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Holidays Made Even Happier by Regifting
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For more information contact:
Kelly Rote (713) 394-3201 |
Release Date: December 6, 2005 |
HOUSTON (December 6, 2005) – So you think you found the perfect gift that will be treasured for years to come? Think again. There’s a 40 percent chance that the recipient of your gift is a regifter.
Regifting has gained in popularity since comedian Jerry Seinfeld first coined the term a decade ago. According to the Macmillian English Dictionary, the increasing popularity of the word and its recent link to online auctions has made the phenomenon of regifting more acceptable. In fact, more than half of adults recently surveyed by Money Management International find regifting acceptable. Even the etiquette experts at the Emily Post Institute approve of the practice in some circumstances.
If you plan to regift this holiday season, there are a few rules to follow. For example, a regifted item should be new and in it’s original packaging. You should never regift a one-of-a-kind gift, such as a handmade scarf. And the most important rule of all: Be sure you know who gave you the gift, so you don’t return something to the original giver.
The average consumer plans to spend $738 on the holidays this year, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. To make the most of your holiday gift budget, the experts at Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) of the Gulf Coast, a division of Money Management International (MMI), offer the following advise:
Shop smart. Everyone likes to get something on sale, but you should never purchase something based on price alone. For example, even though the extra-large sweater is 50 percent off, it is not a good gift for your extra-small cousin.
Get creative. You are not required to give store-bought gifts for the holidays. If your budget does not allow you to buy something the recipient will truly like, get creative instead. Consider giving certificates good for babysitting, back rubs, or lawn mowing. Visit www.moneymanagement.org/gifts to create free online gift certificates. Books and photos can be inexpensive, while heartfelt gifts can be easy on the wallet and meaningful to the recipient.
Give cash. Money is seldom returned and is always the right size. As an alternative, consider a gift card to their favorite store. The survey by the National Retail Federation found that more than half of consumers would like to receive gift cards this holiday season.
“Remember the spirit of the season. Don’t let holiday spending take control of your finances after a year of careful spending and saving,” said Kelly Rote, communications manager for CCCS of the Gulf Coast. “For many consumers who go overboard on holiday spending, it can take months to pay off credit card bills, and you don’t want to be haunted by them long into the New Year.”
For more money saving tips, consumers can visit www.moneymanagement.org.
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Money Management International, is a non-profit community service organization that provides confidential financial guidance, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a workable budget, lower their debt payments and repay debts. Services are available by phone. To visit with an MMI counselor, call toll-free 1-800-762-2271- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish speaking counselors are available. Consumers can also learn more by visiting the MMI home page at www.moneymanagement.org.
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