A recent Ellen DeGenerous Show covered the controversy of Re-Gifting. Some people think it’s ok to Re-Gift so long as there’s a proper and generous intention behind the action. Others think Re-Gifting is a cheap move that wreaks of disrespect. The Ellen DeGenerous Show featured a panel of experts who showed some great ways to Re-Gift with style. Here’s a recap:
1. Proper Wrapping
A great way to save money is buying some really, really nice wrapping paper and a fine gold ribbon. Then you can take something lying around your house and wrap it up beautifully. Said the Re-Gifting expert Chepe Fock, “People will never assume that an elaborate wrapping job would actually disguise a pre-owned object.”
Worst-case scenario upon the receiver opening the finely wrapped Re-Gift:
“Didn’t I see this around your house?”
Suggested response:
(Quick change of subject) “Have you read the card?”
2. Big Energy
I also learned that Re-Gifting is an art and it’s best to be present when the receiver opens your Re-Gift. Another expert, Spara Dolar, said, “Bring big energy to the moment because your excitement will be infectious.” When watching someone open your Re-Gift, say something very positive like: “Oh how I LOVE this time of year!”
Worst-case scenario response to your Big Energy:
“There’s a card addressed to you in here. I think this is a re-gift.”
Suggested response:
Get your stuff and go.
3. Slanted Story
If you have it in you, a little curve on the truth never hurt anyone. Author of THE ART OF REGIFTING, Notso Nice, said “People love a good story and they want you to embellish things.” One idea is to say to the receiver while they excitedly unwrap your gift that it means a lot to you and it’s something you hold very close to your heart. Which isn’t that far from the truth because the Re-Gifted item had been sitting on your coffee table for years and your coffee table is often in close proximity to your chest in which lies your heart.
Worst-case scenario response to your Slanted Story:
“Why are you lying to me; again?”
Suggested response:
Act hurt and try to turn the tide against the receiver of the Re-Gift.
4. Vacant Re-Gift
If you can get away with being the beloved stoner type, wrap up an empty box with fine paper and a special card. Chepe Fock said, “If other people think you are stupid but love you to death, you can get away with this. But I only recommend this for a select few.” As the receiver opens your empty box, say something off base to remind people they love you for your less-than-intelligent ways. For instance, “Oh My God I can’t even believe how hot it is must be in the Southern Hemisphere. Y’know cause it’s summer there when it’s winter here.”
Worst-case scenario to the Vacant Re-Gift:
“Y’know, you do this year after year and it’s not funny anymore. Just get out!”
Suggested response:
Start crying and make the receiver look like an asshole.
5. Nature’s Re-Gift
If you’d rather not part with anything from your house, consider a natural object like a rock from the backyard or possibly a leaf from your favorite tree. Add some nice wrapping and a poetic card to make it very touching. Expert and author of MORE FOR LESS, Frig N. Lowmove said, “Be sure to say something about how this gift is ‘one of a kind’ because that’s absolutely true.” As the receiver opens your leaf or rock, turn to the others and say something along the lines of, “Giving green is the way to go this holiday season. I’m just so concerned about the environment.”
Worst-case scenario to Nature’s Re-Gift:
“Did you give me a leaf you cheap f-ck?!”
Suggested Response:
“Don’t you understand that the planet is dying?!”
