Perhaps you have been wondering what to do with some of your unwanted Christmas gifts. Have you thought about keeping them around and eventually giving them away to someone else? Have you ever re-gifted? You know, taken an item that someone else gave to you, wrapped it, then gave it to someone else? What do you think about the concept of re-gifting? Is it frugal, or just tacky?
I have had some experiences with re-gifting that have really given me a sour taste for it, though some people think that it is a viable way to save money and not let things go to waste. Here is what a couple of experts have to say about the topic of re-gfiting:
Kim Izzo, etiquette columnist: Well I hate to say it, but, yes, it is rude. It seems like a twisted form of recycling. You can absolutely pass it on, but be open about it. Do it in the moment. Don’t reroute it! I would just never pretend that I bought something.
Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post: I’m in the prudent camp. Despite what some may think, re-gifting isn’t (or shouldn’t be) miserly. We all get gifts that aren’t suited to our taste but are still perfectly nice items for somebody else. Re-gifting allows you to give those presents to people who might enjoy them.
Personally, I think that re-gifting is just not okay. I think it is dishonest to pretend that you bought something as a gift for someone when you really didn’t. Perhaps there might be times when re-gifting would be totally appropriate: like for an office secret Santa or a white elephant gift. But when you really care about the person, you show them that by giving a gift from your heart, not from your closet.
If something you have is better suited for someone else, why not just give it to them? Tell them up front that it was intended for you, but you thought that it was better suited for them. Don’t try to pass it off as otherwise.
What do you think? Is it okay ever okay to re-gift? If so, what are the rules?