Hold off before you react to this title! You might have some pre-conceived notions and maybe images about something being “second hand” or you might not think negatively about it.
With Christmas next week, what do YOU believe about re-gifting?
Your beliefs might be grounded in how you grew up in your family and culturally. Some families feel that gifts must be new and purchased for the person in mind. Others feel that regifting is a perfectly appropriate way to celebrate an occasion. And there are other factors including it being ecological and economical, adding to “recycle” and “reduce.”
A few simple rules:
Always rewrap.
Remember who gave it to you. (to not regift to them)
Be sure it is price/value and age appropriate.
Never regift an heirloom (unless to a family member)
Never regift something that has been opened.
Whatever your belief, try to be open minded and consider different gift giving options. Sometimes an experience is often better than a tangible product. For example: babysitting for a mother, a spa day for a friend, a movie and dinner for a couple, a day at the zoo for a child, etc.
Afterall, does the person you are gifting to really need more items or products? Might that person remember your thoughtfulness at gifting them your time or an experience? In addition, this helps the environment, too.
Merry Christmas and remember to gift wisely!