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Regifting and exchanging 101?some tips on the dos and don’ts of regifting
RISMEDIA, Dec. 23 ? What do you do when a gift just isn’t you? Exchanging and regifting is something that’s always been very taboo. But more recently, it’s become more acceptable.

But, there are still some rules to follow:

ReGifting Etiquette

It is OK?Regifting is something that’s always been done, but never really talked about until now. There is no shame in regifting, in fact, it’s something that should be done more often. Regifting can really make someone happy, and even help someone out.

Keep it Far Away?When you’re regifting, make sure you’re not giving the item to someone who is likely to see the person who originally gave you the gift.

So, if your grandmother gives you a sweater that just isn’t you, don’t give it to your sister or brother. Give it a friend from school who isn’t likely to run into your grandmother. Just make sure you give it to someone that has no relationship with the original gifter.

No signs of foul play?Make sure you take off all tags that would hint that it’s a regift. Just because you are regifting, it doesn’t mean the recipient needs to know. Keep items in the original packaging and rewrap it.

The fast the better?Regift as soon as possible. The longer you wait to regift, the more chance you’ll forget who you got it from. Do it ASAP to avoid giving the gift back to the person who gave it to you.

Rules for Exchanging Gifts

Asking for info?This is likely the hardest part of exchanging a gift?asking the person you got if from for information. Say something along the lines of:

?Thank you so much for thinking of me. Unfortunately, this isn’t really my style. Would you mind if I went to the store you bought it from an see if there’s something else I could get more wear from??

By saying ?Thank you? you’re making sure the person you’re speaking with knows that the thought was appreciated, which makes it more likely that they would give you some information. Style is such an individual thing, so by saying ?It’s not really my style? makes it less offensive. If possible, ask for the store name and if they have a receipt. Some people would rather go with you to exchange the gift, so offer that up as a suggestion as well.

At the store?Make the transaction easier by picking out what you’d like to exchange the item for. When you get to customer service, be sure to mention that you received the item as a gift, especially if you don’t have a receipt. This is usually easier done around the winter holidays.

Avoid having your gift regifted or exchanged

Know thy giftee?If you know the name of the store that the person you’re buying for shops at a lot, a gift card can make all the difference. It allows them to pick out their own items, so you don’t have to worry about whether they’ll like it or not. If getting a gift card seems too impersonal, ask them to make a list of items they’d like to receive and have you pick from them.

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