Regifting: Reuse, Reduce, Repurpose and Recycle for Christmas

There are good reasons to be a regifter.

First, if you know you won't use it, can't wear it, don't have room for it, then don't stick it on a shelf, at the back of a closet or somewhere else it will be forgotten and just take up space. Pick someone who will really want it, can use it. This way you don't have clutter and someone else gets a gift they can use.

Second, it saves you money and time. Instead of buying more gifts or spending time making gifts (which can end up costing more than buying a gift) you can regift something you already have.

Third, it saves all those gifts from being added to the landfill. Not many gifts are made from 100% recyclable materials and most could be used by someone if you take the time to figure out just the right person.

1. The item must be kept in brand new condition. You can't have unpacked it to try it or use a little. If there is a guarantee or instructions they should be with the item. If you did open the packaging to take care in closing it up again. Dust it off, don't regift an item that looks like it sat on a shelf for a year, or longer. If a book has an inscription you can't regift it.
2. Wrap the item all over again with fresh paper, bows and whatever accessories and extras you usually use. Also, don't mess up and leave the old gift card on or inside the gift. Some of the simplest things are the easiest to overlook.
3. Don't regift the item to the same people who gave it to you. This is a reason for not hanging on to a gift for very long. You may forget who it came from. Also, you don't want to send it to anyone the original sender knows, especially if it is easily identifiable, unique.
4. Never regift a handmade/ homemade gift. If it really is something you can't use (wrong size, for example) find a gentle way to let the gifter know. Make sure they understand you value their work, their thoughtfulness and the time, energy and resources that went into the gift.
5. The gift should be desired and suit the person you are giving it to. If something really is unwanted by yourself or anyone else you can think of take it to the thrift store, or try selling it online. What you give to others is a reflection on yourself. Don't regift something you know will be unwanted, just to get rid of it or save a buck. Consider age, gender, style, size, etc. when choosing who will get your regift.