Somewhere between the turkey leftovers and the tinsel, many of us find a present we love in theory but not in practice: a jumper the wrong colour, a duplicate gadget, or a scent that makes the living room smell like someone else. Keeping it in a cupboard is one option. Making it useful for someone else is another — and usually better for your home, your wallet and the planet.
Regift, but be smart about it
Regifting is practical and surprisingly common. Do it right and you avoid awkwardness; do it carelessly and you become the person who rewraps a teacher's chocolate with a 'thanks, Mrs Smith' note still inside.
A few simple rules keep it classy:
- Remove any cards, receipts or labels that point back to the original giver. Check seals and packaging for signs the item was opened.
- Avoid passing something on within the same social circle. If Aunt June gave you a jumper, don't send it to a cousin who sees Aunt June every week.
- Regift soon after the holiday buzz — the item still feels fresh and new.
- Use a neutral username and plain photo backgrounds.
- Be honest about condition; if the product was opened, say so.
- Consider timing: the first weeks of January typically bring the most buyers.
- Candles and home fragrances
- Stocking stuffers and toiletries (unopened)
- Socks, slippers and tea towels (if you won’t use them)
- Duplicates — you already have one of the exact thing
- Small games and generic homewares
- Inspect before you rewrap. Even small giveaways like a handwritten card can blow the plan.
- Keep records: if you sell a high-value item, keep proof of sale and shipping.
- If reselling, use platform privacy settings (anonymous usernames, remove background traces of your home in photos).
- For digital gifts, check if they can be returned or converted to a digital gift card — that makes them more flexible for the recipient.
Etiquette pros also suggest adding a small, personalised note that explains why you think the new recipient will appreciate it. That little touch signals thoughtfulness, not thriftiness.
Sell it: cash instead of clutter
If you prefer cash to courtesy, online resale is a legitimate route. Platforms like Vinted and eBay see a surge in listings after the holidays, and sellers often do well by listing gently used or unopened items.
Tips for selling without offending anyone:
High-value electronics are especially good candidates for resale. If you received a laptop you don’t want, for example, listing it could fund something you actually need — or at least a tidy post-holiday refund. (If you do want to buy a replacement yourself, the M4 MacBook Air recently saw steep discounts; you can check the current deals on the MacBook Air deals page or compare prices for a new MacBook.)
Donate: give it some shelf life
Charity shops and donation centres rely on post-Christmas drops. A board game, a jumper, or unopened toiletries can quickly become someone else’s treasure. If you're worried about running into the original giver at your local shop, donate to a charity store a few suburbs away.
Certain organisations accept specific items — check with shelters or community groups before you drop things off. If you received toiletries or consumables you won’t use, some charities can distribute them directly to people in need.
Gift receipts and the power of honesty
If you’re the giver, a small act — include a gift receipt — gives the recipient options. Many stores allow exchanges or store credit with a gift receipt, which means the present can be turned into something the recipient will actually use. If you’re the receiver, it’s usually fine to be candid: a quick, polite ask for an exchange rarely causes offence if it’s handled kindly.
What’s okay to pass on (and what to keep)
Some presents are easier to move on than others. Generally safe to regift or donate:
Harder to offload: anything personalised, intimate or part of a matched set where missing pieces show. For those, donating something else or being honest may be the better route.
A few practical moves to avoid cringe
Regifting, reselling or donating after the holidays needn’t be awkward. With a little care, you can clear clutter, help someone else and even cut waste. And if you’re on the giving side next year, consider a gift receipt — small courtesy, big options.