How to Re-Gift Like a Pro: 20 Essential Etiquette Tips
Re-gifting can be a sensitive subject, but it doesn’t have to be awkward or inappropriate if done with thoughtfulness and care.
Whether you’ve received a gift that doesn’t quite fit your taste or already have an item, re-gifting can be a great way to reduce waste and pass on something to someone who may appreciate it more.
However, there are certain etiquette rules to follow if you want to avoid hurt feelings and ensure your re-gift is well received.
Here are 20 tips to help you re-gift like a pro without ever getting caught.
1. Ensure the Item is Brand New
Always re-gift items that are in perfect, unused condition. If something has been opened, used, or shows signs of wear, it’s best not to re-gift it. Passing off used items as new can come across as thoughtless and inconsiderate, leaving the recipient feeling undervalued.
If you’re unsure, ask yourself if you would appreciate receiving the item in its current state.
2. Remove All Evidence of Previous Gifting
Before re-gifting, make sure to check the item carefully for any leftover notes, cards, or personal messages that might reveal it was originally meant for someone else.
Look out for hidden inscriptions, personalized messages, or any wrapping paper remnants. Clean packaging is key to avoiding awkward situations.
3. Match the Gift to the Recipient
Just because you’re re-gifting doesn’t mean the recipient shouldn’t feel special. Choose an item that suits their personality, tastes, or interests.
Avoid re-gifting just for the sake of offloading something. The key to a successful re-gift is ensuring it’s something the new recipient would genuinely appreciate.
4. Know the Original Gift Giver’s Circle
One of the biggest mistakes in re-gifting is accidentally re-gifting something to someone in the same social circle as the original giver.
Avoid gifting within overlapping groups of friends, family, or colleagues, as it increases the chances of being caught. Keep track of who gave you the gift in the first place.
5. Re-Wrap the Gift Thoughtfully
Presentation matters, even when re-gifting. Avoid using the original wrapping paper or bag, especially if it shows wear. Put effort into re-wrapping the gift neatly and adding a personal touch, like a handwritten card.
This shows that you’ve taken the time to make the gift special for the recipient.
6. Never Re-Gift Personalized Items
Avoid re-gifting anything that has been personalized for you, such as items with your name, initials, or a monogram.
These gifts were specifically tailored to you, and passing them on to someone else can feel thoughtless or impersonal. Keep personalized items for yourself, even if you don’t use them.
7. Don’t Re-Gift Handmade or Unique Items
Handmade or one-of-a-kind gifts are often given with extra thought and care. Re-gifting these can come across as insensitive, especially if the original giver discovers their handmade item has been passed along.
These types of gifts are better kept or donated, rather than re-gifted.
8. Check Expiration Dates
If you’re re-gifting food, beauty products, or other items with expiration dates, always double-check to ensure they’re well within their use-by date.
Gifting expired items can lead to embarrassment or even health concerns for the recipient. Only re-gift items that are fresh and safe to use.
9. Consider Donating Instead of Re-Gifting
If you receive a gift that doesn’t suit you but could be useful to someone else, consider donating it rather than re-gifting.
Charities, shelters, and donation centers can make great use of brand-new items. Donating is a thoughtful way to pass on a gift without the risks of awkwardness or offense.
10. Be Honest if Asked Directly
If someone directly asks you if a gift is re-gifted, it’s best to be honest. Trying to lie or cover it up can backfire and harm relationships. A simple, gracious explanation that you thought the recipient would enjoy the item more is often enough to diffuse any tension.
11. Avoid Re-Gifting in Professional Settings
Re-gifting in the workplace or with colleagues can be risky, as it’s often easier for these circles to overlap. Plus, it may come off as lacking in effort or professionalism. If you need to give a gift in a professional context, it’s better to choose something specifically for the occasion.
12. Only Re-Gift Quality Items
Don’t re-gift just for the sake of getting rid of something. Only re-gift items that are of good quality and feel valuable. Re-gifting low-quality items can make the recipient feel like an afterthought, which is the opposite of what gifting is meant to achieve.
13. Be Mindful of Sentimental Gifts
If the original giver is someone close to you, think twice before re-gifting something that may have sentimental value. Passing along a gift that holds emotional significance can cause hurt feelings if the original giver finds out.
Sentimental gifts are best kept or handled with extra care.
14. Avoid Re-Gifting Trendy Items
Trendy or highly specific items can be tricky to re-gift because they may quickly go out of style or be easily recognizable. If a gift is very “of the moment,” it’s more likely that someone will know where it came from. Stick to more classic or timeless items when re-gifting.
15. Re-Gift with a Positive Attitude
Approach re-gifting with the right mindset—it’s not about dumping unwanted items but rather about finding a better home for something. Gifting is meant to bring joy, so focus on the opportunity to give someone something they’ll love, rather than seeing it as a chore or necessity.
16. Always Double-Check the Original Packaging
If the gift comes in packaging with a store label or branding, make sure the item hasn’t been previously opened or used. This applies especially to electronics, appliances, or boxed sets. Sealed packaging is essential to maintaining the appearance of a brand-new gift.
17. Don’t Re-Gift in Close Family Circles
When re-gifting within close family, the risk of being caught is much higher. Family members are often more attuned to the gifts you receive, and there’s a greater chance someone will recognize the item. If re-gifting within family, tread carefully and choose the recipient thoughtfully.
18. Consider Adding a Personal Touch
If the item you’re re-gifting feels a little impersonal, consider adding a small, personalized element to make it more special.
Whether it’s a handwritten note, some complementary wrapping, or pairing it with another item, this extra effort can make a re-gift feel more thoughtful.
19. Be Tactful About Gift Giving Occasions
Avoid re-gifting for very personal or significant occasions, such as weddings, milestone birthdays, or anniversaries. These events often call for carefully considered gifts, and re-gifting can come off as thoughtless or rushed. Save re-gifting for more casual or less significant occasions.
20. Own the Re-Gift if Necessary
Sometimes, owning up to a re-gift can be the best approach. If the item was a duplicate or something you thought the recipient would love, mentioning that can show your thoughtfulness.
As long as it’s presented in a positive light, re-gifting doesn’t have to be awkward or negative.
