A Holiday Tradition We Should All Admit to Practicing

Let’s be honest: somewhere in your house right now, there’s a candle that smells like a forest and a bakery had a baby, a scarf in a color you can’t pronounce, or a kitchen gadget so specific you need a degree to operate it. And every year, these mystery items magically appear under your tree courtesy of someone who absolutely meant well.

Which brings us to the holiday skill no one claims to have mastered… but absolutely has: Regifting.

Yes, I said it. And no, you don’t have to feel guilty. In fact, done correctly, regifting is practically a public service. Recycling! Rehoming! Redistributing joy (and the occasional bath set)! It’s basically Santa-level generosity.

The Rules of Regifting Without Getting Caught 

1. Know your audience.
Your sister-in-law who only wears neutrals probably doesn’t want a neon pink infinity scarf. But your teenage niece who’s in her “hot pink era”? Bingo.

2. Remove all evidence.
Gift receipts. Cards. Notes. Price stickers. Emotional baggage. That little To/From sticker is the regifting kiss of death—trust me.

3. Don’t regift within the same social circle.
This includes family, coworkers, book clubs, and anyone likely to dish at the next brunch. Regifting is an art, not a sport. Keep your players on separate fields.

4. Make it look intentional.
Wrap that thing beautifully. Add a bow. Add TWO bows. Presentation is everything, and it distracts from the fact that you didn’t actually buy the present.

5. If all else fails… own it.
“I loved this so much I wanted you to have it too!”
Boom. Nailed it. You’re welcome.

Regifting is basically holiday matchmaking

Every unwanted gift has a soulmate out there—a person who will appreciate a sparkly reindeer mug or that oddly shaped ceramic—whatever-it-is. You’re not regifting; you’re sending these items off to live their best lives.

So this year, embrace the regift. Do it with flair. Do it with style. Do it with the confidence of someone who definitely, absolutely meant to give you that peppermint-scented foot scrub.

Because holiday joy comes in many forms—and sometimes it comes from your re-gift shelf.