Regifting Is "Horrifying" To Most Americans

jeffrey · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 04:29 PM

(ARA) - With the holidays fast approaching, nearly half of Americans still haven't begun their shopping. Despite how frantic they may become to complete this annual ritual, they will likely avoid one temptation, reveals a new survey: Regifting.

Fifty-seven percent of Americans are "horrified" by the idea of giving someone else a gift that they previously received, indicates a Discover Card survey of 1,000 Americans. Even more surprising, almost half of Americans never return a gift, and a mere 3 percent claim they return "most" gifts. The survey also suggests that those who do return gifts spend about one to three hours doing so.

So what kind of gifts do consumers want this year? The vast majority favor gift cards, which have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Eight in 10 Americans would be "thrilled" or "pleased" to receive a gift card they can use anywhere. By a 7-3 margin, Americans prefer getting a universal gift card rather than a store-specific gift card. Shoppers consider gift cards as ideal presents for those people on their lists who are hard to buy for or who may live far away.

To help ensure that a gift will truly go toward the purchase of something special, consider steering clear of giving cash. The survey found that while 85 percent of Americans use gift cards to buy something special for themselves or to go out to dinner, those who receive cash are more apt to pay bills.

If dealing with the crowds or the hustle and bustle of this holiday season is an issue, the study suggests a few alternate choices. Americans are shopping online, attempting to make their own presents, purchasing a gift card or donating to a charity on behalf of the recipient.

If it's still a scramble to find that perfect gift this holiday season, do what 4 percent of consumers do -- stop by the local convenience store and pick up something special. After all, nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a pine-tree air freshener.

Courtesy of ARA Content

PrincessPerky · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2005, 09:54 AM

Heh, I am struggling with regifting myself, I got an adorable thing for my new baby but it won't get worn, do I regift it or donate it?

cercis · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2005, 06:22 PM

I regift liberally. I have a family who refuses to "know" me. It's always been such - as a kid, I got whatever my cousin was into at that time. Nothing's changed.

Now, these gifts are nice. Expensive, etc. They're just not me. But, often, they really are perfect for someone else I know. I'll get a gift look at it and think "OMG, that's absolutely perfect for Susan!"

I don't regift just because I have an extra gift and someone needs a gift. I only do it when I have something that is perfect for someone else.

I regifted a ton of baby stuff. Diapers which were too small (well, when the baby is 9lbs7oz at birth, those little newborn diapers don't really fit long), clothes which weren't my style/wrong season/wrong size (my kids had huge feet and anything with feet didn't work for them at all). I even regifted some of the nicer quilts I received - things that made me all gooey inside and then I never used them because they were too nice. I regifted them to people I knew would like them but would actually use them.

And I donate a lot. I donated 3 good size loads of stuff when I moved last year. It filled my patio (about the size of a 2 car carport) and my one car garage.

I don't struggle with any of it. I get things from so many people and so much of my life is spent trying to be more simple and have less stuff.

I agree with the article - cash is used to pay bills. When we get cash, it goes into the bank and we just spend it on bills. I guess we could say we used it to eat out, but we would have eaten out anyway, so it's kind of a no go.

lisajane · #4 (**permalink**) 11-15-2005, 01:38 PM

You know if people are too stuck up to receive gifts I didn't like then they aren't my friends much. I love people if they give me gifts they got they didn't like. It's so much better then people having to waste money on presents at Christmas Time, when I think it's an overhyped commercial holiday just trying to squeeze every last penny out of my paycheck. I just wish that it would stop as a commerical holiday.

I'd love to go shopping for my friends and family at Goodwill or Salvation army buy I think most would turn up their noses at it. Second hand gifts rock. Beautiful, elegant, and cheap.

There is no reason Christmas should have to be hard on your pocketbook.

my2cents

jodi · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2005, 06:04 PM

Ditto! I have been on the receiving and giving end of regifts, and I think it's a great idea. I regift all my generic baby gifts (onesies, bibs, blankets, etc.) as I just have too much already. I regift nice things, but things I just don't need, at gift exchanges through work or at family gatherings (picture frames, bath sets, etc.). A lot of these things cannot be returned, so what good are they sitting in my closet?
The only drawback - we got about 3 complete sets of wine glasses for our wedding - really a lot more than we needed. So we tried to take back one set (the only one that we knew where it was bought). They were able to tell by the coding on the package that they were bought well over a year ago (before our engagement!) so they would not take them back. So I guess if you are going to regift, either be sure they will love it or know that it is able to be taken back!
About buying used items for gifts - I love this idea, although I never tried it out of fear of offending people (except for finding things at antique stores). But this year we have put a $20 limit on gifts for DH's family, so anything goes!

cercis · #6 (**permalink**) 11-19-2005, 06:56 PM

Jodi, the wineglasses might not have been a regift. It might be that when they were shopping they fell in love with the wineglasses and bought them thinking they'd be great "someday". I do that a lot. I have a box of kids' toys in my garage that are put up for "someday" gifts. We had a bday party last night and I went shopping in my box to pull out a gift that is perfect for this little girl.

Of course, it could have been a regift. I have those in my box as well.

jodi · #7 (**permalink**) 11-19-2005, 08:18 PM

Good point, Cercis. I also have a pile of miscellaneous gifts that I save for "someday". I buy extra children's books, puzzles, picture frames, etc. when I find a great deal because I know I will be able to use them someday. And, of course, I add gifts that I can't use for the pile too