Regifting can be a controversial Christmas topic. Some people love to regift old gifts, and some people like receiving someone else’s old gift. Other people are appalled at the thought of giving or receiving something already given or received. But is it really much ado about nothing?
Looking at the practice from a green point of view, regifting is brilliant – as long as a couple basic rules are followed:
- Regift confidently if you have never opened or used the gift in question. I don’t know about you, but there are some gifts I just know I will never, ever want or use. But they might be a treasure to someone else. In those instances, I’m very careful not to disturb the packaging, so it looks as brand new as it truly is. Make sure you update the wrapping, though. And be sure to remove all previous gift tags!
- Regift when you know the recipient will love what you’re giving. Let’s say you receive a blue scarf for Christmas, but you don’t like the color and you know it won’t match a single thing you own, then regive it to someone whose favorite color is blue. If you receive a gift that is pretty horrid, then don’t try regifting it – just give it to Goodwill or sell it on eBay.
- Remember who gave you the gift you’re regifting – and don’t give it to that person, or even at a holiday party where the giver will be in attendance. Try to give the reused gift in a different social circle, just to be polite.
Consider regifting for what it is: recycling. Not only are you helping to reuse products you would never buy for yourself, but you’re also reducing spending and helping your budget. And that’s all good.
Just don’t mention it, though – there’s no reason your recipient needs to know he or she is getting a regifted item.
Other ways to give recycled gifts
Regifting isn’t the only way to make recycling a part of your Christmas giving:
- You can also think of tasteful ways to give some of your possessions.
One Christmas, my grandmother gave me old sheet music – she framed the beautifully illustrated cover of one of Irving Berlin’s songs, “Mandy.” Whenever I see the unique picture, I think of my grandma. The cost to her? A new picture frame.
This kind of recycled gift idea would work perfectly with vintage glassware or serving dishes. Think about how nice it would be to get a funky, old teapot with a box of new teabags. - If you’re hosting a large party, consider holding a regifted gift exchange. Simply ask each guest to bring something they’d like to regift or recycle – like-new or new items, only. Then sit back and watch how quickly your gift box of five hideous pairs of Christmas socks will disappear!
Share your regifting do’s or don’ts! How do you like to incorporate recycling into gift giving?
The following two tabs change content below.
Hilary Kimes Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and journalist. She writes about making healthy decisions that honor God and happen to help the environment at Accidentally Green. Short and sweet - like her writing - Hilary is the author of several healthy living eBooks.
Latest posts by Hilary Kimes Bernstein (see all)
- The Day I Realized Healthy Choices Don’t Guarantee Health - July 21, 2015
- Avoid Synthetic Bug Sprays with All-Natural Repellents - July 16, 2015
- The Day I Learned I Could Cook Real Food - July 13, 2015
Loved this post! I was just thinking this morning about the difference between re-gifting and recycling. Being in our 7th month of no income, this Christmas is looking very different for us! And even if we had tons of extra money to spend, with a health crisis in the family this year, it just doesn’t seem appropriate to pull out all the plugs and go hog wild on spending. So…I’ve been doing a LOT of swapping and thrift shopping…while I don’t think I’m giving anything that has been previously gifted to ME, I am recycling “like new” items that I’ve picked up here and there. And I’m passing down something vintage that is part of the family history. I have to say part of me is nervous about how these gifts will be received. I think that’s just because I’ve never done this before, especially on this scale! The other part of me is excited and feeling good that we are intentionally keeping it sane, simple, and sacred this year. Thanks for this Hilary! And thanks again for thinking of us and leaving that food for us. I’m saving the ham for this weekend when the SC bunch gets here!!
I found a beautiful blown glass apple paperweight at the Salvation Army store a couple months ago for $1. Washed it, bagged it, and my granddaughter gave it to her Kindergarten teacher for a Christmas gift!
can you tell you hit my hot button here? LOL
You know, I’ve been on the receiving end and got a clearly old and used knife set as a bridal shower gift from a family member. Ouch…
I’ve seen it done when a friend gave away a crystal picture frame that she didn’t like to someone for her bridal shower, though she never considered whether or not the bride would want or like it. I felt awkward knowing what she was doing and that it was just with the intent of not spending money.
However, my children love regifting toys to each other, and I think the reason is because they consider what their sibling would really love. They’ve given away treasured toys to a brother or sister for birthdays, and it really is kind of sweet.
How interesting that I’ve seen regifting done better with my children than any adult! Not sure I could do it, but we definitely will do thrift store gifts!