eBay Canada offers ‘re-gifting’ tips
Did you get a “festive” cardigan for Christmas you’ll never wear? Re-gifting is a common post-holiday tradition – and so eBay Canada has put together a fun list of re-gifting do’s and don’ts, as well as offering customers five free listings during its National Re-Gifting Week, December 26th to 30th!
Did you get a "festive" cardigan for Christmas you’ll never wear? Re-gifting is a common post-holiday tradition – and so eBay Canada has put together a fun list of re-gifting do’s and don’ts, as well as offering customers five free listings during its National Re-Gifting Week, December 26th to 30th!
"There’s absolutely nothing wrong with re-gifting, as long as it’s done the right way," says shopping expert Cathie Mostowyk, the eBay Canada Style Squad budget and shopping expert. "Just because a gift isn’t your style or taste doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect for someone else. Storing an unwanted gift at the back of your closet is just a waste – why not re-gift it and let someone else enjoy it?"
And so here are eBay Canada’s re-gifting etiquette tips:
• Don’t re-gift the re-gifter – Lots of people have horror stories of proudly presenting a gift they pulled from the back of the closet to a friend or family member, only to have them say "didn’t I give this to you?" Avoid embarrassment by writing the name of the giver on a sticky note and placing it on the gift itself.
• Make a list – If you received a number of gifts that just aren’t your taste, make a note of a friend or family member who you know will love it. Or think about a special event that might be on the horizon, like a wedding or anniversary. If you’re confident the gift is on someone else’s wish list, you’ll be able to hand it over to someone who will really appreciate it.
• Don’t keep it in the family – If you received an unwanted gift from your cousin, don’t re-gift it to her sister! Be discreet and only re-gift to someone who doesn’t come into regular contact with the original sender. Selling your item on eBay is a great way to avoid having to explain why your gift is suddenly hanging on someone else’s wall.
• Accept graciously – Sometimes you get a gift that you really dislike but it’s from someone you see very often and don’t want to offend. If that’s the case, accept it graciously. If it’s something wearable, like jewelry or a scarf, wear it once or twice in their presence so they can feel good about it. If it’s something for the house, like a vase, keep it in the closet until you know the person will be visiting; then whip it out and give it pride of place. It’s always best to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
• Donate it – Charities are often looking for special items. Instead of hiding unwanted gifts of clothing in the bottom drawer, donate them to a shelter. Or donate a quirky item to an organization’s charity auction. Your re-gifting will make a difference to someone who really needs it.
• Sell it – Selling an unwanted gift is a win/win situation. You’ve passed it on to someone who really wants it, and you’ve experienced some joy from the gift itself (albeit in the form of cash!) This especially comes in handy in January when you’re reeling from your holiday credit card bill. Selling it online virtually guarantees finding someone who will love your item and pay top dollar for it, so take advantage of your five free listings on eBay and start selling!
• Enjoy the spirit of the season! – This time of the year is about family, togetherness and sharing, so appreciate the thought behind your gift, no matter how much or how little it appeals to you – and remember to send a note of thanks!
If you have a shop a holic relative, who gives too much, consider her your personal shopper, especially if shopping is hard for you. This makes regifting A.O.K.
Regifting is a "slap in the face" insult that those persons that believe it is a good idea should also consider themselves to be spineless. When did not discussing the gift become so unbearable? The people I know will accept such gifts and then mention at later time, in a non abusive way, that something about the gift did not appeal to them. In my world, honesty is the best policy and if discussed accordingly usually this ends up with a more adult and responsible outcome.
People, what more do you expect at Christmas? If you don't like the gits you recieve, learn to ACCEPT it, not regift it. I never regift it at all. I use it up as usual. Otherwise, nothing. I am getting so sick and tired of selfish, greedy regifters.
Most of these suggestions are common sense. I personally avoid regifting at all costs, and would rather stuff something in a drawerer. Regifting is just risking have someone find out u've given a present away that they especially picked out for u and paid their hard earned money for. I recently got perfume from my best friend that wrecked but instead i wore it for the whole day just to make her happy.
I really don't see re-gifting as selfish or greedy. Why should something useful go to waste? That would be greedy. If you can't use it, or don't need it, pass it on. It doesn't need to be a gift, a donation to a charity is a wonderful way to "re-gift".
In my circle of friends, we go one better, we have "recycle Christmas's."
Some of us have high paying jobs and others are on disability or in school. We don't mind seeing last year's items going to the next, or back to the user (remember, the best gift is the one you want yourself–>that's the rule I was taught, buy what fits them, but one you like as well).
As we all are generous in spirit and understanding of circumstances, compassion overrules all the pettiness of some of the comments made previous to this post.
Waif
I agree that there is nothing wrong with regifting as long as you do it discreetly and there's no way the sender finds out. Things cost a lot of money and instead of wasting a gift by throwing it out or letting it sit in a dusty closet, it's far better to give it to someone else who will appreciate it more.
I give cash or gift cards from stores they shop at. I pefer to receive same,that way no worries about the gift being wrong in size,color or what ever.
i belive in regifting but you have to draw a line somewhere,you cant give the gift away if you know that the sender will want to see it on you or do what its made to do,and if they ask and you already regifted it just say my friend browed it and i getting it back next week