The 5 Unbreakable Rules of Regifting Without Getting Caught

That statement necklace from your aunt? Not quite your style. Another gorgeous vase from your mom? Your cabinet is literally full. We've all received well-intentioned gifts that just aren't a fit, destined to gather dust in a closet.

But there's a better solution than letting them go to waste. "Regifting is perfectly acceptable if done correctly," lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann told Mental Floss. As the gift-giving season hits its peak, here are her five cardinal rules for recycling a present without looking like a cheap jerk.

1. The Item Must Be New. This is non-negotiable. According to Swann, the item should be less than a year old and still in its original packaging. If it's used, opened, or even slightly worn, its regifting potential is zero.

2. The Gift Must Have Value. That free canvas tote bag from a corporate conference? Don't even think about it. "If you or the initial gift-giver didn’t pay for it, you can’t give it to someone else," Swann explained. The only exception is a high-quality piece of swag with genuine meaning for the receiver. Swann once gave her mother, a huge Oprah fan, an "Oprah"-engraved keychain she received at a show taping.

3. It Must Be Meticulously Re-Wrapped. This is where many regifters fail. A frantic, last-minute regift is a recipe for disaster, risking an old name tag being discovered. Take 15 minutes to remove all traces of old wrapping and present it in a fresh bag or with a new bow. It shows you still put thought into it.

4. It Must Move to a New Social Circle. To avoid a deeply awkward situation, the gift must go to someone who doesn't know the original giver. Swann recalled a friend who regifted a wedding present from her aunt—to the original giver's sister. Swann's pro tip: keep a bin for reusable gifts and a notebook logging who gave you what, and when.

5. If Caught, You Must Not Lie. If the truth comes out, own it. You can put a positive spin on it—"I really appreciated the sweater you gave me, but my best friend looks much better in coral"—but you can't deny it. "They might be a little sore," Swann said, "but lying about it will always make it worse."