Is Regifting an Acceptable Practice or not
To "regift" or not, is the $64,000 question, isn't it? My initial reaction was to protest against such a practice but then, after careful reflection, I would have to admit that under certain circumstances, it's not only acceptable, but sensible and even, dare I suggest, preferable.
My Mother has been expertly practising the art of "regifting" for many years. But, before I hear the "nay-sayers" gasp in horror, I need to explain. My parents are comfortably-placed, financially. Their offspring have been less fortunate for numerous reasons. My Dad is a "Diabetic" and for decades my Mum has been "regifting" copious boxes of chocolates, shortbread, wine and other foodstuffs to the rest of the family. We have all enjoyed and are grateful for the thoughtfulness and kindheartedness of both my parents, and by default, to that of their close friends. Rather than see these little edible luxuries go stale or off and subsequently have to toss them out, my parents have frequently "regifted" them. At times, my Mum and Dad have also passed on and "gifted" various household presents that they have no use for, to family members, friends and assorted charities including the "Diabetic Society" and the in-store "Christmas Wishing Tree."
On the other hand, even after many years, I still have pangs of guilt in relation to "regifting." As a young wife and mother with no spare cash, up to our ears in mortgage debt and coupled with a husband who never understood the pleasurable activity of "gifting," I was in the awkward position of having to purchase an expensive 'Silver Wedding Anniversary" present for a much-loved Aunt and Uncle. This was in the days when credit cards were restricted to the realm of the wealthy alone. It was impossible for me to buy anything, hence I decided to "regift" one of my own wedding presents (a beautiful stainless steel cutlery set from a very close friend) which had been carefully stowed away in a cupboard since our "Big Day." It was in perfect condition, never having been opened, let alone used. My Aunt, having no prior knowledge of its existence and being none the wiser of its origin, was delighted.
I guess the point that I'm trying to make, is that sometimes, "regifting" is born out of an act of love and generosity and not from a callous or ungrateful disregard for the spirit in which an item was "gifted" in the first place. An item that is "regifted" may have cost the giver, something of far greater value and importance than mere money could ever buy. Also, it is wise to remember that not all gifts are welcomed by, or appropriate to, the recipient. I remember reading about a man who knew that his Sister-in-law detested fruit cake, yet blatantly needled her by giving her one as a Christmas present every year for twenty-odd years until he died. Every "Boxing Day," in ritual fashion, she used to throw the cake out to the birds. In a more personal vein, one year I must have been stricken with a bad case of "Parent Brain" because I inadvertently bought my Brother-in-law an unforgettable bottle of aftershave for Christmas. It was a good brand, but unfortunately, he was the proud owner of a prolific beard. LOL! His beard was obviously such an integral part of his appearance, that I'd never really noticed it. Soooo embarrassing and a good case, if ever I heard of one, for "regifting"!
