The old saying that says it’s better to give than to receive will always be valid – but if you’re passing on a gift that’s already been given to you, you’ll want to make extra sure you’re not caught red-handed!

Recycling unwanted gifts or ‘regifting’ isn’t something that many people admit to, but the research tells a different story.  Over fifty per cent of people do it.  But just because you don’t want the beer mug with Queen Elizabeth’s face on it that your Uncle Ben gave you – that doesn’t mean your best mate is going to love it.  Regifting is perfectly acceptable – but only if you play according to the rules.

So just what are the rules of the game ?.   

While the most basic tenet of gift-giving is to give someone a present that you’d actually like to receive yourself – regifting throws that notion right out of the window!  Although one should generally give a person something that you yourself would like to get, the concept of regifting blasts that idea right out of the water!.   And if you’re uncomfortable with the whole idea of recycling, rather come clean.  A simple “Here’s something that I can’t use or don’t want or already have – perhaps you’d like it or know someone who’d like it” – and that’s all it takes.

So, with that out of the way, let’s look at some do’s and don’ts.  Obviously, it’s best to avoid detection, so here’s how to make your gift a true ‘original’!..

New does NOT mean ‘pre-loved’ – no matter how tenderly!.    Anything that’s been test-driven - even gently - is a definite no-no!  Triple check for even the tiniest hint of ‘pre-love’ – which includes old sticky tape, receipts hidden at the bottom of the packaging, old gift tags, inscriptions, fingerprints, dust, stains, broken seals, scratches or damaged packaging.  There should be no indication of the item’s heritage at all. It’s either as good as new – or it’s good for nothing!. 

And when it comes to recycling giftwrap – that’s for the green bin ONLY!  Beautiful new giftwrap with no tell-tale folds and creases will make a gift look even more appealing – especially when decorated with gorgeous ribbons or bows.

Make sure the item’s heritage doesn’t tell the wrong story!.  If it’s from somewhere that you’ve never been to (like a Russian doll from your parents’ trip to St Petersburg or a World Cup Soccer shirt from your uncle in South Africa) – then you’ll be uncovered as a fraud!  Items that are clearly identifiable as coming from a shop that isn’t within driving distance from you are also no-nos.

If you’re handing out perishables, always check the ‘sell-by’ date.  Chocolates, candy, gourmet foods such as mustards, pickles etc will all have an expiry date.  And remember, longer is better when it comes to expiry time.  Six months to expiry is the very barest minimum.  And the same can be said for fashion items, clothing, accessories, appliances and homewares.  Things need to be on the button when it comes to being in fashion and in style, and that’s even true for appliances that have been replaced by newer models.

Never pass on gift vouchers – and definitely not partly used ones!.  A card with an ‘off centre’ balance (like $53.37) won’t cut it.  And because gift cards are usually only valid for a specified time eg one year, it’s will be seen clearly as a regift if it hasn’t been purchased within a week or so of handing it on.. 

Another point – promo items are exactly that – they’re freebies.  They aren’t meant to have a second chance.  Anything that has corporate branding, a logo, promotional message etc on should stay in the cupboard. 

When it comes to books, do a little reading yourself to make sure there isn’t a personalized message from Uncle Jim handwritten in the inside cover before you present Shakespeare’s Collected Works to your boss. 

You shouldn’t even think about recycling anything that’s made by hand, crafty-type items or one-of-a-kind things.  A better home would be the local charity shop or auction house.

It’s also an idea to keep a record of who gave what to whom.  Make a list and make sure that the new ‘owners’ of the regift don’t operate in same social circles as the original giver.

And lastly – don’t feel guilty about it, rather give with pleasure and move on.  But if you don’t have any regifting options and you’re stuck for ideas as to what to give someone for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, thank you – any occasion really – why not consider an experiential gift certificate – such as a skydiving gift, wine tour, yacht cruise etc.   And it’s highly unlikely that anyone getting one of those would even consider putting it back into circulation.