Is regifting acceptable?

Regifting is fine. The taboo around it is overdone — sustainability and household clutter both push the other way. But it has to be done properly or it backfires badly.

Three conditions must all be true. First, the item must genuinely suit the new recipient — not 'they might like it' but 'I would have bought this for them anyway'. Second, it must be unused and in original packaging. Third, there must be no overlap between the original giver and the new recipient's social circle.

Never regift inside the same group of friends, family, or workplace where the original giver might see the item or hear about it. The hurt this causes is disproportionate to the saving.

Things that regift well: bottles of wine or spirits you don't drink, unopened books, kitchenware in original boxes, candles or homewares from quality brands, beauty products in sealed boxes, and gift cards.

Things that don't: anything personalised (obviously), anything monogrammed, anything that came with a card from the original giver still in the box, anything that's been on display in your home, and anything where the brand or store would be a giveaway about its origin.

If in doubt, donate the item and buy something new. The risk-to-reward isn't worth it for the few dollars saved.