To Regift or not?
Feeling miffed about the concept of a Regift?
In a sustainable and circular economy, regifting is inherently sensible and there are many environmental and social reasons to support it. The extraction and processing of materials, fuels and food make up about half of total global greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90 per cent of biodiversity loss and water stress. Our purchasing preferences have consequences and even small behavioral shifts towards regifting and secondhand retail can make a big difference to climate action ambitions.
For many, the thought of regifting is a delicate topic, with the stakes of being ‘caught out’ too high to contemplate. However, unwrap the subject and delve a little deeper and you will find there ways to help you get ahead in the season of (re) gifting.
Why it’s important
As the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland, any activity which reduces unnecessary waste and overconsumption is sure to be a big hit, however it appears that the art of regifting is still in its infancy in Ireland. So what is the difference between the box of Roses that makes its way around the neighbourhood, last year’s unwanted candle regifted to a work colleague and the passing on of an unwanted, but cherished, painting to a friend that always admired it ?
Many discussions refer to culture, noting that regifting isn’t culturally acceptable in Ireland. There is a genuine fear of being ‘caught out’ by either the giver of the original present or the recipient of the regift. Even the language infers a criminal act.
That said, in 2019 a survey by GiftPup on the subject with newlyweds, discovered that 43% would happily regift an unwanted present, with an additional 17% saying they would certainly consider doing so. In some cultures regifting is part of the sacred act itself. In Maori culture, the older the item, the more valuable it is and when gifting a precious greenstone you must wear the stone to put positive energy in it before gifting it.
There also appears to be a challenge around the idea of gifting a second hand item, unless it’s something like a first edition book or an antique. Societal norms seem to dictate that aesthetically, a gift must look new and be in perfect condition.
Is it time to reflect on the root cause of giving things that people don’t want?
Looking at the topic optimistically, it appears that the timing might be ripe for a new generation of gifters and giftees. More and more young are turning to online platforms such as Depop to sell items they no longer and purchase things they do. Globally the secondhand market is projected to double in the next 5 years, reaching an impressive $77B with resale growth expected to grow 11x than the broader retail clothing sector.
Top Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Purchases
Instead of buying something just for the sake of it, focus on thoughtful, high-quality, or experiential gifts. Here’s how:
- Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo
Ask yourself: Does this item spark joy? If it doesn’t, don’t purchase it—no matter how tempting the sale might be. - Go for Experience Gifts
Experiences often leave a lasting impact. Consider:- Sharing a beloved recipe together.
- Booking a fun lunch or dinner outing.
- Gifting tickets for the cinema, theater, or a concert.
- Think Subscriptions
For a gift that keeps on giving, explore online subscriptions tailored to their interests. From magazines to online courses, this option is thoughtful and practical.
How to Regift with Grace
Regifting doesn’t have to feel awkward—it’s an opportunity to ensure an item finds a home where it will be appreciated. Follow these tips to regift with care:
- Choose the Right Recipient
Match the item to someone who would genuinely enjoy it. Think about their tastes and preferences before passing the gift along. - Add a Personal Touch
Elevate the regift by:- Upcycling or redesigning the item to make it unique.
- Wrapping it beautifully with a heartfelt note.
- Build a Thoughtful Hamper
Combine the regifted item with other small, meaningful gifts in a curated hamper. It’s a great way to create something extra special. - Be Honest (Sometimes)
Opinions vary on whether to disclose a regift, but honesty can work if handled gracefully. For example: “I thought of you when I received this and felt you’d enjoy it more.” - Arrange a Gift Swap
Organize a present swap among friends, family, or colleagues. Everyone brings unused or unwanted gifts, and you can all trade items for something more suitable. - Pay It Forward
- Charity Donations: Give to a local charity or community benefit.
- Out-of-Season Gifting: Hold on to the item and gift it at a more relevant time of year.
- Ask First
If you’re unsure about regifting, ask the recipient directly if they’d like the item. They might be delighted! - Use Sharing Apps
Apps like Olio make it easy to share items, from extra tins of chocolates to other unused gifts. - Resell for a Cause
Sell the item on platforms like eBay or Vinted and donate the proceeds to charity. It’s a win-win!
At the Rediscovery Centre Ecostore, all our wares are created from sustainable, reused or upcycled materials. They are also all locally produced and designed to last. Christmas is a time where consumers have huge purchasing power, and have the ability to make significant impacts for local producers. Maybe a loved one would enjoy learning a new skill, or sharing an experience together. We have plenty of courses on offer for 2025 which will be held in person and online.
