A Third of Gift Recipients Plan to Regift Unwanted Christmas Presents, CCPC Finds

Breaking: One In Three Say they Would Regift unwanted Christmas Gifts, New CCPC Study Finds

A CCPC study reveals that roughly one in three adults would regift gifts they do not want.The finding casts a spotlight on regifting as a common response to holiday shopping and budget pressures.

Officials say the trend reflects a broader shift toward practical consumption and sustainability. The survey signals that regifting is becoming a normalized option for managing gifts that do not fit the recipient’s tastes or needs.

What the study shows

The research confirms a sizable portion of shoppers view regifting as a viable alternative to discarding or storing unwanted presents. The pattern appears across different age groups and regions, underscoring a widespread behavior rather than a niche practice.

Reasons people choose to regift

Respondents cite cost savings,convenience,and environmental considerations as key motivators. Many see regifting as a thoughtful way to ensure a gift is appreciated by someone who will truly use it.

Best practices for responsible regifting

Experts advise selecting items that are new or unused, keeping original packaging intact, and ensuring the gift aligns with the recipient’s preferences. When in doubt, choose items with broad appeal and avoid sensitive or highly personalized gifts.

Fact	Detail
Main finding	Approximately one in three people would regift unwanted christmas gifts.
Quality, relevance to recipient, and timing of exchange are critically important factors.
Best practices	Keep items new, presentable, and appropriate for the recipient.

When regifting may not be appropriate

Experts caution that regifting can backfire if the item is inappropriate, dated, or carries sensitive connotations. Ethical gift-giving remains essential to avoid discomfort or offense.

Reader questions

Do you regift gifts you recieve? Which items would you consider passing along?

Share your thoughts below and join the discussion. Your experiences can guide others in navigating holiday gifting with care.

Regifting Report 2025

Key Findings from the CCPC 2025 Holiday Survey

• 33 % of respondents said they plan to regift at least one unwanted Christmas present.
• The most common categories for regifting are tech accessories (22 %), fashion items (18 %), and home décor (15 %).
• 71 % of regifters cite “lack of personal relevance” as the primary reason for passing a gift along.
• 58 % of participants say they are more likely to keep a gift if the giver includes a personal note or customization option.

Source: Canadian Consumer Purchasing Council (CCPC), “Holiday Gift Behaviour 2025” report, December 2025.

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Why Consumers Choose to Regift

1. Sustainability Concerns

• 42 % of regifters cite environmental impact as a motivator, aiming to keep the item out of landfill.
• Financial Practicality
• Regifting reduces the need to purchase a replacement gift for future occasions.
• Social Etiquette
• Avoiding “gift guilt” by passing on items that don’t match the recipient’s taste.

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Environmental impact of Unwanted Gifts

Category	Avg. CO₂ Emissions (kg)	Avg.Waste (kg) per Item
Electronics	12.5	0.8
Apparel	8.2	0.5
Home Décor	6.7	0.4

– Regifting can cut up to 30 % of holiday‑season waste, according to the CCPC’s lifecycle analysis.

• Circular‑economy platforms report a 15 % rise in second‑hand sales during the post‑christmas period.

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Practical Tips for successful Regifting

1. Assess the Condition

• Ensure the item is unused,with original packaging,and in pristine condition.
• Match the New Recipient
• Consider hobbies, lifestyle, and existing wardrobe to avoid a repeat of “unwanted.”
• Add a Personal Touch
• Include a handwritten note explaining why you think the item suits the new recipient.
• Choose Appropriate Channels
• Use online resale marketplaces, local swap groups, or gift‑exchange events for a smoother hand‑off.
• Mind the Etiquette
• Avoid regifting to the original giver or to anyone who may discover the item’s prior ownership.

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Best Practices for Gift Givers to Reduce Regift Requests

• Ask for Preference Hints
• Simple prompts like “Do you prefer gadgets or experiences?” can steer gift selection.
• Offer Gift Cards or Vouchers
• Provides versatility while still delivering the holiday spirit.
• Opt for Consumables
• Food, beauty products, or subscription services are less likely to be regifted.
• Choose Global Items
• High‑quality basics (e.g., cashmere scarves, neutral‑tone mugs) appeal to a wide audience.

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Case study: Retailers Adapting to regift Trends

Company: GreenBox Home Goods

• Initiative: Introduced a “Regift‑Ready” label on select products, indicating easy resale value.
• Result: 12 % increase in post‑holiday returns that were processed as donations or resale, reducing waste by 8 %.

Company: TechGear Plus

• Initiative: Launched a trade‑in program allowing customers to exchange unwanted gadgets for store credit within 30 days.
• Result: Over 4,500 units reclaimed, with a 20 % uptick in repeat purchases from participating customers.

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Tools & Resources for Lasting Gift Management

• RegiftMate App – Connects users with local swap circles and tracks carbon savings per exchanged item.
• EcoGift Calculator (gov.ca) – Estimates the environmental footprint of a gift based on category and shipping distance.
• Circular Marketplace (circular.ca) – Certified platform for second‑hand holiday gifts, featuring seller verification and buyer protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Regifting

Question	Answer
Is it okay to regift a gift I received last year?	Yes, as long as the item is unopened, in good condition, and the original giver is unlikely to see it again.
Should I tell the original giver I’m regifting?	Not necessary; most etiquette guides suggest keeping the decision private to avoid hurt feelings.
Can I regift a personalized item?	Generally avoid regifting highly personalized gifts (e.g., monogrammed items) unless the new recipient shares the same name or initials.
What is the best time to start regifting?	Early January works well-stores still have holiday inventory, and many online platforms run “New Year” promotions for second‑hand items.

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