Christmas present ideas: The dos and don’ts of regifting when money’s tight

Why should you regift?

“With the current cost-of-living crisis, regifting really has become a necessity to keep costs down at Christmas time,” explains Grant.

“Christmas is a notoriously expensive time of year, and many families take on more debt to cover their costs. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to reduce expenses where possible by regifting. This way, you can still pass on nice things to others who will enjoy them, without over-stretching yourself financially.”

It’s good for the environment…

Regifting is a very sustainable option.

“With the increasing need for us all to live more environmentally-friendly lives, giving and receiving second-hand and preloved gifts is rising in popularity. Regifting unwanted presents to those you know will enjoy them keeps things out of landfill and puts them back into use, contributing to the circular economy and avoiding waste,” says Grant.

But how can you regift well and still make Christmas feel special?

Do remember who gave you the gift.

There are few things more embarrassing than gifting back something that person already gave to you.

Avoid this, Grant says by having “a dedicated box of unwanted presents you want to regift with a post-it note on each item of who gave it to you, when you received it, and who you are thinking of regifting it to.

“This avoids the embarrassment of regifting a present to the original giver. Aim to regift outside of the original giver’s circle of family and friends.”

Do wrap it in your own way.

“Do not give a regifted present in its original wrapping. Everyone has their own style of wrapping, so it’s best to dedicate a bit of time and care to re-wrapping it nicely,” says Grant.

Do be thoughtful, and regift to someone who might actually like it.

Founder of jewellery brand Perfino, Kim Brookes, says: “You must always like the gifts you give, or even covet them yourself, so don’t give away things you don’t like, just things you don’t need or use.”

Don’t regift something you’ve already used.

“The person on the receiving end should always be at the forefront of your mind, so consider whether they would really appreciate receiving this gift. Otherwise, look into other options to let go of it, like giving it to charity shops,” Grant explains.

Do check how much the gift cost.

It may be taboo to do so, but it could save future confusion.

“This way, you avoid the awkwardness of regifting a present to someone who is shocked you would spend that much on them,” Grant says.