Regifting Becomes Socially Acceptable: The ReGift Guide

The term regifting was coined by comedian Jerry Seinfeld more than a decade ago and the phrase has made it into the dictionary!

Regift: (verb) To give an unwanted gift to someone else; to give as a gift something one previously received as a gift. Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.6).

A recent Consumer Reports poll on holiday shopping showed 36% of U.S. adults said they would regift this year. This was up from 31% in 2008 and 24% in 2007.

If you are considering regifting be sure and follow these tips and safeguards.

Regift to someone who did not originally give you the gift. This is the most important factor in regifting. If you are unsure of who gave you the gift, do not regift. It's impossible to imagine the embarrassment on both sides of that story.

Regift if the item is still in the original box and unopened. This is a simple etiquette rule. Do not regift an item that has been opened, period.

Regift if you are sure the recipient will want/need/like the gift. Personalized or one-of-a-kind items are not good for regifting purposes. Unopened liquor bottles, towels, or other household items are perfect for regifting.

Regift, if you choose, but please use new wrapping paper or a new gift bag. The wrapping paper makes the gift. Please use new wrapping paper or gift bag.

Safeguard. If you receive a gift and you automatically know you don't need it or want it, be sure you put a sticky note on the box with the original giver's name. This way when it comes time to regift you know for sure who not to give it to!

The social acceptance of regifting has increased over the past few years and several how-to websites have jumped on the regifting ban wagon.

Regiftable.com has a blog dedicated to regifting, funny stories about regifting experiences, and other tips for regifting.

Remember, regifting is a personal choice. Some people regift as a means of cleaning out the closet, while others regift as a means of staying on budget.

If you are going to regift, make sure your conscience is in agreement. You could experience feelings of guilt after regifting. Make sure your mind and actions are in agreement on your decision.

Due to the state of our economy and the jobless rate, regifting may become status quo this holiday season.

Sources:
Regiftable.com
Consumerreports.org
Miriam Webster Dictionary