Regifting Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

I’ve lost count of how many times I spot three of the same mug in my closet and panic. Social circles don’t come with rulebooks, but regifting etiquette is a minefield—once you get it, though, it’s kind of freeing.

Understanding Proper Regifting Etiquette

Etiquette isn’t a dusty book, but if you ignore it, things get awkward. My cousin still gripes about a duplicate bath set. The unspoken rule: don’t let anyone trace the gift’s path. Better Homes & Gardens says don’t regift used or monogrammed stuff. I learned that the hard way.

I always rip off old tags, ditch dented wrapping, and make sure it looks new. If the original gifter or recipient could cross paths, I bail. Some people keep spreadsheets to avoid “regift loops.” I don’t (too much work), but I do slap sticky notes on boxes to track who gave what.

If I’m not sure? I donate it or keep it for myself. Grandma’s itchy sweaters stay with me, no matter how tempted I am.

When Regifting Is Appropriate

People ask if regifting is tacky after every office party with a candle mountain. Good Housekeeping says if you’d buy it for the person, regift away. My rule: only regift if the person will actually use it (so skip the generic stuff unless you’re sure).

Holiday swaps, Secret Santas, family marathons—perfect for regifting new, unexpired stuff. Never regift personalized or sentimental things unless you’re begging for drama. Pro tip: check expiration dates on food and beauty stuff. I once gave out expired chocolates. Never again.

Some folks overthink if regifting is “appropriate.” I just ask: will it be weird, or will it actually be useful? There’s no perfect answer. Context is everything.

Mistakes to Avoid When Regifting

Running late, rooting through the closet, and—oh look, the infamous scented candle from last year. Nearly gave it back to the same person. Twice. I mean, does anyone else keep a mental list of who gave what? Because I don’t, and it’s a problem. Social circles overlap, and suddenly your “thoughtful” regift is the punchline at brunch, forever. Apparently, Get Out Pass’s regifting etiquette page says missing gift tags are a dead giveaway. No kidding. One mistake and you’re outed.

I forget receipts, switch gift tags, and sometimes the old “happy holidays!” note is still inside. Disaster. I try to mix up the wrapping—tissue paper, random tote bags, whatever’s not obviously recycled. But honestly, just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s good. A Chia Pet is a Chia Pet, no matter how shiny.

Once, I regifted a kitchen gadget and only realized weeks later I’d left the original giver’s handwritten note in the box. Humiliating. I try to double-check now, but who has time to keep a spreadsheet of gifts? Sometimes, I just give up and leave the extra mug at work for everyone to use. At least nobody can trace it back.

Choosing the Perfect Gift to Regift

So I’m staring at a pile of stuff in the cabinet—mugs, “live laugh love” notepads, mystery gadgets—nothing feels right. Who’s honestly excited to get a candle with a price tag still attached? Picking a random thing is as subtle as gifting fruitcake in July, and if you overthink it, you’ll spiral into “does Aunt Trish actually like lavender or did I make that up?” territory. Every “perfect” regift is just a budget stretch that hopefully doesn’t boomerang back to you in a year.

Selecting Quality Gifts

I’ve considered regifting cracked photo frames and expired bath sets. Not proud. I can already picture my sister’s forced smile. If you’re gonna regift, make sure it’s unused, undamaged, and if it’s an appliance, the manual better be in there—nobody wants to play guessing games. Good Housekeeping’s etiquette tips basically say anything without original packaging is a no.

Kitchen gadgets that are still sealed? Fine. But check for old gift tags. If it says “limited edition,” I double-check the spelling because nothing kills the mood like “Guchi” instead of “Gucci.” Knockoffs are a no-go, period.

Matching Gifts to Recipients

I once stared at a fancy notebook, thinking my cousin would love it—then remembered she’s all digital. Classic. I’ve learned (after a few flops) that regifting only works if it fits the person, not just because it’s nice. If someone’s obsessed with baking, sure, regift the cast iron pan. But don’t hand it to your gluten-free neighbor. That’s just mean.

Almost gave my aunt a scented candle, then remembered her allergies. Dodged a bullet. I jot down notes about people’s likes and dislikes, but half the time I lose the list. Some sites say to tailor gifts so people feel seen. I guess? Here’s more advice if you want to go down that rabbit hole.

Avoiding Regifting Pitfalls

Old “vintage” stuff? No. Nobody’s buying that 2012 tech is retro-cool. I don’t regift within the same group—if there’s even a chance the original giver will see it, I just hide it forever. Missing parts, weird engravings, or monogrammed mugs with the wrong initials? Toss them. Please.

Gift cards are a minefield. Gave someone a $20 card with $3.18 left. Never lived it down. If the wrapping looks reused or the packaging is wrinkled, I bail. Nobody’s excited about hand-me-downs. Here’s a list of regifting mistakes if you need a laugh.