As the holidays quickly approach, the season for gift giving grows too. Finding what gifts to give someone can be a stressful task. We all have received something we have never used or have no interest in. What should we do with these presents of the past in this time of cheer? Re-gift them, of course! However, the real question is, “It is culturally appropriate to re-gift or not?”

To some, re-gifting may seem lazy. Many people feel that receiving a second-wrapped gift is insulting. “It is the thought that counts” is a phrase taken very seriously by some people. Those who dislike re-gifting desire a gift that comes with thoughtfulness and effort. This explains why they do not like receiving a gift that was re-gifted, because it required no meaning.

On the other hand, is it not enough to simply get someone a gift? For example, what if you had an iPhone X you did not want to use? I bet no one would be complaining if you re-gifted one of those. Most people just want something commendable and useful. If something is re-gifted below their expectations, they get upset about it.

That is why it is acceptable to re-gift, as long as the gift has meaning. So this holiday season if you are going to re-gift, give something meaningful. After all, it is the thought that counts.