The practice of gift recycling or re-purposing gifts is often considered as taboo. While we all have given gifts to our loved ones and friends in several occasions, finding the right gift is extremely hard. There are many factors such as the time spent on travel, queues in the malls, and overwhelming options. It comes as no surprise that Singaporeans will opt for alternatives to the gift giving process such as giving personalized items.
It is probably safe to assume that we all, at some point, have regifted something. I will not blame you if you deny it. It is typical to feel a sense of guilt when passing along an item that was picked out just for you. A gift is something special and you do not want the giver to feel that his or her efforts were put to waste.
However, regifting is acceptable. The rising popularity of sustainable goods has welcomed the process of regifting. Why toss something that may be cherished by someone else? It is alright to regift as long as you follow certain guidelines.
#1: AVOID RECYCLING GIFTS WITHIN THE SAME CIRCLE
As obvious as this may sound, you must not regift to someone who interacts with the original giver. You will be caught in an uncomfortable situation if you give your co-worker’s present to your boss. Keep in mind that some of your social circles may overlap.
#2: REGIFT ITEMS IN PERFECT CONDITION
When re-purposing a gift, ensure that the item is brand new or still in its original packaging. Inspect the gift to look for signs of wear and tear. Moreover, the present must not be personalized for you. Watch out for engraved monograms or hidden letters inside the box.
#3: DO NOT REGIFT FAMILY GIFTS
Do not give family heirlooms away. Your mother may have given your grandmother’s ring as a Christmas present. The design may not be your cup of tea, but you have a friend who loves vintage items. As much as she would love the ring, please do not regift the ring. Hit up a thrift store or a flea market instead. Your grandmother’s ring belongs in a jewelry box to be passed down to your future daughter.
#4: BEAUTIFY THE PRESENTATION
Elevate the presentation by rewrapping the gift. If the cardboard box or the original packaging is crumpled, purchase a fresh box. Then, pick out a beautiful wrapper that the recipient will like. Add ribbons and bows too!
#5: PUT THE RECIPIENT IN MIND
When regifting an item, you must think about what the recipient will want to receive. Regift an item that you would have purchased for the individual had you gone to the store. Who would be excited to own the item?
SUMMARY
There are certain situations when regifting a present is acceptable. You can only regift an item that has never been been opened before, that does not belong to the same social circle, and that has the recipient in mind. You can also regift something generic such as a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates. In the event that you get caught regifting, opt for honesty. Be upfront about it, especially to the people close to you.
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