How To Regift Like A Pro On National Regifting Day

December 17, 2015

At some point, everyone has gotten jewelry, a sweater, picture frame or candle that is just not their style as a gift. It is hard to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, and chances are some of the things you give people are going to be regifted.

Regifting can be complicated since it risks hurting people's feelings. If you give away something you received as a gift, you risk the person who gave it to you finding out. If you decide to give someone a regifted item, they might be hurt if they find out you didn't put in the time to pick something out just for them. However, when done right, regifting is a great way to make sure unwanted holiday presents find their way into the hands of someone who will love to have them.

Here's how to get ready, just in time for National Regifting Day on Dec. 17.

10 Tips For Regifting

Handmade or one-of-a-kind items generally shouldn't be regifted. Unlike store bought items, one-of-a-kind items can't be mistaken if the gift giver ever happens to see their gift in someone else's possession.
Promotional or monogrammed items don't make good regifts either. If someone sees your company's logo or your initials on a bathrobe, they're going to know it wasn't bought for them.
Make sure you never regift something at the same gathering you received it from. If your Secret Santa at work gets you a candle set you can't stand, it should never find its way back into the mix at next year's exchange.
New, unopened items are generally okay for regifting. If you have opened it and decided you don't want it, consider donating it instead. Nothing says "regift" like a taped up package.
Try to avoid regifting food items unless you can give it to someone else well before the expiration date.
Don't regift tins of homemade treats such as peanut brittle or fudge. Instead, bring it to a holiday pot luck as your contribution. No one will know you didn't make it, and you can get rid of the unwanted treats in one night.
Avoid regifting obviously outdated items, even if they're new. If you've been holding onto a never-used toaster or set of dishes since the 90s, the packaging and design alone will give it away as an unwanted regift. Consider donating outdated gifts instead.
Don't regift something nobody would want. This almost goes without saying, but you shouldn't use gift giving as a way to dump a useless item on someone who will likely just regift it too. Sometimes items are simply regifted because they're not your style or size, or you don't personally like the scent. If you can find someone who would appreciate the gift, go for it. If not, consider donating.
Decide ahead of time whether it's appropriate to tell the recipient that you're giving them a regift. If your family is thrifty, they likely won't care at all and will appreciate you saving money. However, if your family generally spends a lot of time and money on gifts, it might be a good idea to keep things to yourself.
Always wrap regifts in new bags or paper with a new tag. Crossing out the original name on the tag or using the same crinkled paper doesn't work.
Avoid the most commonly regifted items. These include: Candles, picture frames, gift cards, perfume, cookbooks, pajamas and other clothing. These are common gifts because they're easy to buy for difficult people. However, they're also likely to be regifted.
Make impersonal gifts personal. If you do buy something that's a commonly regifted item, such as a gift card, write a personal note as to why you think the recipient would use the gift card or what made you think of them when buying it. For example, if you buy a restaurant gift card, you can make it personal by offering recommendations for things to try there.
Buy them a spot in a class or workshop that you know they'll love. If you know someone who's always wanted to learn watercolor painting or tai chi, they might appreciate getting a free class to get them started. Sometimes a free class provides the perfect opportunity to actually get out and try something that's been on their list for a long time.
Make a donation in someone's name. Some people don't want to receive more things for the holidays, and they might appreciate you supporting their favorite cause in their honor. If you know their favorite charity or a cause close to their heart, let them know you supported it in their name.

4 Ways To Give Gifts That Won't Be Regifted

Avoid the most commonly regifted items. These include: Candles, picture frames, gift cards, perfume, cookbooks, pajamas and other clothing. These are common gifts because they're easy to buy for difficult people. However, they're also likely to be regifted.
Make impersonal gifts personal. If you do buy something that's a commonly regifted item, such as a gift card, write a personal note as to why you think the recipient would use the gift card or what made you think of them when buying it. For example, if you buy a restaurant gift card, you can make it personal by offering recommendations for things to try there.
Buy them a spot in a class or workshop that you know they'll love. If you know someone who's always wanted to learn watercolor painting or tai chi, they might appreciate getting a free class to get them started. Sometimes a free class provides the perfect opportunity to actually get out and try something that's been on their list for a long time.
Make a donation in someone's name. Some people don't want to receive more things for the holidays, and they might appreciate you supporting their favorite cause in their honor. If you know their favorite charity or a cause close to their heart, let them know you supported it in their name.

Donate A Car This Holiday Season

A great way to support charity this season is to make a donation to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting local Make-A-Wish chapters. You'll be supporting a great cause, but you'll also get a tax deduction just in time for your 2015 taxes. Any donation we receive by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 counts toward this year's taxes, so there has never been a better time to donate your car than now.

To make a donation, please call 1-855-278-9474 or fill out an online car donation form.