Regifting – Is it ever ok?

Regifting – it’s a taboo subject, but we are going there. The question, “Is it ever acceptable to regift?” it’s tricky. The answer is…sometimes.

Let’s talk this out using the three scenarios below:

1. You receive an article of clothing you either already have or is not your size.

In this scenario, if you know where it is purchased, option one is to exchange it for another article of clothing in your size. If that’s not an option, if you have a friend who is the right size and has a similar style as you, our suggestion is to give the item to them, letting them know you received it and it is not your size. That way, you’re not “taking credit” for the gift, but you still thought of them. And at the end of the day, the goal of finding a loving home for this garment has been achieved.

2. You receive something that is in no way your style.

Maybe it’s from your grandmother. Or maybe it’s a corporate gift from a vendor who clearly doesn’t know you. Either way, avoid the temptation of immediately wrapping this gift and giving it to another person, beginning (or continuing) a game of hot potato with the unwanted gift. If there is no one in your circle that could use this gift, our suggestion is to donate the item. We can almost guarantee that the person who gave you the offending item does not want you to keep it just because it was a gift. The giver might be bummed that they didn’t nail it in the gift department, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be the giver of clutter!

3. You receive cash, and you want to use the cash for Christmas gifts for your kids/spouse/friend.

Anyone remember this scenario in your 20s? The daunting holiday season was approaching, and you were having a seriously hard time making ends on normal months. The idea of purchasing gifts for everyone in your network was enough to make you want to just hole yourself up in your studio apartment until January. Then, one of your gifts arrive early. $200! Sweet! And your heart fills with the idea of being able to get at least small gifts for your loved ones. But the giver intended the gift to be used for something for you. Is this ok? We say yes. If giving to others brings you joy, we believe the giver would give their A-Okay on using their funds for that.

We don’t have time to go into every unique scenario (nor would you want to read that much, lol!). But here’s a general rule: If you’re thinking about regifting, ask yourself two questions.

Does the regifting honor the fundamental intention of the gift giver? I.e., did they think you would get joy from this item? If you aren’t getting joy from it, is it able to provide joy to someone else?

Is the method of regifting free from deceit? Did you present the gift as something you purchased yourself when you, in fact, did not, or were you transparent in your gifting?

Ultimately, we don’t believe anyone intentionally misses the mark on gifting. However sometimes it happens to all of us. The key to trying to get the best personal and corporate gifts is to really take time to think about the recipient – their interests, core values, and lifestyle. And if you’re off, hopefully the recipient will choose to give the gift a second life by finding a home where the gift can bring joy.

What about you? Have you ever regifted?