Regifters, Have No Fear -- Just Follow These Rules

Dec. 27, 2006 — -- Regifters, rejoice -- there's no need to be shy about wrapping up that unused fondue set and passing it on this holiday season.

Along with last-minute trips to the mall and returning presents the day after Christmas, regifting has become a holiday ritual.

Wall Street Journal columnist Wendy Bounds explained how new Web sites and rules had turned regifting from a dirty, little secret to a seasonal savior.

Young people are to thank (or perhaps to blame) for the latest trend in gift-giving.

"Young people are bigger regifters -- and there are a lot of reasons why. Increased pressure to buy gifts -- secret Santa parties or Yankee swaps at the office," Bounds said. "The Internet drives that. Allegedly it's easier to buy gifts, just a click of the mouse. But everybody is working longer hours, trying to get ahead, and therefore they have less time to shop."

Mall-phobic men are more likely to regift than women.

"A Consumer Reports study found that men are more likely to regift. I hate to say it, but maybe they're just lazier shoppers," she said.

Not surprisingly, bland, impersonal gifts are the best for regifting. Rewrapping anything with a monogram is a big no-no.

"I think vases are often regifted. And picture frames or a candleholders. A decent bottle of champagne or wine might be regiven. Things that don't scream personality," Bounds said.

The Internet is ripe with tips on swapping presents and rules for regifting.

"There are lots of Web sites out there that are facilitating the practice. One that I think is a great idea is swapagift.com, which allows you to trade gift cards with other people," Bounds said.

Got a Crate & Barrel gift card even though you're a Home Depot devotee? Swap away.

To understand the finer points of regifting, check out giftingresources.com, which offers advice on how to avoid pitfalls -- like confessing when regifting something really expensive.