It’s that time of the year when people are asking themselves: What shall I do with those unwanted Christmas presents, like that pullover which is the wrong size, or that terrible teapot? The answer is ‘regifting’, which means ‘re-giving’ or recycling. But is regifting rude? Is it wrong? Let’s see what the experts say. Canadian etiquette consultant Louise Fox, for example, has seven golden rules:
1. The gift must be brand new. Not last year’s brand new, this year’s brand new. It should be unopened, never played with, never worn or washed.
2. Be sure the person who gave you the gift doesn’t know the person receiving the gift!
3. Never regift something you’ve kept in your closet for a few years.
4. The regift should not be something horrible you’re regifting just to get rid of it. Remember, what you give is a reflection of you and your taste.
5. Never regift things someone has hand-made for you. Those items are heartfelt and should be always kept.
6. Rewrap the gift and attach new ribbons. Always be sure you have removed any original gift cards.
7. Only you can decide whether regift something you have received. The basis good manners is respect, care and consideration others. If doubt, don’t do it!
Choose the alternative that presents the correct words to complete the blanks in rule number 7.