| 217;ve all thought about it, regifting a gift that is so not | | | | Reinvent |
| our style. Whether it’s a house-warming, holiday | | | | Many items may be perfect for someone close to |
| or birthday gift we’ll never use doesn’t | | | | you, just not you. Or items may come with multiple |
| matter. Repurposing, repackaging, or simply regifting a | | | | purposes. If you receive a plain wine decanter add a |
| not-so-hot gift to someone who might actually | | | | bow, some etchings, or silk flowers and repurpose it as |
| appreciate it shouldn’t be so guilt ridden. | | | | a vase. Use picture frames to display your favorite |
| Developed here are a few tips to mastering regifting | | | | recipe. Make two men’s ties into a belt. |
| like a pro. It’s simple, smart, and effective. Plus | | | | Repackage |
| you’ll save money, time and space by not | | | | It may be as easy as transferring the offending item |
| purchasing for every occasion or saving useless items | | | | into a nice basket, photobox, or gift bag to bring it up to |
| to collect dust. | | | | date and add newness. Some items should remain in |
| Tip #1 Start a gift closet. Simply place unwanted gifts | | | | their original packaging, like collectables, prepackaged |
| together for easy access. Each time you receive one | | | | food items, or toys with numerous pieces. Box sets, |
| of these put it in your gift closet to keep it new looking | | | | bath sets, or individual items may best be presented in |
| and easy to find. | | | | a new light. |
| Tip #2 Place a label or gift tag on each item with the | | | | Regift |
| giver’s name and possibly the occasion. This | | | | Regifting sounds like a four letter word. It isn’t. |
| will prevent regifting to the giver or the giver’s | | | | Giving someone an item you know they will enjoy and |
| immediate family. | | | | one which you have no use or desire for |
| Tip #3 If the gift received came in a basket, box, or | | | | shouldn’t cause grief or guilt. Only give gifts |
| other packaging that doesn’t add to the | | | | worth receiving. Just because it was not for you |
| aesthetics of the item consider repackaging it. For | | | | doesn’t make it unworthy as a gift. Books, |
| example, a wine glass and decanter gift set can be | | | | kitchen items, decorations, toys, and some clothing are |
| removed from the boring cardboard box and added to | | | | all acceptable regifting items. |
| a nice wine basket with ribbon and possibly a new | | | | Beware when regifting an item you wouldn’t |
| cork screw or bottle of wine. Easy, inexpensive and | | | | normally give, however. If you regift an item that is |
| totally reinvented. | | | | completely out of the norm for you it may be best to |
| Tip #4 If you simply cannot remember who the giver | | | | tell the giftee. It’s easy to do. Simply tell the |
| was try to remember the occasion. This will help | | | | person when you received the gift you immediately |
| narrow down the givers and the gift is new to another | | | | thought of him and how much more he would enjoy it. |
| side of your family, a different group or friends, or | | | | Done. |
| even for coworkers. | | | | So, this holiday season start your gift closet if you |
| Tip #5 For children’s gifts choose which ones | | | | don’t already have one. Don’t dread |
| your child is most likely to use then put the additional, | | | | every item you unwrap, keep in mind those who might |
| new-in-the-package toys away. This works best for | | | | actually appreciate the fourteenth crystal dog sculpture |
| young children who don’t realize when new | | | | your aunt Melba is sure to give you. Remember, |
| toys are gone, like at birthdays and Christmas or | | | | it’s the thought that counts, even if |
| Chanukah, or with clothing that they care little about | | | | you’ve no idea where that thought could have |
| anyway. | | | | developed! |