Did you receive something under the tree this holiday with a hint of “re-gift?” Or, are you already planning to re-gift or return a few of your own presents? I have a funny story to share with you about a re-gift of my own, and a few words of advice to share on re-gifting eqitquette.
I was delighted to open a gorgeous gift of chocolates, but something seemed a bit off. The first tell-tale sign was the thin, clear plastic that typically covers this type of box was noticeably missing. When I opened the box, the paper insert looked as if it had been handled and the additional small chocolate guide was gone. As you can already tell, I’m a chocolate box aficionado. I looked at the chocolates, looked at my friend, and we started to laugh.
This is what we saw…notice anything missing?
You guessed it; there are key pieces of chocolate gone from an otherwise stunning batch of sweet treats! What’s a girl (or guy) to do upon reaching this hilarious realization? Well, that depends on your relationship with the kind re-gifter (I opened this box in front of my friend).
If it’s a close friend who doesn’t take themselves too seriously, you can both have a good laugh and enjoy the rest of the chocolates. If it’s a supervisor or the newest member of the family, it would be best to graciously thank him or her and quickly grab the next gift under the tree. Back to me (ha!) and my friend, knowing I love chocolate as much as I do, he brought this gift as a host present. He told me upfront it was a “re-gift” that he was not going to enjoy but knew I would. Neither of us had any idea there would be chocolates missing. This great holiday laugh inspired today’s post.
Re-gifting Etiquette: Tips on Do’s and Don’ts
Do re-gift with care. Make sure your gift has been carefully inspected, is unused and has not been opened. Take the time to do a second inventory of the present before wrapping it with your own paper (and look for missing chocolates, ha!). Now that Christmas is officially over, there should be time to plan and purchase gifts if you’re meeting up with friends or family members for a holiday celebration.
Don’t re-gift something sentimental without careful thought. Family heirlooms and irreplaceable items shouldn’t be re-gifted unless the love, care and story behind the item is shared with the recipient and all are in agreement.
Don’t keep it in the family. If you must re-gift that toaster oven from Aunt Sally, don’t give it to her daughter next year!
Do keep focused on the true spirit of the gift. If someone is giving you a gift such as the one given to me, there was good intention involved. Remember what your mom said, it’s not the gift but that the thought that counts.
If you have some unwanted holiday gifts on your hands, refer to this article on The Street, 4 Etiquette Expert-Approved Ways to Ditch Unwanted Gifts for some timely tips.
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