Regifting how does it work

Regifting a present that was originally given to you can seem like it's always a faux-pas, but there are very specific situations in which it's okay to pass along a gift that you won't use. We consulted etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette and author of Modern Etiquette Made Easy , for her best tips on when it's okay to regift a present—and when you should avoid recycling a gift completely. There are certain situations when regifting a present is okay.

Meier advises you can only regift something if the gift has never been opened before, and if both people in the situation the one who gave you the gift and the one receiving the regifted item will never find out. And finally, the type of present also determines if you can regift: if it's something generic, like a box of holiday chocolate, then you can recycle it.

You can also regift if you already have the exact item you received or something similar , if the item doesn't fit, if it's not your sense of style, or if you simply have no use for it.

Think of individuals who fall in completely different relationship categories and social scenes: Meier explains that if someone at work gave you something that you want to give your cousin who has no affiliation to the work environment or social circle, you can go for it. Meier advises that any gift with easily identifiable features should not be regifted.

It sounds like a sitcom plot, but hey, these things happen! Being extra careful will reduce the risk of you getting caught, and any hurt feelings that can come as a result. Inspect the gift beforehand and look for any signs of wear and tear. Another thing Gache recommends looking out for: monograms or hidden messages. Personalized presents are more popular than ever, and the personalization can be done in subtle ways.

Before deciding who you should regift an item to, take a moment and ask yourself: W ho would be excited to own this? For example, give a jasmine diffuser to your sister-in-law who loves the scent, or a charcuterie board set to your friend who entertains on the regular. Try to be just as thoughtful as you are when buying a new gift for someone.

Expert regifters know only to regift brand-new products in the original packaging. Regifting used items, whatever the condition, is bad etiquette. For example, say you get a new slow cooker. Instead of trying to give it to a friend or family member, you can always regift to charity. Without the preservatives of prepackaged store-bought food, the treats could spoil or decline in quality before they reach the final recipient. The most significant element of being a savvy and compassionate regifter is by always showing appreciation for the gift.

Before you pass a gift onto a new recipient, send a thank-you note or verbally thank the person who gave it to you.

Remember that the average gift-giver thinks mostly about the initial reaction and not how the recipient will use or enjoy the gift long term. Skip to content Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card and banking offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies and banks from which MoneyCrashers.

The gift isn't one that the original giver took great care to select or make. It's not handmade or personalized think monogrammed or engraved. What's Wrong with Regifting? Appropriate Regifting Scenarios Your sister's coffeemaker just stopped working, and her birthday is days away. You, who are on a budget, have been given an extra coffeemaker.

Instead of stashing the extra coffeemaker in your closet, you wrap it in its original box and present it to her. She's delighted. You've been given two copies of the same book. Your best friend, with whom you exchange Christmas gifts each year, is a fan of the author.