UPDATE: As the holiday season wraps up, many are grappling with the dilemma of what to do with unwanted Christmas presents. New reports reveal that £42 million worth of unwanted gifts are discarded in the UK each year, prompting experts to share urgent regifting tips that can help reduce waste and promote sustainability.
For those in North Yorkshire, Dawn-Maria France offers a practical solution: regift! “The period right after Christmas is the perfect time,” she states, emphasizing there is no guilt in passing along gifts that aren’t a good fit. “It’s a budget-friendly way to manage spending, especially during the cost-of-living crisis,” she adds. Dawn-Maria recounts how she re-gifted garden seeds to a friend, stating, “I have no regrets about regifting.”
The rising trend of reselling and regifting is becoming increasingly relevant, especially as the economic climate tightens. Experts warn that it’s critical to ensure the original giver and new recipient do not cross paths. Etiquette specialist Antoinette Akanji advises against regifting within your social circle to avoid potential awkwardness.
Louise Minchin, host of BBC’s Rip Off Britain, stresses the importance of removing any labels or notes that may reveal the item’s original recipient. “Don’t get caught out,” she cautions, sharing her own experience of accidentally gifting an item with a card still inside.
In a similar vein, Dr. Oscar from BBC’s Morning Live recalls a time he regifted chocolates that bore a message for a previous recipient. “I just took the label off for the next one,” he says, highlighting the need for discretion in the regifting process.
As the demand for regifting grows, platforms like Vinted report a significant spike in listings of unwanted gifts, particularly on the first Sunday of the new year, averaging three times the normal daily rate. Last year, top-listed items included women’s toiletries, jewelry, and electronics. Vinted encourages users to keep their usernames discreet and use neutral backgrounds for photos to maintain anonymity.
If regifting isn’t appealing, donating to charity is another impactful option. Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation, urges individuals to consider donating items that may not fit their personal taste. “Our stores are full of unexpected treasures,” she notes, emphasizing the joy these donations can bring to others.
For those who prefer selling unwanted gifts, Kirsty Quinn from Oxfordshire reveals her success in reselling items sourced from car boot sales, earning around £500 a month on platforms like eBay and Vinted. “Selling unwanted gifts can help someone else get something they want at a cheaper price, which feels especially relevant given how tough the economy is,” she explains.
As Christmas 2023 comes to a close, the urgency to address unwanted gifts has never been greater. With experts advocating for thoughtful regifting and sustainable practices, individuals are encouraged to rethink their approach to holiday presents. Whether regifting, selling, or donating, there’s a burgeoning movement to ensure unwanted gifts find new homes rather than end up in landfills.
As you navigate the aftermath of the holiday season, consider these urgent tips to manage unwanted gifts effectively and sustainably. The impact of your decision could be felt far beyond your home, benefiting others and the environment in the process.
