Is regifting ok?
The term regifting was unofficially coined on an episode of Seinfeld, when Dr. Tim Whatley "regifts" a label-maker to Jerry, that was originally given to him by Elaine. Elaine was not too happy it, but what about in real life? Is it ok to regift? It's basically recycling, right?According to Regiftable.com, regifting is ok, but there are certain conditions that apply:
- Never regift one-of-a kind items.
- Only new, unopened gifts in good condition should be regifted.
- Make sure you are careful. Don't regift to the person who gave it to you, or to someone who knows them!
- Your intentions should be good, and the regift should be just the right fit for the recipient.
I have to admit, I'm generally against regifting. I know it's good for the earth and I know that some people are organized enough to do it really well. I have never been able to regift, because that would require organizational skills that I don't possess. Also, whenever I think I could regift something, I just look at it and I feel like it's screaming, "I'm a regift!" most likely because it is just not the right fit for the recipient, therefore violating rule #4 above!
I do think it's a very good thing to try to find a new home for a gift that you don't need, by casually giving it to family or friends or even via Freecycle, as opposed to throwing it in the trash. What's your opinion on regifting?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-09-2007 @ 6:50PM
Dan the man said...
Hey I'd re-gift anything I don't want. It is better than paying money for an item isn't it. Plus how many gifts do people get and actually like, in truth not many. I'm not being cheap, just reasonable.
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11-10-2007 @ 11:55AM
Tricia said...
When I was a "boss" and received thoughtful gifts from subordinates, most of which were more them & not "me", I enjoyed re-gifting them to my Mother's caregivers, my housekeeper, my massage therapist, etc. I managed to match the gift to the person, and they were thrilled. Much better to give to another who would truly appreciate it, than to keep it unused or to toss. The key is to match the gift to the recipient.
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11-10-2007 @ 1:40PM
Jani said...
I dont re-gift, but I have 5 adult kids, one daughter said she loves to shop at Mum's where everything is almost new or new and its FREE.. I guess its a recycle thing.
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12-16-2007 @ 4:05PM
Jim said...
Lots of people shudder when you mention regifting.
Here’s why they shouldn’t.
When you give a gift there should be no strings attached. Once you give a gift the receiver can do whatever they want with it. If you attach “conditions” to a gift then it really isn’t a gift in the first place.
Now how about if I get a gift that someone else previously received. Should I chastise the giver for their “superficial” act? Who am I to judge their heart or their motive? What if they already had one, or it didn’t fit them or they just didn’t like it. That doesn’t mean that their was necessarily malice or a hidden agenda in their heart when they gave it to you. If you start attaching “conditions” to a gift as a receiver then you really aren’t receiving in the purest sense…you are evaluating and trying to judge the gift.
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