Regifting

Regifting is the act of taking a gift received and giving it to someone else, often without the original giver's knowledge. It's typically done to avoid waste, get rid of unwanted items, or provide a gift when the recipient is difficult to buy for. The practice is a controversial social behavior, subject to varying levels of acceptance depending on the relationship between the giver and receiver, the item being regifted, and the perceived intent. Factors influencing acceptance include the item's condition, the thoughtfulness behind the regifting, and whether the original gift was a unique experience. It treads the fine line between thrift and perceived insincerity, adding layers of complexity to the giving culture.

Regifting meaning with examples

• Sarah received a scented candle from a distant relative she barely knew. Realizing she already had a similar one, and knowing her coworker, Emily, loves them, Sarah chose to regift the candle to Emily for her birthday, hoping to avoid unnecessary waste and make someone happy. This was a calculated decision, keeping in mind the potential awkwardness.
• During the holiday season, after receiving a fruitcake, which his family never eats, John decides to regift it to a neighbor known for their sweet tooth, considering this a kind act to prevent food waste. He made certain he disposed of any prior labeling of the food.
• After a wedding, Susan got a set of coasters she didn't need. Remembering her friend, Mark, who loves unique home decor, she regifted the coasters to him. The items matched his style. Susan felt like the gift would go to a better home and, if discovered, wouldn't harm her relationship with the giver.
• Finding herself with an abundance of unopened bottles of wine from corporate clients, and knowing a charity auction was coming up, Jennifer thoughtfully regifted a selection of the bottles to be auctioned off for a good cause. She removed all evidence of the gift-givers to keep it anonymous.
• Brian was given a gadget he already owned. To avoid accumulating more clutter, Brian regifted it to his brother, who had expressed interest in the gadget. This action aligns with his goals of decluttering, and his brother's joy when receiving the gift validated his decision.