Dec 19, 2008 7:17 am US/Eastern
Consumer Watch: The Art Of Regifting
Plenty Of Dos And Donts You Must Follow In Order To Avoid Potentially Embarrassing Situations
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
It is estimated Americans spend more than $2 billion on unwanted gifts each holiday season, so chances are you've received at least one present you don't like.
But there is no need to toss it to the curb with the tree. You can save big bucks by regifting.
Mary Ann Caratenudo gets lots of gifts.
"This is a very beautiful centerpiece, but I don't have a place to put this," she said.
Caratenudo is a regifter.
"There are some people you just need to give a small gift, just a thank you," Caratenudo said. "Try to give secretaries some little gift. They do favors for me all year."
In addition to saving her lots of money.
"I've probably saved $150, $200, which is good for me," Caratenudo said.
She's learned the finer points of re-gifting.
"I only give what I think is very pretty or nice or useful," Caratenudo said.
The No. 1 rule of regifting is to open box before re-wrapping to avoid a tacky situation.
"When I got married I received a Tiffany's bud vase from another couple and when I opened the box, it still had the card to the other couple in it," Samantha Cassetty said.
Rule 2, re-wrap.
"Bags are easy. Most of time people don't put name on tag," Caratenudo said. "Just put fresh tissue, make it look nice."
And while the New York Times ethics writer wouldn't tell if he has or hasn't, he did say you need to focus on the sentiment.
"The purpose of giving someone a gift is to give them pleasure, to do something kind for someone," Randy Cohen said.
Which means … never re-give an unwanted gift in the same circle of family or friends.
And the only time it is okay to regift something used is when it's an heirloom.
"If, say, your sister-in-law has always admired your favorite punch bowl from your grandmother, that's a terrific thing to give as a gift," said Janet Siroto, executive editor of Good Housekeeping magazine. "Jewelry can be a wonderful thing to regift."
Items experts said you should never regift include candles, soap, random books and mysterious CDs. They are a dead giveaway that you have re-gifted.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
World's Most Useless Facts
Click to enlarge
Hempstead Asst Police Chief Alleges Discrimination 1 hr 29 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments