Growing up I had a friend who was the queen of re-gifting. She usually passed on my gifts to her to our mutual friends when their b-days came around, but one year she re-gifted a board game I'd bought her to me on my birthday! It got to the point where she might as well have left all of her presents in their wrapping paper and change the gift card. While I certainly don't recommend this shopping technique, it does do a good job of curbing consumerism and waste. 
TeamSugar member Mazdagirluk thinks along the same lines; she recently wrote, "For my bday this year, I have asked for no "new" items. Only items friends have but don't use anymore, or just a smile. I am interested to see what people share!" There are other ways to give (and request) eco chic gifts though, without emptying out your own closet. To hear them, read more.
Consider giving a friend tickets to a concert or a baseball game, donating to charity in their name, hiring a cleaning lady or babysitter for them (or babysit yourself!), giving them a cooking lesson or a mani/pedi, or picking something at an antique store or a flea market. Or, plant a tree or flowers in their yard, which releases oxygen rather than CO2! The same goes for friends: if you're getting married soon, you can register for all of these things for your wedding, as well!
Benefit
Roberto Cavalli
Polo Ralph Lauren
I'm so tired of things. I re-gift things a lot but I'm always careful about it. I also buy things for myself and don't end up using it so I give it to someone else. I'd always prefer to get something to use or something someone could do for me. That would be amazing. If I get a new item I give something I don't want to someone else or to Goodwill. I might not be able to use it but someone else might be able to.
1hmmm
2I wouldn't mind people planting me a new garden and finally finish putting the stepping stones and rocks between them in my backyard where I like to keep my potted plants.
I will let people know if there is anything specific I want/need for the holidays or my bday. It sounds rude but there's not much I want. It's hard for some to accept but it kills me to think of the money or time that goes into getting more stuff especially if it's not something I'm going to use.
Personally I prefer gifts like a picnic along the river or a simple meal with family or friends (heck I even offer to make it just so there's an excuse to gather). A good photo taken by someone I know. Some flowers. A thoughtfully written card. Calling me up and singing Happy Birthday into my voice mail gets me everytime.
3As for gifts, I think it's the little things sometimes that means the most. I believe in getting people what they need or want, not what I always want to give them. I never use to do that but I do it now that I'm older and see how much unneeded things people give to me.
4Personally, I don't regift.
And as for gifts, I agree with you Jessie!
5I don't re-gift either, Justanerd1975.
6Bizzy, I'm not even going to make a comment because you took the words right out of my mouth word for word. Thanks sweetie
7The people in my life are good at gift buying because I have never felt the urge to re-gift.
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