Secondhand is all the rage these days, with a desire to live more sustainably high on many people's priority list. And it doesn't just apply to things you buy for yourself: In 2022, Deloitte reported that 32% of consumers would consider buying resale gifts.1
But what if you didn't have to buy that present at all? What if you have something hanging around that you'd love to pass on? When you give the right gift to the right person, recycling a present becomes a budget-friendly strategy to help manage your shopping list. However, regifting can also go awry, potentially resulting in hurt feelings.
Here are tips for how to handle gift recycling so the recipient thinks: “It's just what I wanted!"
Evaluate the Gift's Condition
No matter what you're giving, it should be new and unused. After all, this isn't a decluttering exercise, so you don't want the recipient to feel as though they're being given your castoffs. Beware of these three issues:
- • If it's a food or beauty item, make sure it's not close to the expiration date.
- • If it's a scented product, like a candle or fragrance, give it a sniff to make sure the anticipated smell is intact.
- • If it was a handmade item created by someone with a talent you don't have, it's probably best not to risk it, unless you really feel you can pull off the idea that you got it at a craft fair.
Make Sure It's Right for the Recipient
Make sure to match the gift to the recipient's interests and tastes—if they're a minimalist, don't try to off-load the ceramic figurines your mother-in-law gave you. Also, consider the appropriateness of the gift for your relationship. For example, just because someone gifted you some posh perfume doesn't mean it's the right gift for a colleague. If it's not something you would buy new for that person—either because it's not suitable or it's wildly out of your price range—then it's not an appropriate regift.
Verify There's No Telltale Evidence
Check for any personalization or inscription that might give it away as a regift. Then remove any trace of the original gifter by repackaging it in a fresh gift bag or box. That way you can be sure to avoid a wayward card hidden way down among the tissue paper.
Make Sure the Original Giver Isn't Obvious
Sometimes you know the minute you unwrap something that it's not for you, whether it's a duplicate or just not your taste. Before you put it on the “gift shelf," note where and when you received it (and who else was there) to avoid an awkward future gift blunder. You want to make sure it didn't come from someone in the same circle, especially if it's distinctive. The last thing you want is for the new recipient to recognize the artisan ceramic platter from a mutual friend's trip abroad.
Spruce Up the Presentation
Maybe another travel cup is the last thing you need as you Zoom from your dining room table, but it could be ideal for your friend who's just resumed commuting to work. Take the regifted mug and spice up your presentation with some fabulous French roast and homemade biscotti. Or add a personal touch, like a handcrafted bookmark tucked into a novel your friend will love, which you received after you had already borrowed it from the library.
Be Up Front, Depending on Your Relationship
If it's something that's tailor-made for the recipient and you feel comfortable, you may just want to explain its origins and that you thought it was perfect for them—that in fact, it's something you would have spent hard-earned money on for them, but you just don't have to. Your friend might sincerely appreciate your commitment to the environment and your budget. After all, it truly is the thought that counts.
Consider Reselling or Donating
Sometimes you can't make that shoe fit, even if it's a designer pump. In that case, it's best to divest it elsewhere. You can try to make some extra cash to bolster your budget by selling the item online. To avoid being discovered, avoid local listings and opt for a site with a wider audience, like Mercari or eBay. You can also donate it to a worthy cause; you might even score a tax write-off.
Secondhand Gifts = First-rate Savings
Gift recycling can be an environmentally friendly and considerate way to share joy—as long as you do it right. You'll feel the satisfaction of gifting with intention, while reining in your holiday budget and keeping your savings intact for other uses.
Wondering where you should keep your savings to get the most bang for your buck? RVC has a variety of options that can help your gift fund grow, from high yield savings accounts to money market accounts, where your savings can earn a competitive interest rate but still be accessible. For longer-term savings, such as for the next holiday season, look into a certificate of deposit. That way, when the next holiday rolls around, your account will be as ready to celebrate as you are. Check out your options here.
Cathie Ericson is an Oregon-based freelance writer who covers personal finance, real estate and education, among other topics. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications and websites, including U.S. News & World Report, MSN, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Fast Company, Realtor.com and more.
READ MORE: How to Spend Wisely on Gifts for Family Members
Sources/references
1. Deloitte: Holiday Season to Feature Fewer Shopping Bags and Suitcases as Consumers Navigate Inflation. Deloitte. October 19, 2022.