This time of year, no matter what holidays you are celebrating, there are a lot of gifts being exchanged. Some may thrill you; others impress you; and some may confuse you or disappoint you. Sometimes you can return the latter type gifts; and sometimes you can't. So, what do you do with these gifts that miss their mark?
Regifting: OK, taboo or it all depends?
I have certainly done it, but not to be cheap or because I didn't care about the gift, the person who gave it to me or the person receiving it. I don't do it often, but if I have received a nice gift that doesn't fit my style or personality, I have given it to another person, as a gift from me if that person would appreciate the gift.
Of course, there are rules that should be followed if you are going to regift:
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Do be sure to remember who gave the item to be regifted and when and who else was there or would know (take notes);
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Do not regift in the same circles; this could end badly for all parties involved;
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Do be sure that the items has not expired, lost all value or is no longer in vogue before regifting;
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Do not regift in front of your children or with their knowledge; especially when it comes to duplicate toys; they will rat you out without doubt!; and
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Do inspect the item to be regifted for tags, notes, etc. that might be left over from when you received the item that might give away your regifting secret.
Regifting a gag gift or the like is always acceptable, but the main issue at stake otherwise is hurting feelings. You risk hurting the feelings of the person who originally bought the gift and the person who is now receiving it. There is much that can be misunderstood about the situation.
Discretion is of utmost importance in these situations, but there's no reason a great gift should go used just because it wasn't the right "fit" for you.
The LA Times just published a piece with some good tips about regifting. So, check it for further information in this area.
Later this week I will be discussing the value of the gift and how to be sure the gift you give is not undervalued or eventually regifted.
What do you think about regifting? Over and out...
Anna
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