In the old days, it was considered tacky , or even downright rude, to “regift” something that someone gave you. However, times have changed. We’re all trying to lower our shopping bills, save time and cut down on the holiday stress. That’s why regifting is becoming more acceptable…as long as you do it properly.
But before you give your colleague, client or co-worker that pencil sharpener or scented candle you’ve had since last year, make sure you follow these regifting guidelines.
1. Remove the evidence.
Several years ago I hosted a holiday party and my girlfriend gave me a crystal paperweight as a hostess gift. When I opened the card inside the bag, I discovered that the gift was originally given to her by one of her students. She had forgotten to remove the card and put a new card inside. If you’re going to regift, be sure to dig deep inside the package and remove all evidence that the gift was given to you, including cards and notes.
2. Keep all the seals intact
If you suspect that you won’t like or use a gift, don’t bother opening it. You don’t want to break the seals. Besides, it might be difficult to make a gift look brand new if you take it out the box and inspect it. And for heaven’s sake, don’t use it and then put it back in the box and regift it. Certain items like makeup, lotions or anything that is consumable in some form, should not be opened, sampled…