Regifting is a term made popular in an episode of the TV show, Seinfeld, which is now in reruns. In one episode, Elaine, one of Jerry Seinfeld's closest friends, gives a gift to Tim who in turn gives the gift to Jerry. Elaine is insulted and calls Tim a "regifter", and this label sticks to the decades-old practice of regifting.
Why Do People Regift?
People regift for any number of or a combination of reasons, including:
- Couldn't use the gift.
- Gift was the wrong size.
- Gift was not of a style they preferred.
- Didn't like the color.
- Aalready had the item given.
- According to regiftable.com, one-third of regifters use this practice for financial reasons.
Regifting Defined
Regifting is not the same thing as a white elephant exchange where participants know that the gifts they are receiving are gifts that are being passed on to them. As the Seinfeld episode illustrates, regifting starts with receiving a gift and then, when a gift-giving occasion arises, passing that gift on to another person. But, thoughtful regifting is a must.
7 Steps to Regifting with Class
Handled correctly, regifting is a perfectly acceptable way to lighten your gift-giving budget. Here's how to do it properly:
- The number one regifting rule: If you saw the gift item in a store, would you buy it for the person you want to give it to?
- If a decorative item, does the gift fit in with the recipient's decorating and color scheme?
- Is the gift age appropriate?
- Is it the right size?
- Only regift new items. Even if you used something once, don't give it as a gift to someone else. Instead, donate it to charity.
- Does the recipient already have the gift, but in different colors or styles? If so, don't regift (one only needs so many coffee mugs).
- If the gift is a book or movie, is it a genre or does it cover a topic that the recipient enjoys? If so, regift.
- Is the gift a consumable item that you know the recipient would like such as chocolate, nuts, bath products or candles? If so, regift, but edible treats should have been properly stored in a cool place for no more than 6 months to ensure freshness.
- Avoid the temptation to regift because you have been too busy to get out to buy a gift. Instead, explain your circumstance with an apology to the would-be recipient, and then buy and give a gift within two days. You can always shop online for convenience.
- As the Seinfeld example illustrates, avoid offending the person who originally gave you the gift by not regifting to someone who knows them. You can pass a gift on from a coworker to Aunt Sue, but you cannot pass a gift from your brother to Aunt Sue.
How to Keep a Regift Looking New
Wrapping paper tends to show signs of wear at the corners or seams, and you certainly don't want to give a birthday gift wrapped in Christmas paper. Worn or inappropriate wrapping paper is a dead give away of a regifting, and it can make the recipient feel like they were not worth the time it takes to wrap a gift once they are on to your regifting. So, plan to re-wrap.
Store all items you expect to regift in a dark, dust-free environment to keep them looking new and to avoid fading colors. Add some shine or a finished look to the gift by giving it a quick polish with a dry or damp cloth before you wrap it.
Is Regifting Really Acceptable?
Regifting correctly requires the same care and forethought it required for making a selection at a store. When you regift with the recipient in mind and not as a selfish convenience, the person receiving the gift will be delighted when they open it.
Follow these tips and you will save money in your gift-giving budget while passing on a present to someone who will appreciate it. Always be a classy regifter.
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Shelley Elmblad - Shelley Elmblad has been writing about personal finance and reviewing money management software since 2005.
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