"Why, thank you for this... half-burned scented candle..." True story. A friend actually received the Christmas gift of a previously enjoyed candle.

'Tis the season for regifting felonies. In fact, December 18th is National Regifting Day in the US (proving there really is a 'day' for everything). While the act of regifting doesn't have to be seen as negative - it can be a way to do your part in saving the earth through less consumption and a savvy money-saving technique - it can also be the quickest way to suggest you're lazy, cheap and thoughtless... depending on the severity of the regifting felony you commit. Sound harsh?

Through a survey of friends, I've compiled a list the top 5 worst real-life regifts:

1. A bomboniere (wedding favour), including a special note from the bride and groom (whom the recipient had never met)

2. A handmade statue by a family member, regifted numerous times in the family

3. A wedding gift (butterfly-adorned gold plate) given back to the original givers on their wedding day

4. A gift card with half the money already used

5. A sweater with the tags off and a coffee stain to boot

While these may be 'hit-me-over-the-head-with-a-2-by-4-obvious' regifting felonies, how can you be sure your re-gift etiquette is felony-free?


As a start, think twice before regifting anything fitting these criteria:

* It was picked out for you for sentimental reasons; eg. a wedding gift the giver commented on in regards to the effort with which it was sought out

* It is personalized in any way; eg. engraved jewelery

* It was partially used in any manner; eg. a box of chocolates with one missing

* A personal-wear item; eg. sleepwear

* It's past its prime; eg. a fruit cake from 2 years ago

* It is obviously recognizable; eg. a zebra print top with red sequins – make certain never to regift anything so obvious within the same group of friends!

I’m not saying regifting is always bad. Heck, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis - the gold standard of class - was an active participant in the act of regifting. She gave her second husband Aristotle Onassis the sweet gift of her previous husband's watch. Tacky or not? I’ll let you debate that one.


To help you in your gift giving efforts courtesy of your recent holiday haul, you generally can’t go wrong regifting these:

* Wine or spirits

* Household items still in the original packaging; eg. the Magic Bullet, a corkscrew

* Books

* Unburned candles or incense

* Unopened DVDs/CDs

May your birthdays and celebrations be free of half-burned candles and bombonieres from the mysterious Sue & Tom!

by Megan Matthews
all pictures by Megan Matthews