It happens, we
all end up receiving a few less than desirable gifts throughout our lives.
Maybe it’s that third crock-pot you received as a wedding gift or the fourth
toaster for your house warming or maybe it’s the ten millionth holiday coffee
mug that found its way to your stocking but most of us all have a few things
tucked away in cupboards or closets that we have never used.
With the economy in such a slump
and eco-thoughts fully conscious in your mind it is time to rethink the regift.
The key to regifting is to do it
with style and class.
First of all don’t regift to the
person who originally gave you the gift or at a social function where that
original gift giver may be. If the gift is something unique also don’t regift
to someone who is in contact with the original gift giver (you wouldn’t want
the gifter to see the gift at the new giftee’s home unless you plan on offering
full disclosure).
Second, make sure the gift was
never used and that it is still in pristine, brand new condition (exceptions
are allowed for books, CDs and DVDs that you know someone would really love but
they still have to be in good shape). For any appliances or items with multiple
parts make sure that all the pieces are there and that the item is still in
working condition. You don’t want to give a gift that’s all banged up and
missing pieces after being shoved around in your closet, tossed around in the
garage or moved from place to place. If it needs batteries put a brand new set
in with the gift.
Third, rewrap the gift. Do not
ever leave the gift in the same torn wrapping paper that you re-taped or in the
same (now) rumpled gift bag it came in . And make sure you put a new tag on it
addressing it specifically to the person the gift is for. This cleans it up and
makes you put a little thought into it. A gift should always have a bit of a
personal touch to it.
Fourth and most importantly,
don’t regift just to get rid of something taking up space in your home or so
can have a gift to give someone without spending any money. Give the gift to
someone who will actually use and/or enjoy the gift. If you know someone needs
a toaster or coffee pot then by all means give them the extra appliance that
you have in your closet but don’t just give it to someone to get rid of it.
There’s a way to really regift
with class- personalize the gift. Make the receiver feel special by letting
them know the gift is just for them, that you really thought about it. This
could be done by adding little custom things. If it’s a scarf or linens add a
bit of custom monogramming. Is it a book? Add a special note in the book for
the person who is receiving it. Find some way to add a special touch to the
gift so the receiver will feel special.
If you really want to unload some
of those unused gifts taking up space, participate in a regifting party, also
known as a white elephant exchange. You could even hold it on National Regifting
Day which is December 17, 2015 this year. Always the third Thursday in
December.
There are many ways to have a
regifting party. One is to have everyone bring one or two unwrapped gifts and
place them on a table. Everyone takes a number and the first number called gets
to pick the first gift and it goes on from there until everyone gets a chance
to choose a gift
Here are are more ways to have a
Regifting Party :
Leftover gifts and anything
that’s really unwanted by anyone at the party can always be donated to
Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or a local shelter. Someone could love it.
To learn more about regifting
visit http://regiftable.com/ and make sure to check out ReGifting 101 http://regiftable.com/Regifting101/Default.aspx for a crash course in regiving.
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