The Fine Art of Re-Gifting
October 9, 2008
Let me say right up front that I’d rather you go here and buy a gift basket from me instead of re-gifting. However, desperate times call for desperate measures and these are desperate times. So if the circumstances require a re-gift, at least do it with class.
Let’s face it. Most of us have re-gifted at one time or another. And those who haven’t, have probably considered it. Re-gifting (giving an unwanted gift to someone else as a gift) is not all bad. You just need to use a little common sense and some careful consideration. Here are some guidelines for graceful re-gifting. If you have tips or comments to add to this list, I’d love to hear from you.
CHECK THE WRAPPING The most common mistake amateur re-gifters make is to pass along the original gift card when they pass along the gift. If you are giving an unwanted gift to someone else, check the original wrapping and tissue very carefully to make sure you get the gift tag signed, “love Aunt Lulu” off of it. Most of all, make sure you are not giving it to dear Aunt Lulu!
KEEP A LIST It’s a good idea to stash unwanted gifts all together in a closet or drawer so you can find one quickly when you need one. However, be sure to make a list of who gave you the gift, or write it on a sticky note and attach to the gift before you stash. Re-gifting a gift to the original giver is humiliating for both parties.
REWRAP YOUR RE-GIFT It’s the least you could do. Besides, anyone can tell when a wrapped gift has been kicking around for a while. It gets dusty and dented, just like a shop-worn book in a bookstore.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN NEW AND USED A brand new purse with the tags still on it that you relegated to the re-gift drawer because you already had a similar one is fair game. One that you carried a couple of times and then decided you didn’t like, is a used item and not suitable for re-gifting.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN USED AND VINTAGE If your friend collects antique quilts, for example, and you decide to part with one of the many quilts your grandmother made for you years ago, passing one along to your friend is a lovely gesture that will be deeply appreciated. Likewise, giving a grandparent’s heirloom silver tea set to your niece for a wedding gift is perfectly acceptable.
REMEMBER, IT’S A GIFT The key to successful re-gifting is matching a gift that you don’t want to a recipient who will really appreciate it. But face it. Nobody really wants that painting of the sad, big-eyed clown on black velvet that you’re looking to get rid of. However, that cool digital camera that you’ll never use because your wife just bought one almost exactly like it, would make a swell gift for someone who enjoys taking pictures.
DON’T LOSE YOUR NERVE If you’ve followed the advice above, you are giving something very special to someone who should be very pleased. Own it. Don’t feel guilty just because you didn’t actually pay money for it. You put thought into it and, after all, that’s what counts. Present your gift proudly and confidently and for goodness sake, don’t tell. You’ll only make your recipient feel like they are receiving something that you find inferior and, if you’ve followed this advice, that’s just not true.
