Even though such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan joke about giving away unwanted gifts you receive to someone else, regifting should be no laughing matter.
Yet, in a Seinfeld episode the character dentist Tim Whatley gives Jerry a label-maker, the "Label Baby Jr.," which Elaine originally gave him, and is then admonished behind his back. Meanwhile, Jim Gaffigan in his Beyond the Pale CD said, "Did you ever get a candle for a gift? Hey, thanks. You know I have electricity, right? Now I know what I'm giving you next year."
However, regifting can be a touchy topic. Generally, people don't want to be known as "regifters." Holidays or special occasions are supposed to be times to choose thoughtful presents for those one cares about or one is obliged to get something for.
You might receive a present you have no use for and then think that it'd be the perfect gift for someone else, especially if you don't know what else to get them or don't feel like spending money on something they could possibly regift. Is it so wrong to regift? Most would say or at least think, "Certainly not," depending on the circumstances, but there are several dos and don'ts you must take care to follow in order to adhere to proper regifting etiquette.
The most important and obvious rule is to not give the gift back to the person who gave it to you. If you do, that could end up being the biggest mistake of your life, tears will be shed, maybe even friends will be lost, or, at the least, sheer embarrassment and shame will be felt by all involved.
Rule number two is not to regift to someone who knows the original giver of the gift because they'll know the gift is secondhand. That scenario could end up equally unpleasant as the first. Keep in mind that you shouldn't regift in front of someone who knows you're regifting either, unless they have sworn "cross their heart, hope to die, stick and needle in their eye" not to tell your secret or else you run the risk of having your conniving exposed.
Though it may seem obvious to some, the first-time regifter should remember to remove cards and other clues that would hint at the gift's reuse. Make sure the wrapping paper, card, etc. are holiday appropriate because you don't want someone with a spring birthday to receive a Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah card, especially if it says it's from someone other than you. Also, how mortifying would it be to have the recipient open the card, only to see the card addressed to you, instead of them! On the other hand, if the recipient has the same name as you, you just might be able to pull it off with the same card, as long as there's no personalized message inside.
Rewrapping a gift is also a worthwhile precaution to take, not just because the wrapping paper may not be season-appropriate, but also in case the person suspects that you're regifting and has the wrapping paper dusted for multiple sets of finger prints.
One last "no-no" is using the item and then regifting it when it's no longer new. This includes giving partially used gift certificates, items you've owned for a long time or opened gifts. Regifting older items is tasteless and unacceptable, that is unless you want to prevent any more gift-giving between you and the other person in the future and ever after.
One viable alternative for getting rid of unwanted gifts would be to donate them to charity if you want to keep your friends but not their presents. Even if that doesn't mean one less holiday purchase, you won't feel as guilty since it's easier to conceal.
You could also try selling the item on eBay or other similar online marketplace Web sites. Just check to make sure there's no chance the original gifter can find your online auctions.
