Re-gifting
My Grandmother bought me this really awful sweater for my birthday. I’ve only worn it once, and since the holidays are coming up and I’m tight on money, would it be okay to re-gift it to one of my friends?
Well, did you wash it at least? Just kidding. No, that’s never okay. First of all, it’s pretty obvious to tell when something has been worn and unless you are trying to end this friendship, there are many better (and more cost-effective) options for presents. Second, if your friend knows you at all, he/she will probably recognize that this sweater is nowhere near your style, and assuming your grandmother was horribly misinformed when buying the sweater for you, your friend probably won’t be too thrilled to unwrap that present. If you are in need of quick cash, places like Plato’s Closet or various thrift stores in Fayetteville will actually buy clothes from you. But keep in mind, the holiday season triggers a multitude of “tacky sweater” parties and this could be your key costume item. If the holidays are making you feel especially charitable, many different places will be holding clothes drives for the upcoming winter months and your not-so-hip sweater could greatly benefit someone in need. As for cheap present ideas, a small stocking filled with candy and a $5 Starbucks gift card is always an easy, cost-effective way to say, “Happy Holidays, I’m broke but I still thought of you.”
I got this bracelet as a gift and I just haven’t really ever worn it. It’s still in the box and everything. So could I give this to someone as a present?
My mentality on re/gifting is, “Would you want to receive this as a gift again?” Basically, is your bracelet worthy of the title “present”? If you think it is, then I’d attach a nice card or even a smaller present to supplement the fact that you are not actually buying this person anything
and they are (most likely) taking the time and money to buy you something. Sometimes gift-givers, even with the best intentions, get it wrong. This doesn’t necessarily mean the present is atrocious, but it just doesn’t really benefit you. Your job is to recognize whether the bracelet is a nice enough gesture to be given as a present or if you need to continue the search for something more holiday appropriate.
I started dating a girl in November and we haven’t really been dating that long for me to know what she wants for Christmas or if she’s buying me anything. Should I just find something in my dorm to give her?
I’m not sure about the extent of merchandise you have lurking in your dorm, but most likely, she will notice that you just grabbed a knick-knack off your dresser. Perhaps if you have a “cute” inside joke with your girlfriend about said knick-knack then you can tie a bow around it and be set for the impending holidays, but if you are just picking up a random thing from your room, then absolutely not. A really great and sentimental idea for a “new relationship gift” is a mix CD (or tape, if she’s into vintage). That way, if you’re separated during the month off from school, she can repeatedly listen to it and think of you.
My cousin has always complimented me on this coffee mug I have, could I give it to her as a gift?
Yes, but you must thoroughly disinfect it first and jazz it up a little. I’m talking about throwing in a couple of holiday-inspired hot chocolate/cider/latte mixes. You want to make it look like you put some thought into the gift, which you have. You want to acknowledge that he/she liked the mug and you thoughtfully remembered that. Details are always key in gift giving.
