National Regifting Day - December 17, 2026

National Regifting Day takes place on the third Thursday in December each year as a clever, eco-conscious celebration that turns potential clutter into thoughtful treasures and reduces holiday waste one cleverly repurposed present at a time. This lighthearted holiday champions the art of passing along unwanted gifts to someone who will truly appreciate them, transforming what might have gathered dust on a shelf into joyful surprises for new recipients.

National Regifting Day History

The concept of passing along unwanted presents is as old as gift-giving itself, but the term "regifting" exploded into popular culture through a 1995 episode of the beloved sitcom Seinfeld titled "The Label Maker." In the story, a high-tech label maker bounces from character to character in a hilarious chain of social obligation, forever embedding the idea in American humor and conversation. Long before the word existed, however, people have quietly practiced the custom across cultures, with the British even having their own charming term "matham" for gifts that circulate among friends until finding the right owner.

Workplace holiday parties provided fertile ground for organized regifting long before any official date. White Elephant (or Yankee Swap) exchanges became beloved office traditions where participants bring wrapped items — often gently used or humorously unwanted — and "steal" preferred gifts from one another in rounds of laughter and playful competition. These events turned potential awkwardness into festive fun while subtly normalizing the idea that not every present needs to stay with its original recipient.

The holiday gained formal recognition on October 24, 2008, when the state of Colorado proclaimed the third Thursday in December as National Regifting Day, choosing a moment deep in the holiday season when closets overflow with well-intentioned but mismatched items. The timing encourages mindful consumption during peak shopping months, reminding people that sustainability and generosity can go hand in hand.

Today the day thrives as both practical advice and gentle social permission. Etiquette experts agree: as long as the item is new, unpersonalized, in original packaging, and genuinely suited to the new recipient, regifting is not only acceptable but often the kindest choice. It keeps perfectly good objects in circulation, reduces manufacturing demand, and spares landfills from unnecessary waste, proving that thoughtful stewardship can be as festive as any new purchase.

Why National Regifting Day Matters

Reducing Environmental Footprint

Every regifted item means one less new product manufactured, packaged, shipped, and eventually discarded. In a season notorious for excess wrapping paper and short-lived gadgets, choosing to recirculate quality gifts becomes a quiet act of planetary care that adds up across millions of households.

Breaking Social Taboos with Grace

The holiday gently dismantles the guilt many feel about not loving every present, replacing shame with practical wisdom. It opens honest conversations about preferences, boundaries, and the difference between thoughtfulness and obligation, making gift-giving less stressful for everyone involved.

Promoting Mindful Consumption

By encouraging people to truly consider what they already own before buying more, the day fosters intentional living amid commercial frenzy. It celebrates resourcefulness over spending, proving that creativity and care often create the most memorable exchanges.

How to Celebrate National Regifting Day

Host a Joyful White Elephant Gathering

Invite friends, family, or colleagues for an evening of spirited swapping where wrapped mysteries are opened, admired, and playfully stolen. Add themed categories (best kitchen gadget, coziest accessory) to spark laughter and ensure everyone leaves with something they genuinely want.

Curate Thoughtful Regift Packages

Sort through your own collection with fresh eyes, pairing items with specific people in mind. Add new ribbon, a heartfelt note explaining why it feels perfect for them, and watch their delight prove that second-time gifts can feel even more special.

Spread Awareness Through Stories

Share your funniest regifting triumphs (or near-misses) on social media, using hashtags to connect with others embracing the practice. Encourage followers to join by posting tips like "always remove old cards" or "choose recipients who share your taste," turning personal experience into community wisdom.

Facts About Regifting

Seinfeld Legacy

The term "regifting" entered common usage after a 1995 Seinfeld episode featuring a label maker passed multiple times.

Colorado Origin

The state officially proclaimed the third Thursday in December as National Regifting Day in 2008.

White Elephant Roots

The game name comes from legends of Siamese kings gifting rare albino elephants that were sacred but ruinously expensive to maintain.

Common Practice

Surveys show over 70 % of Americans have regifted at least once, with books and home decor topping the list.

Etiquette Approval

Major manners experts agree regifting is fine when the item is new, suitable, and the original giver won't discover it.

National Regifting Day Dates