With Christmas just around the corner, the age-old tradition of gift-giving is once again at the forefront of holiday celebrations. Yet, what happens when the excitement of unwrapping gifts is met with the reality of unwanted presents? Regifting—passing along gifts to others rather than letting them gather dust—has gained increasing acceptance, turning it not just practical, but also economically viable this holiday season.
According to recent surveys, more than 110 million Americans, which translates to roughly 43%, have candidly admitted to regifting or selling the presents they received. This results in what has become known as the regifting economy, assessed to be worth over $11 billion. The state of California leads the way with the highest regifting economy, generating approximately $1.4 billion, but other states like North Dakota and Mississippi also contribute significantly to this phenomenon.
Lizzie Post, co-president of The Emily Post Institute and renowned etiquette expert, emphasizes the need to navigate regifting with care. "Like so many things in etiquette, it really matters how you do it," Post told USA TODAY. A common horror story involves regifted items making their way back to the original giver, complete with the original gift cards and messages. Such incidents highlight why one must be particularly cautious when deciding to pass along gifts.
So, is it acceptable to regift? The answer often hinges on how the practice is executed. Experts recommend following several important guidelines: rewrap the gift, only regift items still packaged, and avoid any handmade or personalized gifts as these are typically sensitive to their original recipient.
This year, many holiday shoppers are waking up to the practicality of regifting, particularly against the backdrop of rising economic challenges. Jon McDonald, senior editor at BadCredit.org, notes, "Regifting or reselling has become a smart financial strategy for budget-conscious consumers this holiday season." What was once viewed as taboo now holds practical relevance, allowing individuals to manage their finances and gift-giving without compromising on thoughtfulness.
Surveys indicate varying regional attitudes toward regifting: North Dakota has nearly 43% of its citizens poised to profit from their unwanted gifts, creating a regifting economy worth over $27 million. Meanwhile, Mississippi's regifting population is approximately 40%, accounting for around 917,000 people aiming to pass on gifts they didn’t want. Even with these high percentages, ethical concerns still linger. About 38% of North Dakotans perceive regifting as morally wrong, and many feel the weight of guilt after regifting.
According to Post, one key consideration is whether to disclose to the new recipient whether the gift is being regifted. Some value the discreetness typically associated with regifting. "If your friends know you’re a re-gifter, you’ll find yourself in the unpleasant situation of explaining why regifting is different from not caring," warns everydaycheapskate.com, making clarity around these topics even more significant.
Further complicate the conversation is the nature of the gift itself. Post implies gifts should not only aim to please the new recipient but also be devoid of personal identifiers from the original givers. It’s advised to check for inscriptions, gift tags, and any other hints before passing anything on. After all, the intention behind gifting should always be genuine, and regifting should never feel like shedding unwanted clutter.
For those still on the hunt for meaningful gifts, alternative practices like making homemade gifts, utilizing local vendors, or simply giving cash can lend the season some creativity and sustainability without the burdens of unwanted presents.
Despite mixed feelings about regifting, it looks like the practice is here to stay as part of the holiday festivities. It offers both economic and emotional relief during the often stressful gifting season, marrying traditional gift-giving with modern financial realities. Whether regifting or giving original gifts, the real essence remains—thoughtfulness and appreciation for the loved ones around us.
