Today is National Re-gifting Day. You may be thinking that re-gifting is too cheap, but when giving people gifts, it’s not about the money–it’s about the thought behind that gift. So with that in mind, why not re-gift something you think your loved ones would have a better use for than you would?
It’s the Thought That Counts
Even though re-gifting something is not a bad thing to do in the least, it can be depending on the thought behind it. If you want to re-gift the item only because you want to get rid of something you consider to be clutter, don’t do that. It’s altogether better to donate it to Goodwill or sell it to a pawn shop. Think about it; how would the recipient feel if they knew you were gifting them something you want to throw away? Definitely not good.
Re-gifting is about connection. Before you pass along that scented candle or cozy blanket, take a moment to think: Who would genuinely love this? The key is to approach it with care and thoughtfulness. Make sure the gift is in pristine condition, free of personal inscriptions or original gift tags that might hint at its history. By focusing on what would make the recipient smile, you can transform a simple gesture into something meaningful.
Adding a personal touch can make all the difference. Rewrap the gift in beautiful paper or a reusable gift bag, and include a heartfelt note explaining why it made you think of them. There’s no need to pretend you purchased it—sincerity goes a long way. Saying, “I thought this would be perfect for you” can turn a re-gift into a token of genuine affection. With a little care, re-gifting becomes less about giving something away and more about sharing joy and thoughtfulness with the people you love.
How Did This Holiday Tradition Start?
The term “re-gifting” became widely known thanks to a 1995 episode of the beloved sitcom Seinfeld titled “The Label Maker,” where a label maker is passed from one character to another. However, the tradition of passing along gifts has existed long before the show popularized it. In fact, in British culture, there’s a term for gifts that circulate within a group—“matham.” Re-gifting even has its own special day: National Re-Gifting Day, which began as an office holiday during the festive season, when co-workers would exchange gifts they received but didn’t need. The playful spirit of workplace re-gifting is often celebrated through White Elephant gift exchanges, where participants “steal” desirable presents from one another. In 2008, Colorado officially designated December 18 as National Re-Gifting Day, cementing the practice as a joyful part of holiday traditions.
Think about the coffee mug that doesn’t quite fit your collection or the label maker you never found a use for. Instead of letting these items gather dust, re-gifting gives them a chance to find a new home where they can be appreciated. It’s a thoughtful and practical way to pass along something you know someone else will enjoy. Just remember to follow a few simple guidelines: ensure the item is unused, and genuinely matches the recipient’s tastes or needs. Done with care, re-gifting isn’t just about giving—it’s about creating moments of connection and delight.
The Cost Doesn’t Matter
While it feels good to go shopping and spend lots of money to buy gifts for your loved ones, it’s not always practical. Gifts are expensive, especially nowadays because of inflation rates. So rather than go on a shopping spree, re-gift something that reminds you of that person. Re-gift something that you know they would love and use all the time. Remember, it’s the thought the counts, not the cost.
