoid awkward moments
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Re-gifting: it’s the age-old tradition that’s as divisive as pineapple on pizza.
Some say it’s a clever, eco-friendly way to keep the Christmas clutter at bay, while others whisper that it’s a social faux pas best left in the shadows.
But let’s be honest—who among us hasn’t received a gift that, while thoughtful, just isn’t quite right?
Maybe it’s the third Turkish towel in as many years, or a bottle of perfume that’s a little too… ‘floral’ for your taste.
With the cost of living on the rise and our wardrobes bursting at the seams, re-gifting is having a bit of a renaissance.
In fact, every Boxing Day, online marketplaces like eBay are flooded with millions of dollars’ worth of unwanted presents. In Canada, they’ve even made it official with National Re-Gifting Week!
But before you start wrapping up that unopened foot spa for your cousin’s birthday, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of re-gifting—because, as with all good things, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Instead of letting unwanted gifts gather dust or end up in landfill, you’re giving them a new lease on life with someone who’ll (hopefully) appreciate them more.
It’s a win for the planet, your wallet, and your storage space. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the dreaded ‘present pile-up’ that seems to happen every year.
Double-check every corner, label, and charm for monograms or engravings. No one wants to unwrap a wallet with someone else’s name on it!
You never know what surprises might be lurking, like a gift card with someone else’s name, or a note from the original giver. Plus, you’ll want to make sure it’s appropriate for the new recipient.
If you’re passing on a luxury item, make sure it won’t make the recipient uncomfortable—or suspicious that you didn’t actually buy it for them.
If the original giver spots your auntie wearing that rare scarf they bought in Paris, you might have some explaining to do.
Giving a size 14 dress to a size 8 friend is a recipe for disaster—and possibly a frosty friendship. When in doubt, stick to one-size-fits-all items.
There’s nothing worse than a re-gifted gift making its way back to the original giver. It’s the social equivalent of a boomerang!
Let them know you already had the item and wanted them to enjoy it instead. Most people will appreciate your thoughtfulness—and your candour.
Many people now see it as a practical, thoughtful way to share the love (and the loot).
But, as with all things, it’s about being considerate and thoughtful.
If you’re not sure, ask yourself: ‘Would I be happy to receive this as a gift?’ If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.
Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s swap tips and have a laugh together!
Happy re-gifting, and remember: it’s the thought (and the tact) that counts!
Some say it’s a clever, eco-friendly way to keep the Christmas clutter at bay, while others whisper that it’s a social faux pas best left in the shadows.
But let’s be honest—who among us hasn’t received a gift that, while thoughtful, just isn’t quite right?
Maybe it’s the third Turkish towel in as many years, or a bottle of perfume that’s a little too… ‘floral’ for your taste.
With the cost of living on the rise and our wardrobes bursting at the seams, re-gifting is having a bit of a renaissance.
In fact, every Boxing Day, online marketplaces like eBay are flooded with millions of dollars’ worth of unwanted presents. In Canada, they’ve even made it official with National Re-Gifting Week!
But before you start wrapping up that unopened foot spa for your cousin’s birthday, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of re-gifting—because, as with all good things, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Why re-gifting isn’t just acceptable—it’s sustainable!
First things first: re-gifting is actually one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do after the festive season.Instead of letting unwanted gifts gather dust or end up in landfill, you’re giving them a new lease on life with someone who’ll (hopefully) appreciate them more.
It’s a win for the planet, your wallet, and your storage space. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the dreaded ‘present pile-up’ that seems to happen every year.
The golden rules of re-gifting
But beware! Re-gifting isn’t without its pitfalls. To avoid awkward moments and keep your relationships intact, here are our top tips for re-gifting like a pro:
Re-gifting unused items can be sustainable and thoughtful when done right. Image Source: Ground Picture / Shutterstock
1. Beware the monogram!
Personalised gifts are lovely—unless your initials aren’t ‘J.S.’Double-check every corner, label, and charm for monograms or engravings. No one wants to unwrap a wallet with someone else’s name on it!
2. Always unwrap and inspect
Even if the gift is beautifully wrapped, take a peek inside.You never know what surprises might be lurking, like a gift card with someone else’s name, or a note from the original giver. Plus, you’ll want to make sure it’s appropriate for the new recipient.
3. Do a quick value check
Some gifts are so extravagant that re-gifting them could raise eyebrows.If you’re passing on a luxury item, make sure it won’t make the recipient uncomfortable—or suspicious that you didn’t actually buy it for them.
4. Watch out for one-of-a-kinds
Limited edition or unique gifts can be a minefield.If the original giver spots your auntie wearing that rare scarf they bought in Paris, you might have some explaining to do.
5. Check the size (and suitability)
Clothing and accessories are tricky.Giving a size 14 dress to a size 8 friend is a recipe for disaster—and possibly a frosty friendship. When in doubt, stick to one-size-fits-all items.
6. Know your fellow re-gifters
If you suspect someone is a serial re-gifter, tread carefully.There’s nothing worse than a re-gifted gift making its way back to the original giver. It’s the social equivalent of a boomerang!
7. Honesty is the best policy
If you’re re-gifting to a close friend or family member, a little honesty can go a long way.Let them know you already had the item and wanted them to enjoy it instead. Most people will appreciate your thoughtfulness—and your candour.
Extra tips for re-gifting success
- Keep a ‘gift log’: Jot down who gave you what and when. This will help you avoid any embarrassing mix-ups.
- Freshen up the packaging: Re-wrap the gift in new paper or a gift bag to make it feel special and remove any tell-tale signs of its previous life.
- Check expiry dates: If you’re re-gifting food, wine, or beauty products, make sure they’re still in date and unopened.
- Consider donating: If you can’t think of anyone who’d love the gift, consider donating it to charity. Someone out there will be thrilled to receive it.
The social side: Is re-gifting still taboo?
Attitudes towards re-gifting are changing, especially as we all become more conscious of waste and sustainability.Many people now see it as a practical, thoughtful way to share the love (and the loot).
Follow etiquette tips like checking size, value, and monograms to avoid gifting mishaps. Image Source: Perfect Angle Images / Shutterstock
But, as with all things, it’s about being considerate and thoughtful.
If you’re not sure, ask yourself: ‘Would I be happy to receive this as a gift?’ If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.
Your turn!
Have you ever been caught out re-gifting? Do you have a secret stash of ’emergency presents’ ready to go? What are your favourite tips or tricks when it comes to re-gifting?Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s swap tips and have a laugh together!
Happy re-gifting, and remember: it’s the thought (and the tact) that counts!
