Watch CBS News

Once Thought Tacky Or Tasteless, Regifting Now A Reality For Many

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It was once thought of as tacky or tasteless, but now regifting is a reality.

According to retail website Bookoo.com's holiday regifting survey, a whopping 92 percent believe it's completely acceptable to regift items and more than 87 percent believe they have been a recipient of a regifted item.

With shoppers looking to save more and spend less this holiday season, don't expect that to change.

"Well, if I'm the one doing the regifting, I think it's OK," said New York City resident Jessica Marrow. "But if someone were to regift a gift I gave them, I'd be a little offended."

In fact, even celebrities don't mind a really good hand-me-down.

"I think regifting is totally OK as long as you have a bit of a disclaimer," said actress and singer Debby Ryan. "It has to be a good friend and you have to tell them you didn't get it exactly for them."

"Re-gifting, I think it's the greatest thing that's happened since Santa Claus," said actress Tasha Smith.

But beware, when you rip open the wrapping paper, you may find what lies beneath isn't always what you need or want.

"Sometimes when you get a present that maybe says it's a microwave and there's not a microwave in the box, that may be a regift," said tourist Courtney Hart.

"You get these really questionable sweaters and my friends will know it's not my style and I'll know it's not their style, so I think this probably came from some obscure aunt of yours and you didn't like it so here it is in my lap," said New York City resident Jonathan Zheng.

Experts say there is no shame in regifting if you do it right.

"Don't feel guilty about it, but just make sure that when you are re-gifting, you're being thoughtful; you're not just giving away stuff that you don't want," said lifestyle expert Limor Suss.

Suss said everything you regift should be new, unused and unopened and evidence that it has been regifted should be eliminated.

At the end of the day if you do recycle your gift, follow some advice from comedian Robert Klein.

"Regifting is perfect as long as you throw the card away," he said.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.