National Re-Gifting Day

National Re-Gifting Day is a uniquely American holiday that encourages people to give away gifts they don’t need, don’t like, or simply can’t use. It’s a fun, practical way to clear out clutter and bring joy to someone else—after all, why let a perfectly good gift go to waste?

History

The term “regifting” was made popular by the TV show Seinfeld, but the idea of passing on unwanted items has existed much longer. Some people believe it’s wrong to give away gifts, but for many, it’s a win-win: you get more space, and someone else gets a present they’ll appreciate.

National Re-Gifting Day started being celebrated on a larger scale in 2008, quickly gaining popularity with everyone from office workers to families at home.

Interesting Facts

• In Persia, chess sets are traditionally given to newlyweds as wedding gifts.
• In Australia, people often make a wish list of desired gifts and share it with friends, who then coordinate who gives what.
• The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States.
• The most famous regift in history might be the Trojan Horse.
• Inuit communities are known to craft ice sculptures as gifts.
• According to statistics, pets often receive more presents than people!

How to Take Part

To celebrate National Re-Gifting Day, go through your things and find items you no longer need but that might make someone else happy. Pass them along as thoughtful gifts. You can also post about the holiday on social media and encourage your followers to join in.

When is National Re-Gifting Day in 2025?

National Re-Gifting Day is observed on the third Thursday of December each year.

Observations