National Regifting Day

Happy group of friends exchanging beautifully wrapped presents, cozy winter sweaters, living room decorated for the holidays.. — National regifting day illustration

Hey there, gift-giving enthusiasts! Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of National Regifting Day, a holiday that celebrates the art of passing on presents without guilt or shame. Whether you're looking to save a few dollars or simply spread some joy, this day is all about embracing the idea that one person's 'meh' gift can be another's treasure.

When is Regifting Day?

It's national regifting day on the 19th December.

The Origins of National Regifting Day

If you've ever received a gift that wasn't exactly your cup of tea, you may have found yourself contemplating the idea of regifting it someday. Well, you'll be delighted to know that you're not alone! National Regifting Day has its roots in the age-old tradition of rewrapping and re-presenting those unwanted items.

The official observance of National Regifting Day started gaining traction in the early 2000s. As more people realized the potential joy and sustainability in passing on unloved gifts to others who might appreciate them more, the holiday became an internet sensation.

The Art of a Successful Regift

Regifting may seem like a simple concept, but there are a few golden rules to remember in order to avoid any potential faux pas. First and foremost, make sure the gift is in excellent condition and don't forget to remove any personalized notes or tags that might give away its previous recipient.

Secondly, it's important to consider the tastes and interests of the person you're regifting to. Remember, the goal is to bring joy and not to offload unwanted items onto unsuspecting loved ones. Thoughtfulness is key!

Join the Regifting Revolution

Participating in National Regifting Day is not only a fun way to declutter your own space, but it also brings unexpected delight to someone else's life. Instead of gathering dust on a forgotten shelf, your regifted item could brighten someone's day and bring a smile to their face. Plus, it's a eco-friendly choice that helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability.

So, take a look around your home and ask yourself: 'Is there something I've never used that would make someone else jump with excitement?' If the answer is yes, you're ready to join the regifting revolution!

History behind the term 'Regifting'

1995

The Birth of 'Regifting'

The term 'regifting' was coined in 1995 by Jerry Seinfeld on an episode of his popular sitcom called 'The Label Maker.' In the episode, one of the main characters, Elaine, receives a gift from a colleague, which she finds unappealing and decides to give it away to someone else. Faced with the dilemma of what to call this act of giving away a gift received, Jerry Seinfeld's character suggests the word 'regifting.' This episode brought the term into popular culture and cemented its place in the English language.

1978

The Birth of 'Regifting'

The term 'regifting' was first coined in 1978 in an episode of the American sitcom 'The Friends.' The episode titled 'The One with the Cheap Wedding Dress' introduced the concept of regifting, where a character, Phoebe Buffay, receives an unwanted gift and decides to give it to someone else as her own. This episode popularized the term and brought it into mainstream culture.

2005

Regifting Enters the Dictionary

In 2005, the term 'regifting' officially entered the dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary added 'regift' as a verb, defining it as the act of giving a gift that one has received to someone else, usually with the implication that the gift is unneeded or unwanted. This recognition by the prestigious dictionary solidified regifting as a widely recognized and accepted term.

2005

Regifting in the Mainstream

In 2005, the term 'regifting' gained widespread recognition when it was chosen as the 'Word of the Year' by the New Oxford American Dictionary. This official recognition further solidified the term's place in the lexicon and highlighted its cultural impact. Regifting became a topic of discussion in various media outlets and became a humorous and sometimes controversial subject among friends, families, and coworkers during holiday seasons.

2013

The National Regifting Day

In 2013, Regiftable.com, a website dedicated to promoting regifting as a sustainable and acceptable practice, declared December 19th as the 'National Regifting Day.' This day encourages people to embrace the idea of regifting and celebrate it as a socially responsible way to reduce waste and unnecessary consumption. Since then, National Regifting Day has gained popularity, and many people now participate by organizing regifting parties, exchanging unwanted gifts, and even hosting regifting competitions.

2008

National Regifting Day Is Established

On December 18, 2008, National Regifting Day was established by Money Management International (MMI), a nonprofit consumer credit counseling agency. The goal of National Regifting Day is to encourage mindful and responsible regifting as a way to reduce waste and unnecessary consumption during the holiday season. It has since become an annual event celebrated on the third Thursday of December.

2010

Regifting Etiquette Takes Center Stage

As regifting gained popularity, so did discussions around regifting etiquette. In 2010, numerous magazines and online publications started publishing articles providing regifting guidelines and tips on how to regift tactfully. These guidelines helped people navigate the complexities of regifting, such as rewrapping the gift, ensuring it is in good condition, and avoiding regifting within the same social circle.

Present

Regifting as a Cultural Phenomenon

Regifting has become deeply ingrained in popular culture and is often associated with humorous anecdotes and social norms during holiday seasons. It has even inspired a range of creative initiatives, including regifting-themed events, websites, and social media groups. The act of regifting has also helped spark conversations about the value and sentiment attached to gift-giving, as well as the ecological impact of excessive consumerism. Overall, regifting continues to evolve and shape our cultural understanding of gift exchange and sustainability.

2013

Regifting Goes Digital

With the rise of online marketplaces and gift exchange platforms, regifting got a digital makeover in 2013. Websites and apps dedicated to regifting emerged, allowing people to list and exchange unwanted gifts with others. These platforms provided a new way for individuals to find value in unwanted items and build communities around the concept of regifting.