7 Re-Gifting Etiquette Tips for Thoughtful Gift Exchanges

Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Re-Gifting Etiquette

Navigating the delicate art of re-gifting, we gathered seven thoughtful tips from CEOs and directors to ensure your etiquette is on point. From re-gifting with good intentions to contemplating the original gift’s intent, our experts provide guidance to re-gift with grace and tact.

Re-Gift with Good Intentions
Re-gifting, in my opinion, is perfectly acceptable when done with good intentions and thoughtfulness. I believe it’s important not to wait for a special occasion to pass on an item that may be better suited for someone else. The key is to consider the needs and preferences of the recipient and to share the gift when it feels right, not just because of an obligation to give. For instance, if someone receives a gift like one of our razors but doesn’t anticipate using it themselves, they might choose to pass it on to someone who would benefit from it more. Ultimately, re-gifting should be about spreading joy and usefulness, not about adhering to social norms or expectations. - Anna Learie, Outreach Specialist, Freya

Ensure Original Condition and Discretion
When it comes to re-gifting, the key is thoughtfulness and discretion. My tip is to ensure that the gift is in its original, unopened condition and that it’s something you know will be genuinely appreciated or needed. It’s also important to consider the social circles of both the original giver and the new recipient to avoid any potential awkwardness. Re-gifting should never hurt the feelings of the original giver; therefore, do it selectively and ensure that the item finds a new home where it will be valued. This approach allows you to honor the intent of the original gift while also ensuring it serves a meaningful purpose.
- Bayu Prihandito, Founder, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach, Life Architekture

Check Gift Condition and Remove Tags
My top tip for re-gifting etiquette is to make sure the gift is in excellent condition and, more importantly, that it’s something you genuinely believe the recipient will appreciate. It’s all about passing along the joy, right? Oh, and don’t forget to remove any personalized notes or tags that might give away its original gifter. That way, it feels like a brand-new, thoughtful gesture tailored just for them. - Jon Morgan, CEO, Venture Smarter

Avoid Re-Gifting Handmade Items
I think re-gifting is a thoughtful gesture that can be a great way to show genuine care for the recipient. However, it’s important to be purposeful with re-gifting and to ensure you aren’t giving something away that is handmade or very unique. Handmade or one-of-a-kind items are often more easily traceable back to the original giver, and this could prove to be tricky if you run in the same social circle. Also, for any item you re-gift, make sure there aren’t any personal messages attached or tags with your name on them. Make sure to re-wrap the item and add your own personal touch to make it a more special gift to receive.
- Najaf Ali, Director, Urban Leather Jackets

Use Tact and Deliberation
When presented with a gift that fails to satisfy one’s preferences or requirements, re-gifting can serve as a considerate alternative. Nevertheless, re-gifting must be approached with tact and deliberation. It is proper manners to verify that the item is in excellent condition and remains in its original packaging. Additionally, to avoid potential embarrassment, it is essential to avoid re-gifting within the same social circles. Include a personalized note with the re-gift that expresses appreciation for the initial present and explains why you believe the item would be more suitable for the recipient. By adhering to these principles, one can tactfully maneuver re-gifting circumstances while upholding the integrity of the act of benevolence.
- Jessica Shee, Senior Tech Editor and Marketing Content Manager, iBoysoft

Keep a Re-Gifting List
One of the worst and most common issues with re-gifting is accidentally giving it back to the same person who initially gifted it to you. Although the intention behind re-gifting is often not malicious, it can be perceived as having negative intentions and can hurt someone’s feelings. My top tip for re-gifting is to keep a list of who gifted you the item, and then create another list of people in your life who you think might have a better use for it or enjoy the gift more. This way, there are no mix-ups, and the gift goes to someone who will appreciate it more than you. It also helps to ensure the two people don’t know each other; this way, the re-gifting is kept private. - Peter Sanders, Director, Prince William Pottery

Contemplate Original Gift Intent
Re-gifting should be approached with discretion and consideration when a given present fails to satisfy one’s preferences or requirements. A recommended etiquette strategy is to contemplate the original intent of the gift and evaluate the appropriateness of re-gifting within that particular context. When considering re-gifting, it is essential to verify that the item is in pristine condition and aligns with the interests or preferences of the recipient. Furthermore, it is advisable to refrain from re-gifting gifts among individuals in the same social circles in order to mitigate the risk of embarrassment or emotional distress.
Include a sincere note of appreciation and an explanation of why you believe the item would be more suitable for the recipient when re-gifting. One can effortlessly navigate these circumstances while paying homage to the spirit of generosity by approaching re-gifting with tact and deliberation. - Kyle Bernard, Founder and CEO, Radiance Pools LLC