Regifting can be a great way to stay within budget, prevent waste, and create a meaningful gifting experience.

If you plan on regifting something this holiday season, it’s time to learn regifting etiquette.

Generally, regifting is acceptable as long as you’re giving someone a gift they will enjoy. But, if you’re regifting items you don’t think the recipient will like, you may offend them or hurt their feelings.?

Never regift someone an item they originally gave to you. Try to avoid regifting items from the same friend group or within your family. If you can’t remember who gave you something, it’s best not to regift it, as you may end up giving it to the person who gave it to you.

Most commonly, you’ll hear about people regifting items to coworkers, party hosts, or people they’re not as close with. While that may be the case, you can also meaningfully regift items to your closest loved ones.?

Regifting can save you money if you’re on a budget this holiday season. It’s also more sustainable for the environment since the items already exist.?

If you’re shopping on a budget this season, consider saving even more by “shopping” for items at home, as long as it’s appropriate.??

You can regift almost anything, as long as it isn’t:

• Used or opened

• Personalized?

• Damaged

Some items are more commonly regifted than others. If you plan on regifting items this holiday season, consider one of the following.?

People can be picky about scents, but if the candle hasn’t been lit and you think the recipient will enjoy the smell, this can be a great host gift for a holiday party.

Not a wine drinker? Feel free to give a bottle in your cabinet to a wine lover.?

Or, if someone brought you a box of chocolates or specialty treats you don’t enjoy, you can regift them to someone else. Just ensure the packaging isn’t damaged and the food isn’t expired.

If you have a stack of gift cards in your junk drawer that you don’t plan on using, you can regift them to someone else. Just make sure the gift card is unused and that it still has a balance — some gift cards start to depreciate after some time, even if you haven’t used them.

Puzzles prove to be an exception to the rules above. If the puzzle has all its pieces and is in good condition, you can gift it to a friend who enjoys solving puzzles.?

Unused hand soaps, lotions, and scents can be regifted as long as you think the recipient will enjoy the smell.?

If the gift is a one-off or joke, like a whoopie cushion or anything you’d get at a white elephant exchange, feel free to regift it as long as it’s in good condition.?

Another exception to the rules includes personal items like a book, magazine, record, or DVD you like that you know the recipient will enjoy. Gently used media, with an accompanying note, is appropriate to regift.

By adding a personalized touch, you can make the gift-giving experience feel more meaningful.?

Add a handwritten card or note with the gift, expressing your appreciation for the recipient. For many, the card means more than the gift itself.?

In certain situations, being honest about the gift's origin can make it more meaningful. If you’re regifting something to a close friend or family member, you may want to let them know you’re regifting something to them. Just make sure it’s an item they actually want.?

Make sure to rewrap the gift in new packaging, removing any notes or tags from the person who originally gave the gift to you. Consider getting creative with a fun gift bag or homemade wrapping paper.?

Regifting can be a great tool when you’re trying to stick to your budget this holiday season. But you must choose wisely what and who you will regift to, making an effort to create a thoughtful experience.?

Looking for more ways to spend and save this holiday season? Check out our holiday hub for more insights.

Host gifts, such as candles, lotions, and consumables, will most commonly be regifted.?

Imagine a friend gives you a holiday-scented candle that you don’t enjoy but you know your aunt would love. You decide to regift the unopened candle, rewrapped, to your aunt, without her knowing you received it from someone else.?

Regifting can be ethical. It saves unwanted items from going to waste. As long as you’re giving the recipient something they’ll genuinely enjoy with a personal touch, regifting is ethical.?

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