Some Timely Thoughts on Regifting

The holiday season has the largest sales volume of the year and many people overspend during the holidays. This year probably more than ever you are conscious of your budget because of inflation. Also, maybe going to the stores with lots of crowds is not enjoyable for you. Regifting not only saves resources, and helps declutter your home, but also can provide a very thoughtful gift for someone you love. Also, regifting ideas are fabulous when you have to come up with a last-minute gift and you don’t want to run to the store.

These are some common-sense thoughts about regifting we would like to share with you that will make for thoughtful and enjoyable regifting to friends and family this holiday season.

Remember to Take Tags Off Presents

Make sure that you remove the gift tag from the present you were previously given. Also, be sure to take store tags off the gift, since they aren’t returnable. This is great for clothing that didn’t fit or an item that is nice enough but just not to your taste.

Gift Wrapping Can Be Art

Taking the time to artfully wrap a present makes a huge difference when regifting. Many times, I’ve wrapped presents that look so pretty people mention that they don’t want to open them. Remember that presentation is everything. So, make those gorgeous bows, use colorful tissue paper, or wrap a present in an unusual way. Taking the time to wrap artfully helps make your gift memorable.

Watch for Expiration Dates & Time Limits

Food doesn’t last forever and neither do the chocolates that your aunt gave you. Regifting food can be tricky, so be very conscious of expiration dates. If you aren’t regifting food, remember trends in fashion come and go, so make sure you aren’t giving someone something that is totally out of fashion. Regifting books, blank journals, art supplies, and even quilting materials can be regifted giving people items that will keep giving throughout the year.

Refrain From Giving Away Family Heirlooms

Giving away family heirlooms most of the time is a big no-no. Now there are exceptions, if the person who gifted you the family heirloom has passed away and you want to make a special presentation of a special piece of jewelry or some other vintage item to someone you love for a special event in their life, that is fine. Just be mindful when giving away family treasures. 

Be Sure Regifting Is Not Just About Money

The art of regifting is doing it with forethought and the right motivation. If you are just being cheap and throwing something together, people can usually tell. Don’t let saving money be the only reason you regift something. This is where thought sometimes comes into thinking through a gift that you want to re-gift. I got a cookie sheet as a gift with homemade cookies wrapped on the top and the recipe hidden underneath; regifted, probably, thoughtful, it sure was!

Important to Remember Who Gifted What You’re Regifting

Remembering who gave you the gift you want to regift is really important. This goes down as a most embarrassing moment, a huge family gathering, and you have regifted a gift someone in the family gave you years ago to another family member. A huge social blunder, not to mention that it creates a lot of hurt feelings. So, it’s important to regift consciously and remember who gave you the gift in the first place. 

Make the Gift Your Regift Memorable

Giving and receiving gifts is one of the ways we show people that we love them. Giving gifts whether new or regifted takes thought and some time to make for a wonderful gift a person will love. This is where giving unfashionable or ugly items is a total no, leave those for a White Elephant party, not a holiday gift to someone you whether a friend, family, co-worker, or family member.

Regifting Works for Gifts Year Round

Regifting doesn’t need to be relegated to just the holidays. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, births, baby showers, and so many more occasions are a wonderful time to thoughtfully regift. The questions to ask yourself: when regifting are; is this a gift I would buy, would this be a gift this person would love, is this a useful and kind gift to give? Many times, I’ve found that the items I have chosen to regift, especially if they are from a few years ago are made better and will stand the test of time for the person I am regifting to better than a gift purchased today.

Moderation in Regifting

This is where moderation comes into play; don’t always regift. Use regifting sparingly, with forethought, intention, and the happiness of the person you are gifting to in mind. When you keep these factors in mind regifting becomes an art form and regifted items will bring a lot of happiness to the person you are giving the gift to for many years to come.

Thoughtful & Innovative Regifting Ideas

Several items make wonderful regifting. We share some fun, thoughtful, and creative ideas below to get you started with your regifting this year:

• Unopened bath and body products; such as soaps, lotions, body butter, body scrubs, and essential oils
• Unopened gourmet foods; such as cookies, teas, cooking kits, and chocolates
• Bottles of wine and spirits make for great regifting
• Candles and home decorating items
• New kitchen items such as; small appliances, dish towels, teapots, and more
• Unopened gift baskets
• Gift cards that haven’t expired
• Books in good condition will always make a thoughtful gift
• New clothing or clothing that looks brand new such as; gloves, scarfs, sweaters, leggings, and more
• Unopened cologne or perfume
• Board games, toys, and puzzles are wonderful to regift
• Inexpensive jewelry such as; earrings, necklaces, and bracelets
• Vinyl records and unopened CDs and DVDs
• Cookbooks you want to pass on with margin notes about the recipe
• Home decor items such as; posters, wall art, pillows, blankets, and throws

Regifting is truly an art form when done with thought and love. We hope you have fun with your regifting this season that brings joy to both the giver and receiver plus helps our planet not create more waste. Also, a Shed Windows and More Gift Certificate makes a wonderful gift any time of year for the DIY enthusiast on your gift list.