There are many reasons that regifting is starting to 'turn' as an acceptable and even respectable behaviour. There is so much conspiring to support regifting - upwards pressure from younger Opp Shop shoppers, COVID induced introspection and in some cases, financial strain; as well as an increasing understanding of wasted resources and landfill.
The only rule with regifting is to not pass on any old junk to to any old person. Regifting works best - just like a first time gift - when it is given to someone who appreciates it.
There are many types - we all know them - who will tell you to not regift in the same social circles, to regift clothes and homewares, but not baked goods or handmade. It's all rubbish. Regift whatever you want. Just do it with integrity.
If you are the kind of person who regifts, chances are people will know that so go you - out and proud. If you aren't the thing to do, especially with more traditional types, is to be up front. Tell the story of where a gift came from, why it might not be for you, but you believe it is for the person you are giving it to.
Have you got fabulous things around your home that are either doubles or that you simply don't use? Do you know someone who has always coveted something you own but rarely use? Giving away things you don't use, but that others would appreciate is also regifting. The fab thing about giving away your own useful (as opposed to broken, useless, cheap and awful), is that the gift comes with provenence. History. A story. So much to love!
If you receive something you don't want, definitely put it in your regift pile. Not the one at the back of the dark cupboard, but the one that has all the other gifts you collect for special people and occasions. Be upfront about regifts, especially if there is a chance the person who gave you a gift is known to the one you give it to.