Regifters, Have No Fear -- Just Follow These Rules

Dec. 27, 2006 — -- Regifters, rejoice -- there's no need to be shy about wrapping up that unused fondue set and passing it on this holiday season.

Along with last-minute trips to the mall and returning presents the day after Christmas, regifting has become a holiday ritual.

Wall Street Journal columnist Wendy Bounds explained how new Web sites and rules had turned regifting from a dirty, little secret to a seasonal savior.

Young people are to thank (or perhaps to blame) for the latest trend in gift-giving.

"Young people are bigger regifters -- and there are a lot of reasons why. Increased pressure to buy gifts -- secret Santa parties or Yankee swaps at the office," Bounds said. "The Internet drives that. Allegedly it's easier to buy gifts, just a click of the mouse. But everybody is working longer hours, trying to get ahead, and therefore they have less time to shop."

Mall-phobic men are more likely to regift than women.

"A Consumer Reports study found that men are more likely to regift. I hate to say it, but maybe they're just lazier shoppers," she said.

Not surprisingly, bland, impersonal gifts are the best for regifting. Rewrapping anything with a monogram is a big no-no.

"I think vases are often regifted. And picture frames or a candleholders. A decent bottle of champagne or wine might be regiven. Things that don't scream personality," Bounds said.

Web Sites Wade Through Realm of Regifting

The Internet is ripe with tips on swapping presents and rules for regifting.

"There are lots of Web sites out there that are facilitating the practice. One that I think is a great idea is swapagift.com, which allows you to trade gift cards with other people," Bounds said.

Got a Crate & Barrel gift card even though you're a Home Depot devotee? Swap away.

To understand the finer points of regifting, check out giftingresources.com, which offers advice on how to avoid pitfalls -- like confessing when regifting something really expensive.

Frugalvillage.net lists tips on putting together a gift closet.

"Tag all the gifts you don't want, put the names of who gave it to you -- you don't want to give it back to them. Basically, you're going back and forth from the closet to the Christmas tree," Bounds said.

If it sounds crass, think of regifting as a way to help the loved ones in your life get the gift they really wanted.

"Regifting can be sort of thoughtful, matching people up with the things they like," Bounds said. "That's what these Web sites do: Give people a chance to get what they really wanted but weren't given."

Rules for Regifting

Follow the rules below and regift with abandon.

Make sure there are no identifying details on the gift. Get rid of the old cards, look for book inscriptions -- anything that might link it back to a previous giver.

Label gifts that will be regifted with the giver's name to avoid giving someone the present they gave you.

Don't repackage the gift in another retailer's box in case the recipient wants to return the present.

'Fess up if the gift is expensive -- don't make someone feel like they owe you when they don't.

Wrap up the gift beautifully. Don't just leave the old wrapping on it.

Never give something that's used and, of course, no perishables.