Regifting know-how
 An old friend may forget your birthday. But they’ll always remember if you slip a re-wrapped present they once gave you under their Christmas tree.
Before you sink an unpalatable knickknack or odd smelling cologne into a gift bag, remember the holidays are about cherishing family and friends, not hurting their feelings. If done properly, re-wrapping an unwanted gift and presenting it to dear ones can work – and stretch a tight holiday budget. All it takes is careful planning to make a recycled token look classy, not trashy.
Hit list
Upon receiving a present that’s destined for the regifting drawer, write down who gave it to you and when. Keep the list in the drawer to save time on last-minute re-wrapping checks.
Finish line
Store unwanted gifts out of direct sunlight and in protective bags so that bottles, packages and labels will look crisp, clean, and, most importantly, new.
Match point
While regifting to unload an ugly item is tacky, passing along a gift that would perfectly suit a friend or family member is always acceptable. It’s the spirit behind the gesture that makes a re-wrapped gift feel right or wrong. Think about the person the item will go to. Will they use it? Does it fit with their style and tastes? More importantly, will they love it? As always, holiday “giftees” should be thrilled by your presents, not chilled.
Personal problems
Never pass along a regifted item if it is too personal. Pillows, stationary, or towels decorated with your initials won’t impress any “giftee.”
Cleanup act
Before regifting, remove any tags that could reveal the present’s true origins. Check the item again before leaving your home for a holiday party.
Perfect placement
If you’re exchanging gifts with someone at a friend’s home, make sure the present passed along isn’t one the host gave to you. Remember, “location, location, location” is the key to making a holiday re-gifting exchange a great experience.
- Constance Droganes
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