Expert shares why you should always remember to remove the old card and only regift great presents 

Disappointed with your Christmas gifts? Expert shares her five rules for regifting – and the big mistake most people make

  • Australian gift expert Ali Linz has revealed the top five rules of regifting 
  • The co-founder of GroupTogether said it’s perfectly acceptable to regift  
  • Only give great gifts and reuse the wrapping paper if possible 
  • A lot of people forget to remove the old card before regifting  

With the festive season in full swing for 2020, an Australian gifting expert has revealed the top five rules of regifting and why it’s perfectly acceptable to pass on unwanted presents.

Ali Linz, co-founder of GroupTogether, said before regifting it’s essential to consider whether the recipient will enjoy the gift and to check it’s in the original condition.

‘You might have received a fabulous gift this year that just isn’t quite right for you, but you know someone who would love it,’ she said.

‘In that case, why not surprise them with a gift rather than keeping it in the cupboard.’

GroupTogether is a platform that makes it easier for large groups to organise a gift for one person.

Ali Linz, co-founder of GroupTogether, (pictured) said when regifting it’s essential to consider whether the recipient will enjoy the gift and to check it’s in perfect condition

1. Think before you give 

Ali said the first and most important rule is to think before regifting and to avoid giving unwanted gifts. 

‘It’s important to question whether the recipient will truly love the gift or whether you’re giving for the sake of it,’ she said.   

‘Instead, chip in with friends or family to give something that will really be appreciated’.  

Ali said this is one reason why she and her co-founder launched GroupTogether to ensure group gifts can be easily organised online. 

Ali said the first and perhaps most important rule of all is to think before regifting and to avoid giving unwanted gifts

Ali said the first and perhaps most important rule of all is to think before regifting and to avoid giving unwanted gifts

2. Only regift great gifts 

Next on Ali’s list of suggestions is to only regift presents the recipient will be happy to receive. 

‘Gifts are meant to be thoughtful and bring joy, not sit in the cupboard and collect dust,’ she said, adding: ‘If it’s a bad gift, then don’t give the burden to someone else.’

‘If it’s not going to bring them joy, donate it to charity instead.’

If the new recipient doesn’t appreciate the gift, the cycle will likely continue until someone decides to keep the present.

Next on Ali's list of suggestions is to only regift presents the recipient will be happy to receive

Next on Ali’s list of suggestions is to only regift presents the recipient will be happy to receive

3. Don’t forget the wrapping paper

Not only does Ali recommend regifting, she also suggested reusing the wrapping paper if it’s in good condition and hasn’t been torn in order to reduce waste. 

‘Try to re-gift wrapping paper rather than it going to landfill after a single use, but not on the same gift!’ she said.

‘If the paper isn’t suitable to wrap another gift then there’s plenty of other uses for it like making draw liners, decorations or simply using it to pack something fragile for the post.’

How regifting can spread joy and reduce waste: 

Ali said it’s ‘absolutely acceptable’ to regift during the festive season, as long as the rules are met in order to give great gifts and avoid getting caught 

Not only does regifting spread joy to others without spending any money, it’s also a great way to reduce waste.    

‘You might have received something that’s a fabulous gift, but just isn’t quite right for you and you know someone who would love it,’ Ali said  

‘Gifts are meant to be thoughtful and bring joy, not sit in the cupboard and collect dust.’ 

If you don’t have someone to give the present to, consider donating it to charity instead 

4. Be upfront when necessary  

More often than not, being honest about the gift upon giving it to someone else is one option to consider. 

‘If you receive something that isn’t right for you but you know someone who will love it, don’t wait for the next birthday. You can simply say: ‘This isn’t for me, but I think you’ll love it’,’ Ali said.  

‘They will feel really appreciated and you won’t run the risk of getting caught giving it at the next birthday bash!’ 

5. Take the old card out

While the last rule of regifting seems obvious, many people always forget to remove the original card and replace it. 

Ali said there’s nothing more embarrassing than regifting a present and forgetting the old card is still in place.

If all the rules are followed, the new recipient will be sure to enjoy the gift they didn’t expect.