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National Regifting Day arrives every third Thursday of December, encouraging a humorous and practical approach to holiday gift-giving. This day is all about giving unwanted presents a new home, often with a subtle nod to its original journey. Learn how to master the art of regifting ethically, discover clever ways to repurpose items, and avoid common regifting faux pas.
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Expected National Regifting Day Deals
While National Regifting Day isn’t typically marked by traditional retail sales, expect a surge in interest around gift exchange events and secondhand marketplaces. Platforms like eBay and Poshmark often see increased activity for people offloading unwanted presents, creating a circular economy for gifts. Local consignment shops and thrift stores may also highlight unique finds perfect for regifting. Some office supply stores, such as Staples or Office Depot, might offer discounts on wrapping paper and gift tags for those preparing their regifts. Online retailers like Amazon and Target could see a bump in gift card purchases as an easy, universally acceptable regift option. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 18 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Regifting Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #RegiftingDay. Share your funniest regifting stories or clever tips for giving a gift a second life.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalRegiftingDay. Post photos of your most successful regifts or creative ways to re-wrap an item.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Regifting. Host a virtual regifting exchange with friends or share your favorite regifting etiquette tips.
National Regifting Day Hero
Jerry Seinfeld
History of National Regifting Day
The term ‘re-gifting’ was first popularized in a 1995 episode of the sitcom “Seinfeld” called ‘The Label Maker,’ where a label maker is re-gifted from one character to another. The actual practice, of course, pre-dates the show by many years. The British term for a gift that is passed around a group is ‘matham.’ National Re-Gifting Day originally started off as an office holiday during the holiday season where co-workers would often re-gift gifts that they received and didn’t really want. A fascinating part of the culture of workplace re-gifting is the practice of White Elephant gift exchanges, in which gifts are exchanged between co-workers by ‘stealing’ gifts you want for yourself from other people. On October 24, 2008, the state of Colorado announced December 18 to be National Re-Gifting Day.
Think about the coffee mug you don’t have any use for or the label maker you don’t want anything to do with. Save for a few occasions, re-gifting can be a sustainable way of making use of an item that you initially thought you would discard or leave to collect dust on a shelf. However, it is important to keep in mind a few rules when deciding on whether to re-gift an item or not. Make sure that the gift you’re passing along has never been used, is devoid of any sentimental value, is not personalized, and is actually a good fit for the recipient.
National Regifting Day timeline
White Elephant gift exchanges, where the concept of ‘stealing’ or swapping fun or humorous gifts, enter the Western lexicon.
The “Seinfeld” episode, ‘The Label Maker,’ grants the act of re-gifting legitimacy and even fosters broad cultural currency.
The state of Colorado declares National Re-Gifting Day a national holiday.
The first National Re-Gifting Day is celebrated.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Regifting Day
Local businesses can embrace National Regifting Day with creative and lighthearted promotions. Retailers could host a ‘Regift Exchange’ event where customers bring in a wrapped, unused item for a swap, generating foot traffic and community engagement. Coffee shops or bakeries might offer a special ‘Second Chance Latte’ or ‘Repurposed Pastry’ discount for customers who share their best regifting story. Small boutiques could promote their gift cards as the ‘ultimate regift,’ ensuring the recipient gets exactly what they want. Emphasize the fun and sustainable aspects of giving gifts a new life, rather than letting them gather dust.
National Regifting Day FAQs
When is National Regifting Day?
In 2026, National Regifting Day falls on Friday, December 18. It’s perfectly timed for giving those less-than-perfect holiday presents a new home before the year ends.
How many people regift?
Surveys consistently show that a significant portion of the population engages in regifting. In recent years, estimates suggest that over half of Americans have regifted at least once, with many doing so annually.
What makes a good regift?
A good regift is typically new, unused, in its original packaging, and universally appealing. Think generic items like candles, gift baskets, or unopened electronics that aren’t personalized or easily traceable to the original giver.
Is regifting ethical?
Regifting can be ethical if done thoughtfully and carefully. It’s generally considered acceptable when the gift is new, suitable for the new recipient, and there’s no chance the original giver will find out or be offended.
National Regifting Day Activities
Go through the knick-knacks you’ve received
To understand if you can actually re-gift anything this season, sort through the gifts you’ve received. See if there’s anything appropriate to re-gift.
Organize a White Elephant gift exchange
Gather a group of co-workers. Organize a White Elephant gift exchange with them.
Talk about it on social media
Re-gifting can often evoke a sense of shame in people. Talk about it on social media to promote the good habits of gift-giving that people may not be aware of!
5 Facts About Gift-Giving Culture In The United States
The number of recipients
The average shopper buys presents for approximately eight recipients each year.
Pets over friends
People are more likely to buy gifts for pets rather than for friends.
A generational divide
Baby boomers tend to give gifts to the least number of recipients in comparison to the other ‘adult’ generations, such as the Silent Generation and Generation X.
Average budget
The average holiday shopping budget is $708.03.
Gift wrapping
About 80% of consumers report wrapping their own presents.
Why We Love National Regifting Day
It promotes discussion around a taboo topic
National Re-Gifting Day is a good way to raise awareness about a taboo topic. It serves as a reminder that re-gifting is an acceptable thing to do.
It pushes a more economical alternative
Gift shopping can be hard on us during difficult times. Recycling gifts would be a more economical alternative to excessive spending.
It encourages an environmentally friendly practice
National Re-Gifting Day encourages re-gifting as a far more environmentally sound practice. It does so because it reduces production and waste.
National Regifting Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 17 | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 16 | Thursday |
| 2028 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 20 | Thursday |
Social Media Tips for National Regifting Day
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