Dear Jacquelyn,

I have received several gifts over the years that I have no intention of using. I am considering regifting them this year. When I ask around, I get mixed answers about this. What’s your opinion on regifting?

Dear Reader,

At one time it was considered poor taste to regift. Today, however, it has become widely acceptable.

Credit the term “regifting” to a TV sitcom, “Seinfeld” (NBC, 1989 - ‘98) episode (“The Label Maker,” 1995), although the practice pre-dates the term.

There’s nothing wrong with thoughtfully passing along an item that you won’t use to someone who will appreciate it. That said, there is an etiquette of gracious regifting. You lower your chances of committing a holiday faux-pas by keeping a few things in mind.

As a general rule of thumb, only regift an item that is something you would have purchased for that person.

For example, if you have a friend who is into candles, go ahead and give them the candle you have stashed away.

Your gift should always be something that you know the person would genuinely want.

It’s also very important to remember who originally gave you the gift. You certainly don’t want to regift an item from someone in the same social circle.

If a family member gave you the gift, then you shouldn’t give another family member that gift. Give it to a friend who isn’t in your family circle.

Avoid regifting anything that was handmade for you, monogrammed, or anything that’s been opened.

Please, under no circumstances should you ever give a gift that was used. It’s very important to check and remove any gift tags that might still be attached.

After you decide who is the perfect fit for your item, make an effort and rewrap it nicely. Wrapping gifts yourself adds a personal touch. As an added bonus, it gives the feeling that you put time and effort into the present.

A gift that comes from your heart with good intentions and thoughtfulness is what it’s all about.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training.

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