Regifting Etiquette for the Less Than Perfect Gift

A lot of time, effort and feelings go into choosing just the right gift. Knowing this makes it even more difficult for a person who has received a gift they dislike and will never use. If done properly, regifting is an excellent way to see that the gift goes to someone who will be actually appreciate the once unwanted gift.

When receiving an unwanted gift, express thanks and appreciation. Appreciate the time, effort and love shown by the gift giver. Do not mention displeasure with the gift. If you decide to regift, keep that information to yourself.

Remember where and when you received the gift and the social environment. If you received the gift at a family gathering, do not regift the gift to someone else in the family who saw you receive the gift. This could unnecessarily cause hurt feelings.

If the gift was received at work, do not give the gift to another co-worker, boss or anyone in the company. The walls have ears, tongues can wag loosely, causing a very uncomfortable atmosphere on the job. Imagine regifting a gift you received from the boss to a fellow co-worker, who receives the gift and proudly shows it to the boss.

Always rewrap the original gift and remove any name tags outside and inside the box.

Only regift new, unused gifts in their original boxes. No one will want a coffee pot that has a few coffee grinds left behind as evidence of its use!

Do not give the unwanted gift to just anyone to get rid of it. Think about the gift itself and try imagine who would really enjoy the gift. Think about hobbies and interests the gift brings to mind and see who pops into your mind.

Never regift a homemade crafted gift. These are one of a kind gifts made from the heart and can easily be recognized as a homemade gift.

White elephant gift exchanges are a perfect place to regift. Remember where you got the gift, and make sure no one who saw you get the gift is involved in the white elephant exchange.

Do not regift obviously free promotional items, such as pens, pencils, etc. with a company's name imprinted on the item.

Avoid regifting baked cookies or candies. If would be rather difficult to share a recipe for cookies or candies that you did not actually make yourself. If you receive homemade food gifts that you will not eat, consider taking them to work to "share" with fellow workers.

Be creative, have fun, and find the perfect place for that unwanted present by regifting.