Regifting has always been a bad rap. Although in today’s green world, getting pegged as a “regifter” might not be the worst offense after all. It’s not just more socially acceptable; there’s even a made-up national holiday for it. As long as you don’t mistakenly give the gift back to the person who gave it to you (whoops!) and follow a few other social guidelines, regifting certain items is practical and possibly even more thoughtful than letting something gather dust in a closet. If you don’t already have the perfect items on hand, here are 11 items you’re allowed to shamelessly regift.
CANDLES
Not every scent or shape of candle will be your style, and that’s okay. They’re designed to be used and discarded, so it’s easy to regift them without anyone noticing. Simply wrap one up for a recipient you think might find the aroma relaxing rather than nauseating. Make sure it hasn’t already been used (a burned wick is a dead giveaway) and, if it’s the off-season, isn’t holiday-themed.
PICTURE FRAMES
While most people show off photos on social media instead of in frames, picture frames can still make meaningful gifts — or at least stocking stuffers for the in-laws. Turn an extraneous sterling silver frame received as a wedding present into a sentimental keepsake by framing a photo of travel with a friend or a family vacation photo (ideal for parents or grandparents). Never regift an already framed painting or photo, though. Someone selected a piece of art they believed would look beautiful on your wall.
GIFT CARDS
If you got a gift card to a store, restaurant, or movie theater you don’t frequent, send it onward. All that’s needed is a new envelope and some thoughtful words. As long as the original balance is intact and doesn’t expire or lose value from inactivity, gift cards are fine to regift throughout the year. Pro tip: Ask the retailer to exchange a holiday-branded card for a more generic one with the same value.
GIFT BASKETS
Gift baskets can be a riskier regift option, but are good as long as nothing has been removed and the products aren’t expiring soon. No one wants a basket full of spoiled goods.
FRAGRANCES
If sealed in original packaging, perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves might appeal to someone else you know — but can be a toss-up regift because the gift-giver might have had a reason for handpicking a scent for you. If it’s been gifted on a whim, it’s fair game, but remember: Once out of the plastic wrapping, it’s considered used, even if you never spray it. Try a sample at the store before opening your own to make sure you want to regift it.
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BATH SOAPS AND LOTIONS
Often given as “I don’t know what to get” gifts, bath soaps and lotions are a good solution for many Secret Santa situations. Hand creams, bubble baths, and anything else in that vein are all fine to regift too. They’re not often seen outside a bathroom or bedroom drawer, so the original gift giver likely won’t notice if these items are sent to new homes.
CHOCOLATES OR GOURMET FOOD
Avoiding sweets in the New Year? Chocolates can make a great Valentine’s Day regift. Whether it’s a giant tin of popcorn, canister of cookies, an assortment of teas, or a box of chocolates, gourmet food is one of the most versatile gifts, good for almost anybody in any season so long as it’s not wrapped in Christmas red and green, free of tags with your name, and not expiring before it can be eaten. Homemade goodies shouldn’t be regifted, but they can be brought into the office.
WINE AND SPIRITS
It’s customary to bring a bottle of wine to a dinner or social gathering, so it’s good to have an unopened bottle of wine, champagne, or other spirit on hand. A bottle you won’t drink can be put in a gift bag or given a bow for the ultimate last-minute host/hostess gift. If you’ve accumulated a few extra bottles through holiday parties and gift exchanges, bring one to the next get-together.
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BOOKS AND DVDS
If they haven’t been read, marked up with notes, or personally inscribed by the gift giver or author, books can make thoughtful gifts. If experimenting in the kitchen isn’t your thing, put a cookbook to better use by regifting it with a bottle of wine or wooden spoon set. Similarly, brand-new DVDs (with the seal and cellophane still intact) can still make acceptable regifts, so long as you’re confident the recipient still has a way to use this expiring technology.
TOYS, GAMES, AND PUZZLES
If your kids get board games, puzzles, or toys they already own or won’t use, regift or donate them to a local charity. They’re easy to wrap up for birthday, holiday, or thank-you gifts. Unwanted stuffed animals can be paired with an illustrated book for another child to love. With so many birthday kids’ birthday parties and bridal showers, it’s nice to have these items on hand throughout the year. Be careful to note of who gave the gift originally, and regift outside that social circle.
NOVELTIES AND GAG GIFTS
While you should never regift anything that would be considered universally terrible, you might get a few gag gifts such as whoopee cushions or other duds over the years that would make great white elephant party regifts. Even if friends and relatives hate it too, the tackiness can make for a good running joke.
