So, real talk: I open my closet, stare down that bluetooth speaker Aunt Linda gave me (never unboxed, still in the shrink wrap), and suddenly it’s like—wait, this is basically money? My nephew’s got a playlist addiction, right? Seems like regifting, and honestly, it saves me cash without anyone getting salty. Does anyone actually care? Inflation’s a joke. My check gets smaller, prices get bigger, and I’m just trying to keep up. CNET’s money coaches say don’t let gift guilt eat you alive, but who’s listening?

Some “experts” at Ramsey Solutions claim regifting declutters, keeps you social, and saves you from blowing $30 on a bath set nobody wants. They’re not wrong, but nobody talks about that weird satisfaction when you offload a random gadget or a candle you never liked and suddenly you’re the hero. It’s almost like everyone’s pretending to care, but secretly, they’re doing the same thing. Ever watched someone unwrap their fifth set of kitchen towels? I mean, come on. At some point, unused stuff = future gift.

Every time I see a “gift guilt” thinkpiece, I roll my eyes. Who’s actually sentimental about that cheese board they never used? New doesn’t always mean better. BHG.com says just don’t regift trash, which is honestly the only rule that matters. Pass on something good or don’t bother.

What Is Regifting and How Does It Work?

My “gift closet” is basically a graveyard for insulated tumblers and minty candles. Regifting is like this social duct tape—just take the new, unopened stuff you’ll never use, wrap it, and send it back into the wild. There’s a weird etiquette to it, apparently, but who’s making the rules?

Defining Regifting

Regifting. What a word, right? It’s basically me grabbing that extra slow cooker from my cousin, slapping on new paper, and pretending I picked it out. If it’s untouched, and I don’t give it back to the original gifter, who cares? Reader’s Digest says etiquette people call it “circulating unused gifts.” Sounds fancier than it is. Sure, people get dramatic, but it’s eco-friendly and keeps my cabinets from turning into a junk museum. Why let stuff rot in a drawer?

I can’t always remember who gave me what, so now there’s a rainbow of Post-its on boxes (not proud, but it works). There’s no master regifting checklist—yet. I just check for hidden notes or tags because nothing’s worse than Aunt Marta recognizing her own bath bomb.

Common Types of Regifted Items

Every December, I get confused by the pile. Like, who gave me this mug with the reindeer sticker? Been circulating for years. Top regifted stuff? Candles, board games, kitchen gadgets, lotions I can’t use, novelty socks. If it’s unopened and generic, it’s fair game. Better Homes & Gardens says packaging gives it away—so, yeah, I rewrap everything. No one wants a “new” scarf with a mystery hair.

Note to self: skip anything with initials unless it’s a cosmic match. Gift cards, nice wine, books—solid bets. Homemade fudge? That’s cheating. Unless you want an awkward “thanks” text.

Popularity During the Christmas and Holiday Season

Supposedly, 24% of people admit to regifting during the holidays. I doubt it’s that low. Every December, my house turns into a regift swap meet. Office parties, Secret Santas, family chaos—too much stuff, not enough people. The urge to regift is real.

Nobody notices unless you mess up and give it back to the same group (looking at you, Trustpilot). It’s not as taboo now. Everyone’s broke, and unopened gifts are basically currency. Still, I wish I didn’t have to play detective, charting gift history like it’s a true crime podcast.

Regifting as a Smart Budgeting Strategy

Open closet. Six scarves. Tags still on. Anyone else? Regifting isn’t just about clearing space. It’s a budget hack, a way to survive December without losing your mind. Also, I stopped feeling weird about saving money this way.

How Regifting Saves Money

My budget app roasted me last year—$150 on gifts before family even got a look-in, and half was for “obligatory” work swaps. Meanwhile, my drawer’s full of new mugs and gadgets. So I gave a still-boxed mug to a coworker. Nobody cared.

Regifting means I’m not buying just to buy. Ramsey Solutions says it’s about intention. I don’t wrap up expired chocolate or freebie tote bags. Three or four regifts a season? Suddenly I’ve got grocery money. Not a bad trade.

Impact on Holiday Shopping Expenses

Are holiday sales even real? I tell myself I’ll spend less, but then—nope. Regifting cuts out three store trips, zero late-night panic shopping. My spending dropped by 20% just by using what I had. National Retail Federation said average folks spent almost $1,000 on gifts in 2023. My “gift anxiety” didn’t even spike. Keeping a stash beats chasing coupons.

Aligning Regifting with Budget Goals

The critics say regifting isn’t “thoughtful.” I used to track a budget line for “misc gifts”—teachers, birthdays, whatever. Now I log each regift, how much it saved, and whether the person looked happy. Most do, honestly.

Budget nerds want you to audit your stash before every holiday. I just check if it’s new, works, and fits the person. No point saving $10 if you nuke your reputation. Ramsey Solutions says motivation counts: thoughtful regifting is financial self-care, not just penny-pinching. My spreadsheet says I save money, even if it’s never as neat as I hope.