The holiday season is joyful, busy… and usually more expensive than we expect. Between family gifts, office parties, teacher gifts, Secret Santas, and last-minute invites, it all adds up quickly.
And somewhere between grabbing yet another stocking stuffer and wrapping up your backup present, you may start to wonder: Is there an easier — and less expensive — way to get through the holidays?
There is. And maybe you’ve done it before — regifting.
Done well, regifting can help you spend less, avoid impulse purchases, and keep your holiday budget in check — all without losing the spirit of giving.
How Can Regifting Reduce Holiday Overspending?
Regifting is when you give a new, unused gift you’ve received to someone else instead of buying them another present.
Regifting lets you give generously without adding more expenses to your holiday budget. It takes the pressure off buying “something new” and helps you use what you already have in a thoughtful way.
When you regift, you:
- Spend less without giving less
- Avoid “panic buying”
- Keep credit card balances more manageable
- Put an unused item to good use
Regifting can make a real difference in your budget — especially in a month when every little bit counts.
💡 Tip: Before you buy anything new, ask yourself: “Is there something I already have that would be perfect?”
📌 Read our blog post - Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Shopping Smart Without Overspending
Is Regifting Wrong?
In most cases, no. If you already have a brand-new, unused item that someone else will genuinely enjoy — something you might have bought for them anyway — regifting can be a thoughtful way to give without putting more strain on your holiday budget.
Still, many people feel guilty about regifting — not because it’s unkind, but because they grew up hearing it was “wrong.” But a regift that gets used and appreciated is far better than a bought item that ends up tucked away and forgotten.
❓Is it rude to regift something?
Not usually. If the gift makes sense for the person and is still new, most people won’t care or question where it came from.
📌 To learn more about how we help clients plan for the year ahead, visit our Financial Planning page.
Which Gifts Make Sense to Regift — and Which Ones Don’t?
Some items are perfect for regifting because they’re practical and universal. Others are better off discarded or repurposed. Knowing the difference can help you save money and avoid awkward moments.
Gifts That Are Easy to Regift
These items work well because they’re new, useful, and broadly appealing — the kinds of gifts people often buy last-minute.
Budget-friendly regift ideas include:
- Unopened kitchen gadgets
- Unlit scented candles
- Sealed bottles of wine
- Unworn scarves, wraps, gloves, or hats
- Blank notebooks, stationery, cards
- Books in excellent condition
- Unused gift cards
💡 Tip: Some people keep a small “gift drawer” stocked with items ready to be regifted. It prevents last-minute shopping and keeps things organized throughout the year.
Gifts You Should Avoid Regifting
Some items are too obvious or too tacky to regift and can make things uncomfortable.
Avoid regifting if the item is:
- Personalized or monogrammed
- Handmade or sentimental
- Opened or partially used
- A promotional freebie
- Something the original giver will immediately recognize
- Outdated tech or old media (CDs, DVDs, older gadgets)
- Something the recipient wouldn’t enjoy or have a use for
Bottom line: Some things just aren’t meant to be regifted.
How Regifting Can Support Better Money Habits
Regifting can help you spend less during the busiest — and most expensive — time of year.
If you’re not shopping in a panic, you’re more likely to stick to the budget you set for yourself. And when you’re able to keep your holiday spending in check, the start of the new year can be easier. Fewer surprise charges. Fewer “catch-up” bills in January. A little more breathing room.
💡 Tip: If regifting saves you money this month, set that amount aside as a small jump-start on January bills or an early-year goal.
Regifting: A Budget-Friendly Way to Give
Regifting isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about taking some of the pressure out of a season that asks a lot of our wallets. When you use what you already have, you can spend less, stress less, and still enjoy being part of the giving season.
If you’d like help planning your finances for the holidays, preparing for next year, or building a budget that fits your life, we’d be glad to talk — schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with our team in Glastonbury or Wilton, Connecticut.
Kelsey Conklin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who helps individuals and families plan for their financial future. Based in Glastonbury and Wilton, CT, she also specializes in financial planning for women, guiding her clients through divorce, widowhood, career transitions, caregiving responsibilities, retirement planning, investing, and managing longevity risks. As a female financial advisor, Kelsey is passionate about financial empowerment for women and provides personalized financial strategies designed to help women take control of their wealth with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re navigating major life changes or planning for retirement, she is committed to providing guidance tailored to your unique goals. Schedule a complimentary Women and Wealth introductory meeting with Kelsey and start building a financial plan designed for you.
This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and it does not constitute a recommendation.
Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Any opinions are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.