Gift-giving can be a tricky business. You spend hours searching for the perfect present, only to find out that it's not quite what you had in mind. We've all been there. With 1 in 5 christmas gifts heading to straight to landfill it's time to change! But fear not, dear reader, for there is a solution to this conundrum: re-gifting. Yes, you heard that right. Re-gifting is the art of re-circulating unwanted gifts, and it's a skill that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
What is re-gifting, anyway?
Re-gifting is the act of giving away a gift that you have received but do not want or need. It's like passing the torch (or in this case, the candle set) to someone who will appreciate it more than you do. It's a way to spread joy and reduce clutter in one fell swoop. Plus, it's a great excuse to get creative and put your own personal touch on a gift.
Is re-gifting socially acceptable?
Now, some may argue that re-gifting is a big no-no, a social faux pas of epic proportions. But let's be real here, folks. We live in a world where Marie Kondo has taught us to declutter and only keep things that spark joy. So why not extend that philosophy to gift-giving? If a gift doesn't spark joy for you, why not pass it along to someone who will truly appreciate it?
How to re-gift like a pro
Re-gifting may seem simple enough, but there are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure the gift is in good condition. No one wants a half-eaten box of chocolates or a broken toaster. Second, remove any trace of the original gifter. This means removing any personalized notes, gift tags, or monogrammed initials. You want the recipient to think that you picked out the gift just for them.
Next, consider the recipient. Think about their interests, hobbies, and preferences. Does the gift align with their taste? Will it bring them joy? If the answer is yes, then you're good to go. If not, well, it's back to the drawing board. Remember, the goal is to make re-gift to someone who will enjoy it, not just get rid of something you don't want.
Re-gifting dos and don'ts
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of re-gifting, let's go over some dos and don'ts to ensure a successful re-gifting experience:
Do: - Keep track of who gave you the gift in the first place. You don't want to accidentally re-gift it back to them. Awkward! - Consider the occasion. Re-gifting a Christmas sweater in the middle of summer might raise a few eyebrows. - Get creative. Add a personal touch to the gift to make it truly special. A handwritten note or a homemade card can go a long way.
Don't: - Give it away just to get rid of it. Make sure the person receiving it will actually love it. If you can't find the right person/occasion then you can always donate to your local charity shop where someone else can find it to gift or keep for themselves!
Don't: Feel guilty about re-gifting. Remember, it's the thought that counts. And if the thought behind the gift is to make someone else happy, then you're doing it right.
So there you have it, folks. The art of re-gifting. It's a quirky, fun, and slightly unconventional way to spread joy, reduce clutter and super sustainable too! So the next time you receive a gift that's not quite your cup of tea, don't fret. Embrace your inner re-gifter and pass it along to someone who will truly appreciate it. Happy re-gifting!
