How To Re-Gift Without Getting Caught

How To Re-Gift Without Getting Caught

We all want to save money and effort during the holidays, it's true. In light of this, there's really no shame in re-gifting (at least that's what 83 percent of Americans think).

But if you're going to repurpose an old present for a new friend, re-gifting MUST be done tactfully. There's a difference between re-filling a spice jar with cookie mix and re-distributing the cookie mix that another friend once gifted to you.

A few tips for the amateurs: when re-gifting an item, make sure that...

The gift isn't obviously personal.
Do NOT re-give monogrammed towels or the sweater in your favorite color and size -- the new recipient might easily be able to tell.

The gift is still sealed.
Resist the urge to give away those coffee beans you tried and hated -- everybody knows that tampered goods are tasted goods.

The gift looks new.
Stains on your scarf are a blatant giveaway.

The gift is re-wrapped.
Strip your item and apply new wrapping paper, just in case its original giver shows up to the same party or -- gasp! -- stops by a friend's house before they've unwrapped your re-gift. Oh, and make sure you don't recycle a gift tag with your name on it.

The gift isn't on its way to the trash.
If you were going to throw it away, then don't give it away. C'mon... would you want that plastic unicorn bobble head?

You didn't steal the gift.
Because really, this is just common holiday sense.

Happy re-gifting!

Before You Go

1
For the boss's kid that loves to cook
CVS
Snoopy waffle maker, $19.99, CVS stores
2
For the ultimate Frozen fan's closet
CVS
Frozen tin carrier with handle, $4.99, CVS stores
3
For the travel fiend that can't make it to Italy this year
Walgreens
Alder Creek Gifts Tuscan Traditions, $79.99, walgreens.com
4
For the foodie that loves new, shiny toys
Walgreens
Rabbit chrome-plated corkscrew, $79.99, walgreens.com
5
For the techie friend who has a tablet, but not this accessory
Rite Aid
Universal tablet stand, $19.99, shop.riteaid.com
6
For the mindful friend or coworker's home
CVS
Tranquility fountain, $5.99, CVS stores
7
For the person that loves a fresh-smelling house
Walgreens
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day soy candle, $9.79, walgreens.com
8
For the household workout devotee
Walgreens
Ab rocket, $79.99, walgreens.com
9
For the promising musician's room
CVS
Rolling Stone keyboard, price varies per store, CVS stores
10
For your neighbor's dog who you want to stop using your lawn as the bathroom
CVS
Dog gift hydrant, $9.99, CVS stores
11
For the person that loves both cooking and lots of leftovers
Rite Aid
Proctor Silex slow cooker, $29.99, shop.riteaid.com

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