National Re-Gifting Day
Passing along the fun surprises we can't use — it's recycling with a sprinkle of unexpected joy.
There are plenty of different holidays out in the world that we all know about, from Christmas to Saint Patrick’s Day. But there are some that we don’t know much about, or don’t know at all.
National Re-Gifting Day is one of those lesser known holidays, unless we work in an office. So, for those of us who don’t know what it is about, let’s dive right into the history of this holiday and see how it came to be!
History of National Re-Gifting Day
Re-gifting day was mostly seen as an office holiday before 2008, which was the day that Colorado governor, Bill Ritter, Jr. declared National Re-Gifting Day.
The origin of the day came from office workers who were given gifts that they didn’t really want but didn’t want to throw away, so they re-gifted their present to someone who would want it and make good use of it.
Re-gifting, for us that don’t know its meaning, is the act of taking a gift that has been received and giving it to somebody else, sometimes in the guise of a new gift.
The term “Re-gifting” was popularized by an episode of Seinfeld, specifically the episode titled “The Label Maker” even though the practice of it pre-dates the term quite substantially.
Re-gifting can sometimes be seen as a cruel practice. Why? Because re-gifting a gift that was given to you can be seen as a blatant disregard from the compassion that someone has shown you by either purchasing or creating the gift for you in particular.
How to Celebrate National Re-Gifting Day
To celebrate this day, all you have to do is give away a gift that you received and have not yet opened to someone else!
For example, gifts that you may not want might be as follows: A coffee cup from an unsavory office co-worker, a television you already own, a bookshelf you do not have room for, or even a car that you cannot afford to keep.
National Re-Gifting Day is all about giving others gifts that you don’t have any use for, and making sure that almost anyone can have a good holiday spirit for the day.
Many people in the world do not have the luxuries that some of us do! Say you receive a puffer coat but you already have one in your size, you can think of a friend would enjoy a new puffer coat or winter jacket and re-gift it to them.
National Re-Gifting Day FAQs
Is there a world record for the largest re-gifting event?
Yes, a 2019 event in Melbourne, Australia, set a unique record. Hundreds of participants exchanged re-gifted items in a massive swap meet to promote sustainability and generosity.
This event celebrated both the quirky fun of re-gifting and its practical benefits in reducing waste.
Is re-gifting acceptable in all cultures?
No, acceptance varies. In Chinese culture, re-gifting is often taboo, while in Indian culture, it’s more acceptable and seen as a way to celebrate relationships.
What’s a humorous pop culture reference to re-gifting?
The term “re-gifting” gained popularity from a 1995 “Seinfeld” episode titled “The Label Maker,” where a character re-gifts a label maker.
Are there environmental benefits to re-gifting?
Yes, re-gifting reduces waste and promotes sustainability by giving unused items a new purpose, aligning with eco-friendly practices.
How do different countries view re-gifting?
In some cultures, re-gifting is common and accepted, while in others, it’s frowned upon. Understanding cultural norms is crucial when considering re-gifting.
What’s a creative way to celebrate National Re-Gifting Day?
Hosting a “White Elephant” gift exchange allows participants to swap humorous or unwanted gifts, making re-gifting fun and social.
Can re-gifting be considered thoughtful?
Yes, if the gift suits the recipient’s tastes and needs, re-gifting can be a considerate way to pass along an item they’ll appreciate.
What’s a common misconception about re-gifting?
Many believe re-gifting is always rude, but when done thoughtfully and appropriately, it can be a practical and acceptable practice.
How has re-gifting influenced modern gift exchanges?
Re-gifting has inspired events like “White Elephant” and “Yankee Swap,” where participants exchange humorous or unwanted gifts, adding fun to gatherings.
What’s the origin of National Re-Gifting Day?
In 2008, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Jr. declared the Thursday before Christmas as National Re-Gifting Day, recognizing the common practice during office parties.
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