Published on http://www.aggietownsquare.com on December 2, 2009.
It's Christmas time, and that means pretty soon we'll need to buy gifts for our moms, dads, siblings, friends, cousins, grandmas and dogs. Now I'm not complaining; in fact, I love giving a good, thoughtful gift. But gifts can become quite expensive around Christmas time, and as college students, we certainly don't have a whole lot of free cash lying around. So I thought I would discuss one low-cost (and often, no cost) option for gift giving this season: regifting.
When most people think of regifting, bad memories of used toasters and unwanted hairless Barbie dolls may come to mind, but regifting can be classy and tactful. After suppressing the Barbie thought, I realized I have actually had several regifted gifts I've very much appreciated and enjoyed.
For example, a few years ago, my uncle gave me his used Sony digital recorder for Christmas. At first I was a little disappointed (especially because he readily admitted he'd really like it), but once I started using it, I realized that it was absolutely invaluable. It works perfectly. I use it for every interview I hold and buying my own could have cost $50-100. A great example of when regifting is completely OK.
I wanted to learn more about proper regifting etiquette, and as I started doing a little Internet research, I was astounded at how much thought and effort has been put into discussing the issue. I had no idea it was such a hot topic. I came across dozens of articles about regifting etiquette and found that regifting even has its own Wikipedia page. In fact, according to Wikipedia, Dec. 18 is National Regifting Day in the United States. Now, whether that is truthful is really irrelevant; just think, a national holiday dedicated to a gifting practice. However, the best find from my research was a regifting Web site, www.regiftable.com, complete with a Guess the Regift game, regifting story contest, regifting tips and a regifting blog. Its motto? "Really, you shouldn't have." What class.
So, I decided to sift through these articles and Web sites and compile the best tips and tricks for regifting, so you can use the gift-giving option to your advantage while maintaining your dignity. Here's the dos and don'ts:
1. Do clean and rewrap.
All the articles and Web sites agreed that you must clean the gift and rewrap it. There's nothing worse than receiving a gift that still has the tag with your name on it or looks like it's been sitting in a dusty closet for five years.
2. Do keep track.
If you plan to regift an item, remember or write down who originally gave it to you. Wouldn't want to give cousin Joe the DVD he gave you for your birthday last year.
3. Do make it thoughtful.
Although we all do it, a person should never give a gift just to give a gift. Reserve regifting items for people who you think would actually enjoy and appreciate an item that you don't need or use. If it's broken, severely used or just downright awful, chuck it.
4. Don't tell the receiver.
When it comes to regifting, mum's the word. Don't tell the receiver he or she is receiving a second-hand gift that you don't need or want. Keep regifting a secret unless completely necessary.
5. Do have a sense of humor.
In appropriate situations, regifting can be used for humor. Giving junk can sometimes be quite enjoyable. If you think the receiver would find it funny, go for it.
6. Don't give used gift cards.
Don't give a $50 gift card that only has $34.72 left on it. Super, super tacky.
7. Don't give something you've owned for a while.
I've had a bad experience with this one. Surprising, I know. But friends and family actually remember your stuff. Don't give them things you've worn a few times or have sitting around your house, because they'll know and wonder why you grabbed it off your shelf on the way to their party.
With these tips, you're well on your way to successful regifting this Christmas season. But first, I want to hear from you. Is regifting tacky or OK? What good and bad regifting experiences have you had? Let me know and leave a comment below.
-karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu
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