With the gift-giving season upon us, can you give a gift that you don’t want or won’t use?

Is regifting considered bad form?

“As with many aspects of etiquette, the delivery is key,” said Lizzie Post, a descendant of the renowned etiquette expert Emily Post, in an interview with YSL News.

“We’ve encountered some cringe-worthy regifting mishaps where the gift was returned to the original giver with the initial cards still attached,” added Post, who is an author, co-president, and spokesperson for The Emily Post Institute.

Is It Wrong to Regift?

Post emphasizes the importance of considering how you regift.

According to The Emily Post Institute, there are four essential tips:

• The item should be in its original packaging and include any required components and manuals.
• Avoid regifting anything unique, handmade, or personalized, such as items with monograms or specific names or dates.
• Be absolutely certain that neither the person you’re giving it to nor the original giver would be offended if they found out about the regift. (Post notes that it’s acceptable if you are 99% sure.)
• You should genuinely believe that the recipient will appreciate and enjoy the item.

“This isn’t just about clearing clutter and feeling guilt-free,” Post stated.

Should You Disclose a Regift?

Deciding whether to inform someone that a gift is a regift is your choice, but Post suggests that many people may not mind or may even appreciate it.

Another safe approach to regifting is if you’ve received multiple identical items and wish to pass one on. “It’s perfectly fine to be upfront about that,” she said.