Christmas is behind us now. Some of us are admittedly happy about that. Sentimental others are already counting the days until next Christmas (only 363 shopping days left, in case you lost count). No matter which camp you fall into, we all get gifts that, lets face it, we don’t really need. Not that we don’t appreciate the thought, of course!
In the gift-giving world, these well-intentioned but misguided gifts are prime candidates for “re-gifting,” or the act of giving the gift to someone else, either for a birthday or saving it for next Christmas. Some people think the practice of re-gifting is a great idea. After all, if the gift isn’t right for you, and someone else can get some use out of it, isn’t that a good thing? Others believe you should keep your gift, even if you’ll never use it (or at least try to find a use for it).
Now we know that any ice cream-related is a gift we’d all cherish, but we wanted to test the waters by asking what everyone else thought of the re-gifting concept. Good idea or bad idea? We’ll even take it one step further by asking if anyone received any gifts this year that they’d like to pass on to someone else. It’s okay, don’t be afraid to admit it!
Tags: christmas, ice cream, re-gifting
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If you’ve got a technical question about the ice cream making process or some other inquiry about the nuances of America’s favorite treat, chances are Ernie has the answer. He might not be able to answer all questions, but he’ll try his best and some may be featured on the Ice Cream Journal.
My mother instilled in me that one does not regift – one of many falsehoods I no longer adhere to.
I got a Mohair sweater from dear friends (husband and wife). I gave them a fine cognac (they love to entertain) and a flower arrangement (she loves flowers). The sweater was irregular: one arm was about 3″ longer than the other. Regift? How could I pass this monstrosity to another human being?
It depends on the item if you should re-gift it or not. If is is a broken, irregular or just plain useless I would never give it to another. However, if it is a very nice gift but not my taste, and I know that someone else would absolutely love it, than I would re-gift only new items. But, only if I am positive that the other person would love it. I would never re-gift just to get rid of something.
Well, I must admit that I have received that I never desired or would ever even really wanna use, and lately, I’ve been having the grand desire to “declutter my housey!” Throw a lot of stuff away. My basement is a total WRECK now after 12 years of living his this housey with my husband and son.
We have SO much stuff we need to get rid of in our basement, and it’s like I’ve been trying to get the first floor, and then the second totally decluttered, but to declutter them, I have to throw all this stuff into the basement, and the basement is just now OVERCROWDED, when it was basically empty 13 years ago when we moved in here.
HOWEVER, I think you should ALWAYS hold on to gifts that people give to you, even if they seem like clutter? They are sentimental, and thought and time it took for that other person to get you that gift, is just too great! Even if you have ta rent out a storage rental unit somewhere, I think you outta try to keep all the gifts people give to you? This may mean that you’d have to work on becoming a millionaire or even trillionaire or moreofanair if ya have ta to afford all the storage rental units you’re gonna need, but, I don’t know, I think you should try to keep all the gifts people give to you, never, ever regift, HOWEVER, I think it’s okay if someone you know likes your gift that you’ve had sitting around and never use and they’d like it! Then fine, give it away to them! Who knows, these are just my thoughts right now?
Whenever you buy someone a gift though, I think you should never, ever re-gift, I think that’s absolutely horrible!
HOWEVER, with children’s gifts, sure, you can throw them away, and give them away, but not as special “gifts” but when you are an adult, I think you should be darn glad that anybody would take the time to give you a gift, and never throw it away…ha ha!
Well, in reading back over your blog post, my answer is, “NO, you should NEVER regift!” There is abundance with God, you don’t need to be so cheap that you regift, and besides, you should cherish the gifts given to you, even if they don’t thrill you? But maybe you could “give them away?” to someone who would appreciate them more, I guess?
I have alot of things in my life now since Im not married anymore after 30 yrs with a BAD Hunsband. So i have been selling most of things at a Flea Market in Vermont where i lived in the Summer. I can’t stand a house with so many things in it I clean houses for a living.
I would never be a PACK RAT like My MOM AND DAD!
I would not like to receive a regift….
SOOOOOO…I will NEVER regift, to anyone!
I admit that I regift, but only if I get a gift that I don’t really like and it is perfect for someone else. I have regifted a few times, and it makes me happy to give someone a gift that they like that I know I will never use. Just make sure to remember not to regift to someone who originally gave you the gift.
I can’t speak for others but, no, I don’t regift. If it’s clothing and truly inappropriate for us, I simply donate it to charity. Hopefully, someone else can use it. We moved recently downsizing from a house to an apartment. I donated about a thousand books in excellent condition to the library for their ongoing booksale and hundreds of items of serviceable clothing. No room now for any of it. Same with a great deal of furniture. If you don’t like or can’t use items, donate them to the needy, but don’t pass them on as gifts.
I do not believe in “regifting”…as in passing along a gift to someone else as if I bought it specially for them. However, if I received a gift that was just not appropriate for me for whatever reason…I don’t see it a problem giving it to someone and being honest on I obtained the gift. If they wish so, they could take it or leave it. Otherwise, just return/exchange it if possible. If not, just donate it or sell it at a garage sale or something…just be sure that the person who gave it to you isn’t going to come to that sale.
I believe it is a good idea because if you don’t most times it eventually gets thrown away years later and I don’t think its nice to throw things away especially if they are good presents, but just not right for you. Someone else may reaaly appreciate that present.
Interesting comments from everyone!! I donate items I don’t need or want. Regifting is an acceptable practice, but not for me.
In a world where recycling is the thing to do, re-gifting is ok for some items, others it is not. Over the years, I have seen friends and family open many a gift that disappointed them, but I would have loved to receive. No problem with re-gifting!
Yes, yes, and yes! If I receive a gift that either I already have or cannot use — I would gladly pass it on to another — either through a gift or just plain giving it to them for no reason — actually that’s the way I like to give gifts — when no one is expecting one. It doesn’t really matter if you bought the item or someone else gave you an item, if that thing would be perfect for someone else, why not? We live in a land where people either throw too many things away or store things up for”never”. It’s time we all did a priority check.
Happy New Year to you all!
I DO NOT LIKE THE IDEA I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PEOPLE DONATE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT
I don’t like the idea of regifting. I would gladly donate the item to someone in need but not give it as a gift and let the receiver think I paid for it. I think that’s in very poor taste.
I got a gift from my neighbors this year that is nice, but I don’t know where to put it (a moving picture). I wouldn’t regift it, but would give it to someone who liked it. Someone always gets a gift that they don’t like, but as was stated, it is the thought. As for regifting I would not do this. Linda
After my Mom died and it took 6 months to declutter her house, I began thinking why did she keep so many new things still in their boxes. I vowed never to let my children have to declutter my house. Regifting is a wonderful idea!
If I give a gift away, I usually just give it to them. Or, sometimes I donate it to the “secret santa” gift shop at school. I don’t like to waste anything, so if someone else can use it, then put it to good use. There are so many people that just do without and can really appreciate it. Amy
I think is a good idea to add a Gift Receipt to all the presents, so if the person doen’t like it, at least can return it and buy whatever they like better.
Iam always add a gift receipt to my Christmas Presents.
I see no problem with regifting if the gift is not you but is someone else. My daughter is a teacher and many of her students can’t afford presents for their parents for Christmas or Mother/Father’s day so we give her our unneeded gifts for her students to give. One MAJOR thing we do is triple check that the card we got is removed. When I got engaged in the 60′s we received a gift with the original card in it. Knowing it was a regift lost some of its luster
I feel its fine to regift. Make sure it has never been used( I have seen that),its a gift that the person wants and it is a nice gift.
A two cup coffee pot I will never use to a single person is fine ,an added plus is helping landfills.
I re-gift and I re-gift every year. I have two sisters and we always re=gift to each other. It is a tradition and a fun one at that. Sometimes we try to outdo each other on the most horrible gifts to re-gift to each other.
My mother always said, save everything because you may need it one day. Now my house is filled with gifts and things I will never use. I would not regift to another person, I would give it all to charity.
No, on the regifting,, but if you have received a gift you don’t like, feel free to give it to someone who would like it,,but not as a present. Just give it to them because they like the item! OR,, ask the person who gave it to you,, if they would mind if you exchanged it. I know that’s what I’d rather someone did. I”d rather they got themselves something they DID like rather than throw something away or give it to someone else.
I think its okay to regift something as long as you think the person will like it and the person has not seen it before.
What we do in our extended family is put your name on a piece of paper with at least 3 items that you really want and whoever gets your name can only get you one item. That way you always get something you want and don’t have to worry about duplicates or something you don’t need or want.
I like the re-gifted. I been it for years. I saw my mohter do that; I been doing it every since. What I do is I will give it to some I know can or like the gifted. I get gifted all the time and half of them I can’t use or I don’t care for them. I do keep a listed of the person who I gave it to. SOme re-gifted are funny, some not so funny, some of them are so pretty that you wanted to keep it,but can’t wear it or can use it. and some of them are so I can’t even say it.. is pretty or what. bottom line is it is ok to re-gifted as long as you don’t give it to the same person or anyone know taht it is a re-geited and will be up-set about it.
Funny, I was just telling my sister yesterday, that I received a bird feeder from her son about 15 years ago and never put it up, waiting for my other feeders to go bad and I was going to give it to her when she moves in to her new house in a couple months. Re-gifting is OK with me, put the item to use.
I normally Will Try to make use of a gift that I may not have been to happy with.
I’ve received a lot of nice gifts that I just don’t need. I don’t re-gift them to specific individuals, but I do use them for thieve’s Christmas gifts when I go to parties where I have to take a small gift to exchange. These gifts are usually always nicer than what I would go out and buy, and I’ve seen over the years the people that received my gifts are usually thrilled with them. I’ve also donated new unwanted gifts to the Salvation Army where I’m sure someone else gets joy from receiving them. Happy New Year to all!
Yes, I re-gift. I do appreciate the thought and the gift. But when it is something I can not & will not use I re-gift as I do not believe in throwing it away. I am working to de-cludder my house as at my age I do not need a lot of items sitting around going to pieces. Also, this has at times helped me to have the ability to give someone a gift when I could not have come up with the cash to buy that person a gift. Some items I have and will re-gift I really like, but I can not use. These items take a longer time for me to part with them. If there is no one to give the gift to then it goes to a charity. This year I got a food item I could not use, so I added it to a gift I was giving to someone who is not the picky eater that I am.
I have nothing against re-gifting but I don’t do it. I might give someone a gift I received because I know they will use it but I never give it as a “gift”. I tell the person I received it as a gift but I have no use for it and that I know it is something the receiver will make use of. If I cannot pass it on to someone I know, I hold on to them and then put them in the Angel Box for our sharing committee to pass on to those less fortunate during the holidays.
Yes, I regift — and use online sources like freecycle and others to pass things on to others. With the problematic economy now, it’s a great idea whose time has come.
I think its a good idea if you know someone who needs it.
It depends on the item. If it’s personal no then you freecycle it or give it someone. If it’s electronics which you already own bo xit and regift. Ipods, vcrs, tv’s dvr’s etc. Is OK. Happy new year all.
regift, yes, always, whenever necessary.
if I get something I thing would be more useful to someone else, then I give it to them and I know that I have received things the same way. we love sharing and recycling and this is just another form of both
regifting is ok-just remember to remove the gift tags-if I get something I can’t use or don’t want, I donate it to the local church thrift shop where it will do some good-Happy New Year
Very often,someone who has no idea of your taste will give you a gift that you will never use.So–why not regift to someone who would really appreciate the item. I have been regifting for years.
no i do not re-gift. It’s very hurtful to someone if they realize you re-gifted their item. Happened to me and I still havn’t forgotten.
if someone gives you a gift that is so impractical for you, it shows that they don’t really know your needs, wants, or likes. thus regifting is perfectly ok, as long as you give it to someone who would need/want/like it! otherwise, donate it to a charity or other non-profit.
or as someone else said, even http://freecycle.org/ it. i highly recommend freecycling. check it out and join!
Regifting is stupid.
If one were not to like the item, then why would people in your scope like it either?
Give it away to someone whom really needs it.
Never thought about it since we very seldom get gifts we can’t use. Most of those who give gifts to us give practical things that they know we need or will use. We do “regift” a funny Christmas card, but have not done it with anything else. Actually I think it is a little rude to give somebody else a gift meant for you and it isn’t too thoughtful in the first place for a person to give you something that is of no use to you. Now, of course, if I win the ice cream for a year I will share it with others but won’t regift it!
It sounds like a lot of people are planing to de-clutter for the new year. I might keep a couple of candles on hand that I have been given to give away if I need something small on the spur of the moment.
YES I DO RE-GIFT. I SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH DOING SO IF THE ITEM IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND IN ITS PROPER PACKAGING AND HAS NOT BEEN USED.
JUST REMEMBER WHO GAVE YOU WHAT SO THAT YOU ARE NOT EMBARRASSED BY GIVING THEM WHAT THEY GAVE TO YOU.
IF I DON’T RE-GIFT I WILL DONATE THE ITEMS TO THE SALVATION ARMY OR MY CHURCH.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Try returning first if you have a gift receipt. You would not want to get caught re-gifting by the person who was kind enough to give you the gift in the first place.
I love our Freecycle group in this county. If you can’t use something, why not pass it on to someone who really wants it? Regifting has a false sincerity to it.
I have been wearing second hand clothes for years given to me by my older sister There always in great shape I appreciate the clothes So for me re gifting would be Okay!!!!!
Yes, I believe it is okay to re-gift an item that hasn’t been opened or used. Sometimes you recieve items that are not funtional for you, but other would have loved to receive it. I have received a few gifts this year that I am going to re-gift next year and I know the receivers will be thrilled. I do not every re-gift junk or items that are useless to everyone. I also donate many items I cannot use to my freecycle group in my area and I have never had a person who didn’t thank me. There are many who are not fortunate and they are so happy that there are people out there who are generous and are willing to share.
No way. To do that is terrible. I wouldn’t want a re-gift, would you????Oh Laddie wouldn’t want a used bone either.
To regift or not to regift..hmmm. I think regifting is perfectly okay to do. So long as the item you want to regift is new and not opened, and you do not give it to the same person who gave it to you. It’s the idea of giving that counts, not what the gift is.
some time you just keep the gift , what ever it is,because it is a gift from heart
NO. I would rather it sits in a closet
than regift. Idon’t even like to return things I buy and don’t fit the person or
project they were intended for.
I guess subjects like this must be disgused. Away with regifting.
It’s fine to re-gift. Why let something take up space when it can be put to use by someone else. Donating to thrift stores is another way of recycling (and a tax deduction too)
Wel one thing remains undebatable…ice cream is certainly not a gift that should or could be regifted. I mean one carton doesn’t even last 3 days in my freezer after buying it. And once you look at the delectile picture on the outside, you just have to indulge on what is inside. As for the regifting ideas… think it can be okay unde certain conditions. in today’s world we really need to be cautious and careful how much we are wasting, and throwing away. we are accuuating so muhc trash and the space to store it is qickly being used up. So if you receie something that you don’t like, or can’t use, the trash is the last place for it. I believe you should give to the less fortunat. If you are fortunate to be given somethin in excess from what you need (ie. you can’t find a need for it), then chances are there is someone somewhere who really could/ Yes this meas you may forgo one gift, or notb able to return it or eschange it in a store t get something you like, but really, if you are fortunate enough ot be receving gifts, you have some to spare. And you aren’t losing out becase it was something you never really had n the first place. Toy for tots can can toys, Churches and shelters tae many hosehold items for the needy, and or troops oversees are in need of many supplies and items. I think all regifted items should be donated
I regift only when I know that someone else would enjoy the present more than I would. I have regifted lotion and shower gel sets because they are my friends favorite scents. If it is something custom made I would never regift.
I would not re-gift. I would find someone who would appreciate it, donate it to charity or if it was really bad, just throw it out.
The worst gift I ever received was a fake fur tissue box with a deers head on it………I tossed it!!!
My friends and relatives know I’m an icecreaholic and enjoy flavored coffee. I usually get something related to my favorite things. If per chance I do get something not appropriate for me, I would regift.I make sure I put a post-a-note on the gift so I don’t regift to the person who gave it to me!!! I know no one regifts Turkey Hill gift deliveries so try that next year!!!
I don’t exactly ‘re-gift’ so much as I try to share the things I don’t care for or can’t use. Some people have a tendency to hoard things that they don’t want or can’t use instead of sharing their abundance with others in need. (and I choose not to celebrate holidays where people feel a need or obligation to give because it’s the expected thing to do.)
a gift is a gift and the receiver is allowed to do with it whatever they wish. If I receive an item that I cannot use it is given to someone who can use it as a just because item. Something given just because not as a present per say. Many are charities welcome these items as well. It is better to give it to someone without rather than to hord it or give it as a “presente” in my book!
Sometimes I get gifts that I ask myself “WHAT were they thinking?!?!?” Or the gift, that I keep wondering, “WHAT is it?” I would LOVE it if ALL my friends and family would either make a donation to one of my favorite charities, or “adopt” a needy family for Christmas, and get them practical gifts they truly need. NOBODY would re-gift a Turkey Hill gift certificate…hint,hint,hint!
I don’t usually regift, but I would give it to someone who could use it – not as a gift, just “something for them because I can’t use it”. I guess in a way that still is a gift, just not a wrapped one.
We usually do not re-gift. What if the person you give it to asks for the receipt or asks where you bought it because she already has one and wants to exchange it at the store?
We keep some of the unwanted gifts depending who gave it to us. We sell some of the other unwanted gifts in garage sales or on Craig’s list.
If I cannot use a gift that I receive as a present, I usually just give it away to someone who could use it.
We are a nation that is blessed with so much abundance. I believe in sharing that abundance with others that are not so fortunate. So to me re-gifting is sharing the joy and love of that gift with someone that perhaps didn’t receive any gifts at all during Christmas. After all isn’t that the true meaning of Christmas.
I have never been in a situation where I could re-gift. However, if I received something that I already had I would probably give the gift to someone who could use it. But I wouldn’t give it as a gift. I would just give it to them outright. To give someone a gift that you received as a gift appears on the surface that you are trying to save money. Is it really coming from the heart or is it just out of convenience? Think before you re-gift.
actually, I am ok with regifting. That way the gift goes to someone who will appreciate it more than I do and does not sit in a closet collecting dust! I only regift items that are new and unused but it’s like recycling in a more economical way.
Wow. Looks like there are some very honest opinions on both sides of the re-gifting dilemma. We’ll do an informal tally of the results and post them in a new entry today.
The idea of a gift is to truly give someone something they desire and they do not get it because of cost or others may think it is frivoulous. Everyone has those special things they love. So yes regifting works if you know this person would love this item. During the year I will see things that I absoutely know my father would like or daughter would like and I get it immediately. If you put off for later, it may not be found at that time
I think re-gifting is fine. If you don’t need or like something, someone else will. Thats my theory anyway! I usually keep everything I get. The gifts I get have sentimental value, when I wear them or look at them I think of that person. But I feel its ok to re-gift, as long as the gift is still new!
I’ll admit I have regifted and feel that I have also been the recipient of a regift. I think it is OK as long as it is not regifted within the same circle of friends/family so that the giver does not know about it.
Re-gifting is a good idea if another person can use something that you won’t use–just make sure you don’t re-gift it the original giver as my sister did once–boy was she embrassed!!!!
I already have a couple of gifts that are not long for this house. The people I plan to give them to will use them much more than I would! I think it’s all part of that “waste not, want not” adage.
Yes, re-gifting is fine for me! Sometimes I wonder if it’s a gift that keeps on giving though!