Happy Returns or Re-Gifting? What Not to Do

Nobody is perfect when it comes to gift giving.  Chances are you got something for Christmas that you don’t want or need. For instance, I received a Beatles CD … I love the Beatles, but don’t have a CD player anymore. If you are looking to return or re-gift, you are not alone. The National Retail Federation reports that returns will total $890 billion for all of 2024, with returns most prevalent during the holiday season.

Etiquette experts advise discretion when returning gifts to avoid hurting the gift giver’s feelings. While some suggest honesty and tact, others recommend not mentioning returns unless asked. Regifting is allowable, but should be done thoughtfully and carefully, with limits on what can be regifted. It’s important to prioritize the relationship with the gift giver and handle returns with grace and gratitude.

Source: https://www.npr.org/2024/12/26/nx-s1-5235403/holidays-presents-returns-regift-etiquette