So How Can We Regift Without Looking Cheap?

1. Make sure the item is not used

Gifts should be unused, in their original packaging. Lightly used may be acceptable in some situations, but it’s not ideal.

2. Not sentimental

If someone made you a homemade gift or knitted you a scarf, it is probably not going to be good for regifting.

3. Make sure it’s not personalized

If your name or initials are anywhere on the book or piece of jewelry, do not regift it. If you are caught, it would be very embarassing.

4. The recipient will like it

Instead of pulling out anything just to have a gift, make sure the recipient will actually like it.

5. Consider the original giver

Be sure the regifted gift doesn’t end up someplace where the original giver will see it — or worse, accidentally given back to the original giver as a re-gift.

6. Rewrap the gift

Do not just take off the label and slap on a new label. Actually rewrap or rebox it for the new recipient. And be sure there is no leftover tape stuck to the package from the original giver. This has happened to me and the person is then caught red-handed regifting.

7. And do not announce it’s a regift

This has happened to me and it’s very embarrassing. You don’t need to announce to anyone that you’re regifting (in fact, don’t), but at the same time don’t feel weird about it either. If you’ve followed all the other rules you’ve given someone something they’ll cherish more than you would have.