Do people really think their friends don’t notice re-gifted toiletries?

[MoustachaNatasha]

I know this will sound ungrateful, and I know the obvious answers are “just stop doing gifts,” “be glad you got anything at all,” or “maybe that’s all they can afford.” I get all of that, but that’s not really my question.
I always put thought into gifts I think my friends will genuinely like, but every year I seem to receive a random mix of toiletries or odds and ends that I can’t use, and feel too embarrassed to re-gift. Some of them are literally the free gifts you get when buying full sizes. They go straight into a cupboard and today I’m bagging them up to donate to my DD’s Christmas fair. It even crossed my mind that I’ll probably end up receiving something back from there in the next round of gifts.
So my actual question is: if you re-gift toiletries, do you honestly believe the recipient won’t notice, or do you just not care if they do?
Genuinely curious how others see this.

Genuine question why is regifting rude but donating better?

Is it regifting that is the issue per se, or just if it is done randomly, thoughtlessly? I think there is a difference.

Because it’s more anonymous and the person who buys it has a choice

it shows a lack of care about a person you are buying for imo

I'd say it depends what they are. If it says "free sample" on it, that's a bit of a clue the person giving the present didn't buy it.

But if it's a gift pack or something decent you won't use, why not pass it on?

It's difficult with something like perfume - I don't use it but it's a really personal thing, so I do just tend to tip it down the sink (unless it's something really expensive, eg last year I had some in a goodie bag so I donated to a school tombola). But anything else, I give away if I a not using it.

It's interesting that people think it's mean. What about the environment and not buying stuff unnecessarily?

Yes that makes sense- I am just thinking re gifting can be a bit like up/recycling but completely agree has to be thoughtful- I think the thought is more important and a regift could still be thoughtful. Just passing on things no one wants not good agree!

Edited typos!

Depends what the thing is. If you get something you know someone else will like, why not give it to them?

But I agree if you are just dumping stuff on other people there's no thought behind it.

Agree about environmental impact and just posted similar- I think the importance is the the thoughtfulness if gifting and otherwise donate

YABU if you continue with this farce. Either regift them toiletries (or other crap) or stop exchanging presents.

I agree I don’t like regifting and put thought in to presents I give friends and family. A member of my family does it and it’s so obvious the present has been stashed in a cupboard for months with no thought and is a generic item. The ONLY time I use high end small samples or an unused candle is when school need gifts for raffles/tombolas

But regifting doesn't have to equal thoughtlessness.

I think it shows an enormous lack of care - though I'd say the same (+ lack of care for the environment) about the original gift giver.

If you are buying a gift for someone, surely it is someone you know and care about? If it's some hangover of a social obligation, be the person who calls an end to it.

And if it is someone you know and care about - you have some idea about what they like, or - God forbid - just bloody ask them. You know if Item x (Regifted) would be suitable.

As an aside, I run a food bank and love, come January, receiving the many and various toiletry sets, odds and ends of Fortnums hampers etc that turn up. We put them out and people who use our service choose something they'd like for themselves.

Aww your DH is great.
I bet he knew exactly what his sister had done, and he didn't even have to come right out and say it!
Genius.

My mother in law once presented me with an additional Christmas gift after I’d already had mine. I expressed surprise as I’d already had some lovely gifts from her and she said it was because ‘she loved me so much’. When I opened it it was some heated hair curlers - on opening the box properly a few days later I noticed they had been used with a few strands of her hair left on them! She obviously hadn’t liked the way they worked for her - but why she pretended she had bought me an extra present because she adores me I don’t know (well I do know - as being dishonest is unfortunately a strong trait of hers)!

I conclude this thread is about thoughtless gifts and not regifting itself

So YABU

Whisper this, but I quite like B&H.... I know, I know!

The only thing I ever regift is alcohol, I don't drink at all, but occasionally get given the odd bottle by people who don't know me very well (or who assume that I'm half-cut all the time!).

I'm guilty of regifting, but only if it's something I would buy for that person anyways. And I will buy them a gift too so the re-gift is just a bonus!

If I get something nice but not to my taste (eg a candle in a scent I don't like, expensive skincare that I know doesn't suit my skin) then I'll regift to a friend or MIL.

I've also regifted to nieces if I get given something cutesy I'm not going to use (eg novelty mugs, fluffy socks etc).

Food and drinks I won't drink also get brought to dinner/parties.

If I like a gift it really wouldn't matter to me if the giver had gone to the shops to buy it, or taken it out of a cupboard at home!

That's really sad.

Do you mean gift sets or random bottles of body lotion. I only re gift good quality items that I know the other person will love. I think it's very obvious when you've been given a re gift.

@Jiski I like that idea and may do that so thanks to your MIl.

Sell your unwanted toiletry gifts on Vinted

I don't regift toiletries but I do donate bath stuff if someone is asking for tombola/raffle prizes. Most things make ne itchy, unfortunately.
My auntie does regift, she once gave me back something I had given her (I knew because it was part of a special set from Boots that was a one-off), and another time she gave me a toiletry set in a metal basket that was all rusty under the bottles and the shower gel had turned into a solid lump.

We'e pagans so we don't celebrate christmas, it's great because although we have the treats and nice food we don't get given other peoples shite presents to deal with and don't have to buy presents for anyone except grandkids, who do celebrate.

LOVE this!!

It does not matter to me. I pour all given cosmetics literally on my feet. Might be the most expensive cream, I just slap it on my calves and feet. Job done.

I regift often. I received Neom and Nuxe products for my last birthday. Hate both. They are in the regifting pile.