The art of re-gifting
In last weekend's Home section of New York Times there was an article about re-gifting. The article explained the art of re-gifting and showed some funny real life examples when re-gifting went wrong. In one part of the article, I cried laughing as I remembered one story that happened to my friend. She had her birthday coming up and one of her friends called her to wish her a happy birthday and told her that she has a very special birthday present for her.
After two weeks anticipations her special present arrived. When she opened the bag she lost her speech...surprised, shocked and disappointed...she received a "home made" gift goodie bag filled with random high end cosmetic brands. The set would be a fantastic gift if it was new. Among tested and used creams for face and body, there was original 90's bottle of evaporated Chanel 5. The perfumes were half empty, and lost its freshness...perhaps the giver didn't fancy the aromas anymore. The so called special gift turn to be re-gifted disrespect and disappointment.
I know how she felt when she opened the bag. On one occasion I was given from a dear friend of mine a set of samples she got from the party that I gave her the invitation to...and since I could not attend, the organizers sent me the gift bag home. I got the duplicate of the same goodie bag from my friend who re-wrapped the gift - mostly sample sizes - and re-gifted to me.
It is hilarious to receive re-gifted gifts especially when they were used. It always amazes and amuses me to see the reaction of the observer - the giver when I open such a gift. What he or she must think when they see you put on a big smile and saying how much you love it, and always wanted it...it all comes to politics of giving and receiving. It is especially hard when you are given recycled gifts from best friends and family.
If you are going to re-gift, please make sure it is something new, something interesting, something delicious or something that the other person can re-gift again without embarrassment.
Happy Holidays!
Facebook and 
YouTube