Regifting Rules Etiquette and More
The Thursday before Christmas has an unusual designation. It is National Regifting Day. This quirky holiday acknowledges the practice of passing on unwanted gifts to others, often during office parties and holiday gift exchange. You may know this practice as a white elephant exchange, pollyanna or a Yankee Swap. All encourage the practice of regifting in one way or another.
Regifting Rules Etiquette and More
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Regifting is more prevalent than you might think. Studies suggest that a significant percentage of Americans have regifted at some point. Common regifted items include home decor, kitchenware, and generic gift sets.
One year eBay did a survey on regifting. Here’s what they discovered were the most popular items to regift:
- wine, champagne or spirits (21%)
- trinkets or collectibles (21%)
- beauty or bath products (21%)
- books (16%)
- electronics/appliances (14%)
- fruitcake (14%)
I mean, who hasn’t taken a bottle of wine that someone brought to your home as a housewarming or hostess gift and then turned around and regifted it to someone else for the same reason. Guilty!
History of National Regifting Day
Money Management International, a non-profit credit counseling organization, created regiftable.com and initiated National Regifting Day in 2006. Their primary motivation was to promote financial responsibility and reduce holiday-related debt
They chose the Thursday before Christmas as the official date, because they figured that was when most people would be getting together outside of family gatherings and might need a gift. Enter regifting or the aforementioned Yankee Swap, pollyanna or White Elephant party. Interestingly, National Regifting Day falls close to National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. That is celebrated recognizing it as a popular time for office holiday parties and gift exchanges.
In 2024, here’s when those two unofficial holidays fall:
- National Regifting Day: December 19, 2024
- National Ugly Sweater Day: December 20, 2024
When Regifting Is Acceptable
According to some surveys, some three in four Americans find regifting acceptable. The practice tends to increase during economic downturns, with 42% of people admitting to regifting to save money. So imagine how much of this was happening during the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009? Considering most people think inflation is bad this year —and is likely to get even worse in 2025 — I imagine regifting will be popular this year and next.
Younger generations are more likely to regift, with millennials leading the trend. This makes sense, not only from a financial standpoint but also because sustainability is important to both millennials and Gen Z. When you recycle a gift, you’re not buying something new. This is probably why these generations are also fond of vintage and retro gifts.
Commonly Regifted Items
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Certain gifts are more likely to be passed along than others. The most frequently regifted items include:
- Candles and home decor
- Gift cards
- Clothing and accessories
- Books
- Kitchen appliances
Interestingly, these are many of the same categories of all-occasion gifts I suggest stocking a gift closet with. Any of these are perfect for a last-minute hostess or housewarming gift.
Public Attitudes Toward Regifting
Views on regifting have shifted over time. While once considered taboo, it’s now seen as a practical and even environmentally friendly practice. Many people view regifting as a way to reduce waste and ensure gifts are appreciated.
Some still feel guilty about regifting, with 25% of respondents in one survey expressing discomfort with the practice. However, 62% of people say they wouldn’t be offended if they learned a gift they gave was regifted.
Regifting Etiquette
To regift successfully, follow these guidelines:
- Ensure the gift is new and in its original packaging
- Remove any personalized cards or notes
- Don’t regift within the same social circle
- Be honest if asked about the gift’s origin
- Consider the recipient’s tastes and needs
It’s crucial to avoid regifting items with sentimental value or those that were handmade specifically for you. And obviously, never regift something that has your name on it or is personalized in another way. If you really don’t like it, then just donate it.