Why Do We Re-Gift?

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

We’ve all been there. It’s Christmas and we open up that present from a friend or family member that doesn’t quite get us. While their intentions are good, the gift just doesn’t quite fit our personality or lifestyle.

So what do we do about it? We take that gift and give it to someone else. It’s not meant to be mean or anything, just a way to make sure that the gift we received gets used by someone who will really appreciate it.

So why is it considered something offensive and how did this tradition start?

Well, for one it might be perceived by the original giver that we don’t appreciate the time and money that person took to pick out a gift for us. Totally understandable, and yes I’ve been there and it does feel crappy when someone does that.

However, let’s take a look at re-gifting and dissect it a little bit. Now for some of you this might require some out of the box thinking and could be hard so just bear with me for a second.

#1 – You’re not throwing the gift away.

You’re making sure that that person’s time and money was not spent in vain and that the gift will be put to good use. Yes, believe it or not there are people out there who will want that crazy looking sweater or garden gnome that you might find repulsive.

#2 – You’re showing that person you genuinely care.

I know for a fact that when I can make sure that something someone did for me was acknowledged in a positive way that I’ve not only made them feel worthwhile but myself as well.  What better way to show someone you care about what they do than to make sure that their gift gets the true attention and personal value that it deserves?

#3  – We already have a re-gifting process known as HAND-ME-DOWNS!!!!

AH HA!!! Caught a few of you on this one didn’t I? Yes folks, many of us without realizing it have been re-gifting for years. Every time you pass on an article of clothing or a toy or other possession to a loved one that was given to you, you are technically re-gifting!!

Heck folks, even food we share with others that someone else bought for us during our lunch break can be considered re-gifting!!!

Hmmm, makes you think about criticizing that person who gives your cousin the gift you gave them last year doesn’t it?!?

So folks, I’m going to be honest with you…re-gifting is not as offensive as many of us have made it out to be.

Yes that gift you spent time and money on to pick out was intended for someone in particular, but doesn’t it make us feel good to know that the gift will be used and appreciated instead of thrown in the trash or put up for sale at the Spring garage sale?!?

So that in a nutshell is why re-gifting is not such a crime and how we should look at in a positive way instead of as a stab in the back.

Happy Gifting!!

Jenn and Chris

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