The [Urban] dictionary describes regifting as the following:
Regift [ree-gift] v. — 1. Scandalously repackaging and claiming to have purchased on your own a previously received hideous piece of crapola and giving it to someone else as if you had actually been thinking about what they would enjoy.
This definition encompasses the public’s misconception associated with regifting and the resulting hostility the movement has encountered. There is nothing “scandalous” about regifting, unless of course, the woman giving it happens to show too much skin in the process. Regifting is nothing to be ashamed of and it is presumptuous to think a regifter would not want his or her habits to be known. As for the “hideous piece of crapola” claim, the gift given was most definitely bought at sometime for someone in some state of mind, and there really isn’t much more a person can ask for. Regifting is not a sin; it is a solution and a compliment.
One of the biggest problems in the world: the gradual degradation of the Earth due to our slovenly habits. You can buy “Save the Planet” water bottles, only wear eco-friendly clothes and even unplug every electronic device in your room before going on break, and you still could not compete with the true problem-solvers: the regifters. They are the ones who refuse to succumb to “The Man” and buy something new. Why should they when they have a perfectly good hot dog bun toaster just sitting there? Would you really rather have that new iPad? The one that will end up in a Third World country’s dump and expose hazardous chemicals to a young Nigerian boy? This judgment call is exactly what goes through every regifter’s mind at every gift-giving moment. Regifters shoulder modern man’s burden and keep one less iPhone 4S or Xbox 360 out of the dumps. So next time, do your part and accept the regifted present with a smile of joy because it isn’t just a toaster — it’s a life.
For those who could care less about the state of the world and the human race, try picturing a dying baby seal every time you unwrap a new present — perhaps this more personal angle will persuade you. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Regifters take this maxim a step further. Not only do they imitate the person who gave them the gift, they give that exact gift to someone else (or even the same person). They imitate with absolute perfection and achieve a level of flattery previously unknown to man. This year, give one of those crochet kits back to Aunt Lisa. In one fell swoop, you not only give her something she is sure to use (her drawer full of handmade hats is a testament), but you also let her know how much you admire her gift-giving skills. Regifting should not be viewed as a crime or a social faux pas. At its most basic level, it is the celebration of a person by extending the longevity of his or her gift. ’Tis the season, and may the gift-giving never end.
Start thinking now about what you have acquired and can lovingly dole out this holiday season. This time of year is filled with random Secret Santas and college-budgeted gift-giving; your sister could totally use the candy shot glasses as cups for her dolls — the possibilities are endless. But if nothing is coming to mind, make a few copies of this article — what could be better than regifting the joys of regifting?
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