Holiday Etiquette: Dos & Don'ts For Re-Gifting And Posting On Social Media

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With the holiday season here, it's time to brush up on holiday etiquette, including the rules of re-gifting and what not to post on social media.

"Don't go to someone's home if they're hosting the dinner and not bring them a small little trinket, a hostess gift," Deondra Felton said.

CBS2's Cindy Hsu spoke with some teachers who were very honest about what they want.

"We do not want candles and we do not what mugs," first grade teacher Terri Williams said. She'd prefer gift cards.

"A few years ago, I had one parent who would always give a toy for the classroom. That was such a great idea," pre-school teacher Diane Greene said.

For more advice, Hsu turned to Thomas Farley, known as Mister Manners, who said re-gifting is fine, as long as the present looks like new.

"If it doesn't look like it just came from the store, don't re-gift it," he said. "And No. 2, make sure that you're not just trying to clean your own house and get rid of clutter."

Only re-gift things you know the person will really appreciate, and make sure you check for red flags like a personal inscription in a book you're planning on giving away.

It's a "do" to reuse gift wrapping paper if it looks news. If you're reusing gift bags, get rid of the tags.

When it comes to holiday cards, Farley said e-cards are a "don't."

"I don't need frankly a non-personalized digital card. It doesn't feel like there was any thought put into it. So I'd rather a phone call, I'd rather even a text than an e-card that was sent out to 500 people on your mailing list," he said.

With social media, be careful. Don't live stream holiday parties without everyone's permission, and don't post any holiday pictures online until you have the OK from everyone.

If you have young children, it's a good idea to make sure they know how to accept a holiday gift graciously with a "thank you" and a smile.