How to regift your unwanted Christmas presents without getting caught

There are so many reasons you may want to regift a Christmas present, and there's really no shame in it.

Sometimes you'll receive something you don't like, or know you will never use, or perhaps already have.

Still, it can be tricky to know what to do with that unwanted gift. You certainly don't want it to go to waste.

According to Canstar, only 27 per cent of Aussies consider regifting acceptable, but that may just be because they don't know how to do it properly.

Thankfully, there is a way to regift an unwanted pressie that will avoid any awkwardness, reduce waste and ensure it finds a perfect home. And, you won't get caught.

Step 1: Unwrap all gifts with caution

Try and unwrap all your gifts with caution. Not to jinx anything, but try and avoid tearing into everything. Aim to remove the wrapping, but don't unbox anything if possible.

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Sometimes in an effort to seem enthusiastic about an unwanted gift, we overcompensate by unboxing items and waving them around.

If you can keep items in their original packaging, they are much easier to regift. If you have unboxed something, you can repackage it later, as long as you haven't used the item itself.

Step 2: Note down who gave it to you

When it comes to regifting, you need to take note of who has given you the unwanted gift and the family or friendship circle in which you were gifted it.

You need to regift outside of this circle to avoid anyone noticing it in future.

And, if you do suspect you won't be wanting a gift you have been given, try and avoid posing with it on social media.

There's no need to leave a digital paper trail, so to speak.

Step 3: Store it carefully

I know someone who has been diligently regifting presents since their wedding when they were in their early twenties. This was long before gift registries became widely accepted in Australia.

She got so many multiple items she established a regifting shelf in her linen cupboard. They are kept there safe and sound until the opportunity to regift them presents itself.

It's important to store unwanted items carefully and all in once place to ensure they remain in the best quality possible.

Step 4: Supplement it with something else

If you do feel a bit guilty about regifting, even if you know the person you are giving it to will like it, feel free to supplement it with something.

You could add in some wine, chocolates or even some coffee beans. That's an easy way to feel better about it.

Then, you've given the unwanted gift to someone who will use it, and you've also purchased something small but new to go along with it, making this only a partial regifting situation.

And make sure to rewrap it beautifully!

Step 5: Don't feel bad

Really, don't feel bad about it! If you still do a little, think about the environment.

In this world of hyper-consumerism and fast fashion, we all have so much stuff! It's way better for the world if you repurpose unwanted gifts.

Think of the world.

Gift-giving habits in Australia

Australians will spend an average of $620 on Christmas gifts, according to Canstar.

Most will focus that spending on immediate family and relatives, and perhaps some select friends, but gifting outside of those circles is deemed unnecessary.

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Almost half of those surveyed by Canstar prefer to give something they know the other person needs or wants, 35 per cent opt for gift cards, and 25 per cent will ask family and friends what they want, which removes the surprise but at least then you know you are giving them the perfect gift.

Ten per cent of people think it is rude to spend more on gifts than the amount agreed upon by family and friends, and 11 per cent of gift givers want some appreciation shown for their efforts.

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