Hello and welcome back to the blog!
Today I wanted to share my thoughts on the topic of regifting. You know... when you have a gift that's not really working for you, so you decide to gift it to someone who would appreciate it more?
Yeah!
Random, I know, but I was thinking about this today, and I felt like it was a fun topic. Regifting can go wrong very quickly, so it's important to adhere to some guidelines when approaching this method of gift exchange. I obviously support all things frugal and anti-clutter, and regifting can be a fantastic way to get rid of things that you know you won't use while also blessing your friends!
DON'T regift things that are obviously used
This might be a no-brainer, but some people need to be reminded of this! If you intend to regift a used item, you must warn the person you are giving it to that it is used, AND give them the option to turn it down. Clearly used items should not be presented as brand new. That is dishonest, tacky, and frankly... offensive. It's better to not give a gift at all than to give something old while pretending it's new. Either be honest or don't regift it!
I don't gift thrifted pieces without 100% transparency. Some people don't like used items, and that's OKAY. It's their prerogative. Regifting isn't about giving used items. It's essentially gifting to others gifts that you have received yourself. For example, I was given a mug one time, and although it was very cute, it was just not my style and my coffee mug cupboard was full. So instead of donating it, I filled it with some homemade cookies wrapped in cellophane, a small hand lotion, and gave it to a friend! She loved it and it was so fun.
DO regift valuable items that just aren't your taste
Sometimes we receive gifts from people that are clearly valuable or would be valuable to someone else, but they're just not our style or taste. Be mindful that you don't regift it to someone who is in the social circle of the person who originally gave you the gift, but have no fear! There is definitely a tasteful way to approach this. I have regifted pieces given to me that were gorgeous and brand new, but just not my style. I either knew I would never wear, use, or read the item, OR I felt like someone I knew would appreciate it more than me.
DON'T regift items that you really don't like at all
But if I liked the item I wouldn't regift it right? Well... yes and no. My point is that there is a difference between something that is not your taste and something that you feel is just terrible. Half the fun of giving a gift is feeling your own conviction behind giving the item to someone you care about. If you are handing off an item you wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole, that's not really out of the goodness of your heart. Remember that you are not trying to just empty out your house! If that's the goal, stick to donating those terrible items. THE ONLY EXCEPTION to this rule is if you know without a shadow of a doubt that the person you are giving the questionable item to will absolutely adore it. Then, regift away!
DO package it nicely
Just because something isn't bought fresh doesn't mean you shouldn't take time and care to package it nicely for the giftee. Try out a nice gift bag and tissue paper, or maybe add in some cozy baked goods to go along with the gift. Just make sure it looks classy, tasteful, and happy. Those are my three qualities for a great gift!
DON'T tell them it's a regift!
This is a MUST. I mean, some people might know, and I don't encourage lying, but all you have to say is "I thought of you when I was looking at it!" or "I knew you had to have it." Those are truthful statements while also remaining ambiguous. The point here is not to mislead or lie to your giftee, but rather to protect your relationship. No matter how incredibly on-point or nice a re-gift is, if a person finds out it is a regift, and not new, they may be offended.
DO combine regifted items with new pieces
I have put together quite a few baby shower gifts since having Bodie, and I like to mix in some regifting along with a brand new gift. For example, in the case of a baby shower, it's more than acceptable to purchase something off of a registry, but then perhaps you add in a onesie or board book that you know you will not be using with your baby. This is a nice way to fill out a gift and make it more extravagant while also remaining frugal.
DON'T regift in place of a normal gift
My rule of thumb is that if a gift I have around my house HAPPENS to fit an occasion, celebration, or friend perfectly, then I will regift. But this means that when invited to an event, I do NOT view regifting as my first option. I only regift if something pops into my head and it would fit the person perfectly, OR as a compliment to a new gift. Regifting is a nice way to remain frugal, but don't let it be your default.
DO keep the tags on gifts you just aren't sure of
If you receive a gift and you aren't sure about it from the moment you open it, it may be wise to keep the tags and packaging together on the off chance that you are able to regift the item tastefully! I have received clothing and home decor pieces that aren't quite my style, but instead of taking off the packaging and storing them away to never be seen again, hold off on using those scissors and keep the packaging on! You may not be a fan of black modern bakeware, but maybe you have a friend who adores it! Regift!
Finally... ALWAYS regift with intention
Don't regift with the hopes of clearing out your clutter or emptying your closet, and don't regift in the hopes that someone may grow to appreciate your rejects one day. No! Regift with intention. Make sure you think through the item AND the person who will be receiving it. Are they a match? Does it resemble their style? Decor? Would they buy it themselves brand new? These are important questions! If any of the answers to these questions is no, press pause on your regifting plan!
In total, regifting doesn't have to be completely off-limits, nor does it have to be tacky. Tasteful, well thought out and well-intentioned regifting can actually be a blessing to you AND your giftee.
Happy regifting!
xoxo,
Cait
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