How To Masterfully (And Guiltlessly) Regift

We’ve all thought about it, regifting a gift that is so not our style. Whether it’s a house-warming, holiday or birthday gift we’ll never use doesn’t matter. Repurposing, repackaging, or simply regifting a not-so-hot gift to someone who might actually appreciate it shouldn’t be so guilt ridden.

Developed here are a few tips to mastering regifting like a pro. It’s simple, smart, and effective. Plus you’ll save money, time and space by not purchasing for every occasion or saving useless items to collect dust.

Tip #1 Start a gift closet. Simply place unwanted gifts together for easy access. Each time you receive one of these put it in your gift closet to keep it new looking and easy to find.

Tip #2 Place a label or gift tag on each item with the giver’s name and possibly the occasion. This will prevent regifting to the giver or the giver’s immediate family.

Tip #3 If the gift received came in a basket, box, or other packaging that doesn’t add to the aesthetics of the item consider repackaging it. For example, a wine glass and decanter gift set can be removed from the boring cardboard box and added to a nice wine basket with ribbon and possibly a new cork screw or bottle of wine. Easy, inexpensive and totally reinvented.

Tip #4 If you simply cannot remember who the giver was try to remember the occasion. This will help narrow down the givers and the gift is new to another side of your family, a different group or friends, or even for coworkers.

Tip #5 For children’s gifts choose which ones your child is most likely to use then put the additional, new-in-the-package toys away. This works best for young children who don’t realize when new toys are gone, like at birthdays and Christmas or Chanukah, or with clothing that they care little about anyway.

Reinvent

Many items may be perfect for someone close to you, just not you. Or items may come with multiple purposes. If you receive a plain wine decanter add a bow, some etchings, or silk flowers and repurpose it as a vase. Use picture frames to display your favorite recipe. Make two men’s ties into a belt.

Repackage

It may be as easy as transferring the offending item into a nice basket, photobox, or gift bag to bring it up to date and add newness. Some items should remain in their original packaging, like collectables, prepackaged food items, or toys with numerous pieces. Box sets, bath sets, or individual items may best be presented in a new light.

Regift

Regifting sounds like a four letter word. It isn’t. Giving someone an item you know they will enjoy and one which you have no use or desire for shouldn’t cause grief or guilt. Only give gifts worth receiving. Just because it was not for you doesn’t make it unworthy as a gift. Books, kitchen items, decorations, toys, and some clothing are all acceptable regifting items.

Beware when regifting an item you wouldn’t normally give, however. If you regift an item that is completely out of the norm for you it may be best to tell the giftee. It’s easy to do. Simply tell the person when you received the gift you immediately thought of him and how much more he would enjoy it. Done.

So, this holiday season start your gift closet if you don’t already have one. Don’t dread every item you unwrap, keep in mind those who might actually appreciate the fourteenth crystal dog sculpture your aunt Melba is sure to give you. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, even if you’ve no idea where that thought could have developed!