Let’s Talk: Re-gifting…the present that keeps on giving

Last year, Australians spent a whopping $8.3 billion on Christmas presents.  However, according to a survey by Menulog, at least half of you will re-gift an unwanted present, usually to avoid conflict, but often as a measure of frugality.

Let’s face it, even though we know ‘it’s the thought that counts‘, sometimes, despite being purchased by people who love and care about us, a gift can simply be…well…unwanted. Whether it’s not your style, size, it smells awful, it’ll stain the bath or you have one already, many gifts just simply miss the mark.

God forbid, few rarely ask if they can exchange it, not wanting to hurt the other’s feelings. So what are your choices? You can put it in a cupboard and forget about it for decades; you can try and return it if it’s bought from a store you know; you can donate it to charity; or when all else fails, you can pass on the gift to someone else who’s sense of style or smell is a little more accommodating!

According to Clickfrenzy.com.au, the most commonly re-gifted items are:

• socks and jocks (they’d better not be used)
• toiletries and perfumes (a little too much on the florally side for me)
• alcohol (although why anyone would regift this is beyond me!)
• jewellery (colour and clarity are wanting)
• CD’s, DVD’s and books (yes I’m just not into Miley Cyrus)
• candles and picture frames (almost made for re-gifting)
• age and mould-defying fruitcake (we understand the first ever one may still be in existence!)

The shelf life of some of the above items could mean that the gift is re-given over and over again!

You’ll need to watch out for your grandkids too, as those under 20 are the most likely to regift or want to exchange what you’ve bought them!

If you do regift, are there any tips or etiquettes to ensure you’re not just passing the buck (in order to save a few)?

So, let’s talk: is it acceptable to regift? Do you do it and if so what types of things are they?