I have no regrets about regifting – What to do with unwanted presents.

The festive season, birthdays, and special occasions often bring a deluge of gifts. While each present is given with good intention, the reality is that not every item sparks joy, fits perfectly, or aligns with one’s tastes. Most of us have, at some point, unwrapped a Christmas present that missed the mark entirely – a garish jumper, a questionable piece of home décor, or a perfume that simply isn’t "you." These well-meaning but ultimately unwanted items often find themselves relegated to the back of a cupboard, destined to gather dust or, worse, end up in landfill. But there are more practical, sustainable, and even financially savvy ways to deal with these gifts without causing offence or feeling a pang of guilt.

1. Embrace the Art of Regifting

For Dawn-Maria France from North Yorkshire, the solution to unwanted gifts is elegantly simple: pass them on to someone else. She advocates for regifting, especially right after Christmas, as the perfect opportunity to declutter her home and promote a more sustainable way of living. "I never feel any guilt for doing so," she states, highlighting a growing sentiment among those who see the environmental and economic benefits.

Dawn-Maria recalls one year receiving garden seeds that held no appeal for her. Instead of letting them languish, she thoughtfully regifted them to a friend with a passion for gardening. This act not only prevented waste but also proved to be a budget-friendly strategy, particularly pertinent during periods of economic strain. "It’s a budget-friendly way to manage spending, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, and it’s helped me declutter my home," she adds.

The practice of regifting carries a significant environmental impact. Each year, an estimated £42 million worth of unwanted presents are tragically thrown away in the UK, with many contributing to overflowing landfills. By choosing to regift, individuals like Dawn-Maria directly combat this waste. She even re-wrapped her garden seeds with a personalised note that subtly hinted at its origin: "I was given this but I knew you’d love it," she wrote. This transparency, while not always necessary, can sometimes add a touch of charm. "It promotes sustainability," she says, definitively. "I have no regrets about regifting."

The key to successful regifting lies in careful consideration. Items that are new, unopened, and in perfect condition are ideal candidates. Think about gift sets you won’t use, books you’ve already read, candles in scents you dislike, or even non-perishable gourmet foods. Building a "gift cupboard" where such items can be stored until the right recipient comes along is a popular strategy for many seasoned regifters, ensuring they always have a thoughtful, free present on hand.

2. Master the Art of Discreet Regifting: Hide the Evidence

While the principle of regifting is sound, the execution requires a certain level of finesse to avoid potential social pitfalls. "Don’t get caught out," warns Louise Minchin, presenter of the BBC’s Rip Off Britain programme. Her primary advice for regifters is meticulous inspection: remove any labels, price tags, or personal notes that might be addressed to someone else. A forgotten tag can instantly expose the regift and lead to awkwardness.

Before re-wrapping, a thorough examination of the gift is crucial. Check for broken seals, signs of wear, dust, or any indication that the item isn’t brand new. A partially used bottle of lotion, a book with a dog-eared page, or a gift set missing one of its components are clear giveaways that the item has been opened or previously handled. Such items are best avoided for regifting, as they can inadvertently convey a lack of thought or respect.

Even seasoned broadcasters aren’t immune to regifting mishaps. BBC Radio 2’s Reverend Kate Bottley candidly admits to being caught out after forgetting to check for a card inside a gift she passed on. "They opened it and I said ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry,’" she recalls, a moment that undoubtedly caused cringes for both parties. Similarly, the BBC’s Morning Live regular Dr. Oscar recounted receiving a box of chocolates inscribed with "Dear Mrs Smith, Thanks for being my teacher this year." While he did regift them, he learned his lesson: "I just took the label off for the next one," he quipped, demonstrating the importance of vigilance.

Etiquette expert Antoinette Akanji offers a golden rule to prevent such embarrassments: regift outside your immediate social circle. "If your aunt has given you a jumper that you didn’t like, do not regift this to your cousin," she advises. "She may see your cousin wearing it and this could provoke an awkward conversation." The risk of the original giver and the new recipient crossing paths and discovering the regift is simply too high within close family or friend groups. "You need to ensure that the original giver and the new recipient aren’t likely to cross paths," Akanji stresses. To avoid accidental repeat gifting or regifting within the same social orbit, some people keep a discreet record or spreadsheet of who gave them what, making it easier to select appropriate recipients for their unwanted treasures.

3. Resell and Reinvest: Turning Unwanted into Useful

If regifting feels too risky or simply isn’t an option, selling unwanted presents online offers a straightforward way to recoup some value and prevent items from becoming waste. Kirsty Quinn, 36, from Oxfordshire, is a testament to this approach, making approximately £500 a month by reselling items sourced from car boot sales and charity shops on platforms like eBay and Vinted.

"I think if you receive a gift that you’re not going to use or don’t like, and it’s likely to just sit in a drawer or even end up in landfill, then I don’t see the harm in re-gifting… or selling it online," she says. Quinn highlights the dual benefits of selling: it allows someone else to acquire a desired item at a more affordable price, which is particularly relevant in challenging economic times, and it enables the seller to reinvest that money into something they genuinely need or will use. "It also means the seller can put that money towards something they actually need, something that improves their life, or something they’ll truly use. To me, that feels more practical and sustainable than letting items go to waste."

The popularity of reselling unwanted gifts is evident in online marketplace trends. Vinted, a popular platform for pre-loved fashion and homeware, reports a significant spike in listings on the first Sunday of each new year, averaging three times the normal daily rate. This surge is directly attributed to people offloading their Christmas disappointments. Last year, the platform saw women’s toiletries and perfumes, jewellery, nightwear, and make-up as the top-listed unwanted items. Conversely, fashion dominated the most-bought items after Christmas, closely followed by entertainment and electronics, indicating a vibrant secondary market for these goods.

Vinted offers practical tips for reselling presents without causing offence. Using a username that isn’t easily identifiable can add a layer of anonymity, preventing the original gifter from stumbling upon their former present. Similarly, keeping the background of product photos neutral helps maintain privacy. Interestingly, many members choose to be transparent, including phrases like "unwanted gift" in their item description. A Vinted spokesperson notes, "This often helps buyers better understand the condition of the item," and can even build trust. Beyond eBay and Vinted, other platforms like Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and local consignment shops also provide avenues for selling unwanted items, offering varied commission structures and audience reach.

4. Donate: Spreading Joy to Those in Need

If the idea of regifting or selling doesn’t resonate, donating unwanted gifts to charity is a noble alternative that "passes on the joy," as Louise Minchin suggests. Charity shops eagerly anticipate the post-Christmas clear-out, transforming unwanted items into treasures for new owners while supporting vital causes.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, emphasizes the significant impact donations have. "If you have decorations that didn’t quite fit your theme, a board game you’ve been gifted twice, or a Christmas jumper that’s no longer your colour, why not let them brighten someone else’s home or wardrobe by donating them to us?" she urges. Donating not only declutters your home but also contributes directly to charitable efforts, funding research, providing services, or supporting communities.

Furthermore, the act of shopping in charity shops over Christmas, and indeed year-round, reinforces a circular economy. "Our stores are full of unexpected treasures – quality items just waiting to find loving new homes," Swaine-Hughes highlights, encouraging conscious consumerism.

To alleviate any lingering worry about a relative discovering their gift in a local charity shop, consider donating to a branch outside your immediate area or even to larger charities with national distribution networks. Many charities also accept specific types of items, so a quick check on their website can ensure your donation goes to the most appropriate place. Unopened toiletries, new clothing, and children’s toys are almost always in high demand at various shelters and community organizations, offering another direct way to help those less fortunate.

5. Include a Gift Receipt: The Ultimate Act of Thoughtfulness

Finally, for those who are giving presents, a simple act of foresight can make a world of difference for the recipient: include a gift receipt. "If you’re giving someone a gift and include a gift receipt, it gives them far more options," explains Louise Minchin, particularly when dealing with high-value items.

A gift receipt typically allows the recipient to exchange the item in-store for something more suitable or receive a credit note. In some instances, a full refund may be offered, though this largely depends on the retailer’s individual policy. This small inclusion eliminates the awkwardness and discomfort of having to ask the giver for the original receipt, which can put both parties in an uncomfortable position.

Without a receipt, things can quickly become complicated. If a recipient genuinely needs to exchange an item, Louise recommends an "honesty first" policy: "Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’d like to exchange this for something else, do you have the original receipt?’" This direct yet polite approach is usually the best way to resolve the situation.

Ultimately, the etiquette of gift-giving and receiving is evolving. While the thought behind a gift is paramount, modern sensibilities increasingly lean towards practicality, sustainability, and ensuring that items find a purposeful home. Whether through discreet regifting, savvy reselling, generous donation, or simply providing the means for exchange, there are numerous ways to manage unwanted presents gracefully, ensuring they don’t become a source of waste or discomfort. The goal is for every gift to be cherished, whether by its initial recipient or by someone else who truly needs or desires it.