Making Good Use of Unwanted Gifts

 Roles and Rules of Regifting

Okay, it was a nice gesture but what to do with that gift of white chocolate that wreaks havoc on your stomach? And what of the purple angora jacket, not quite your style? Or the flashy, costume earrings that simply don't work. The solution is called regifting and it can be very effective if you follow the rules.

One cardinal rule is to make sure there are no tags in the wrapping left from the original gift giver. Countless stories abound from the careless who passed on unwanted gifts forgetting to remove the initial tags, notes and cards. The details were not pleasant.

Another concern is the wrapping. Aesthetics is key. Change the wrapping. Repeat. Change the wrapping. All of it. Tissue. Outside paper. Ties, riboons, bows. Can't get much worse than giving a regift in used, wrinkled, obviously worn giftwrap. There are always telltale signs, so beware.

Understand that all unwanted gifts can not and should be regifted. Why? For one, there are some gifts nobody wants. Gold moose slippers? Over-sized stuff toad? You didn't want them, did you? If your sensitive grandmother or close relative gives you a hat or sweater not to your liking, you should not regift those items. Put them in the back of the closet until you need to whip them out when they come over inquiring of their whereabouts.

The primary role of regifting is to give an unwanted gift to someone who wants or can use that gift; someone who would just love that set of penguin canisters sitting on their kitchen counter. Regifting should be a  meaningful and thoughtful gesture.

Many unwanted gifts are salvageable and make wonderful regifts – presents for someone else. One that comes to mind is costume jewelry. If, by chance, you get a bracelet, necklace or earrings that falls on the cheaper side, use them to dress up a candle or small lamp shades. They make a stunning presentation.

If you get a bottle of white wine and you only drink Merlot or Sauvignon, adorn or wrap  the bottle with jewelry or the colorful scarf  (another unwanted gift)  to make a lovely regift.

Regifting Rules

1. make sure the recipient can use your regift
2. keep reminder of who gave you the unwanted gift
3. take not chances, give regift to a friend in a different circle
4. ensure there's no damage or dents on the item
5. make sure the regift has never been opened or used
6. remember use fresh tissue and wrapping paper
7. add a fresh sincere note