I received a gift of a wristwatch and hand chain from my principal where I did my National Youth Service Corps last year; though it was a beautiful item which I appreciated such a kind gesture, I had to give it out to my aunt after lying in my rack for several weeks. I would stare at it but it wasn't something I'd use because it's not one I wanted. What I meant is that the gift kind of fits an older adult than a young person like me. I saw that it would be a perfect gift for my aunt which I gave to her two days to her 60th birthday in December. She loved it, and I could feel the excitement on her face after wearing it on her hand to see how it looked.
Here is the giftWell, I don't see anything bad in being given a gift and then gifting it to someone else who might appreciate and use it more than just lying in your closet while taking the space for something else.
As a minimalist, I have always been simple and never enjoyed hoarding items when I could give them out. Last year, I decided to give out some of my shoes and bags, which I made sure were in good condition, and the children I gave thought I was leaving finally because of how I was dashing out stuff in my room. Those items were unnecessary for me anymore, and so giving them out to those who would enjoy using them is the best.
For some, they would kindly reject a gift if they don't want it, that's their decision but don't you think it's better to accept it with thanks than find someone who might need it. Everyone needs something, and we might help them get such either from friends or relatives, and they'd be so grateful to have such an item to themselves.
Some packed items to give outI haven't had the chance to donate gifts to any charity organisations but at least it's something I find someone who is needy and gift them. Some time ago, a lady who I hired when I first relocated to this state helped me fetch water inside my home and I paid for her service each time she came around; she'd requested for me to give her some clothes as she needed some. I had to check my wardrobe and gave her some which my big sister gave me as her parting gifts but were just there, and since she might need them and also fit her, I gave her cheerfully, and she was happy.
Items such as perfumes, clothes, gadgets or even jewellery can make a big difference to someone in need. By doing this, we not only clear out space but also contribute to something meaningful.
Another practical approach I have taken in the past is to exchange gifts with friends. When a gift doesn't fit your taste or need, it's best when given to someone else who might need it. This is something done through organising a gift swap event, maybe during the holiday season, it can make this exchange process fun and intentional.
The goal is to ensure that gifts are valued and used meaningfully rather than stored somewhere until they get wasted or useless. As a minimalist, this act aligns perfectly with the idea of living intentionally and making space for what truly serves you or others.
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It's always good to normalize this practice of regifting (In the West, at least, it carries something of a negative connotation which I feel is entirely unwarranted). I'm glad your aunt enjoyed her gift!
Yes, you are right. Some might feel bad especially seeing your gift in someone's hand and also, the one collecting a gift you got elsewhere might see it in a wrong perspective with some negative connotations. But I guess everyone is not the same.
I agree that this is a nicer approach, and the tone in which we reject items is important. The thing is that we most times get gifts wrapped and open them after the giver is gone, so it's easy to pass on the gift.
However, if someone offers me something because they see that I could use them - say folding chairs, I refuse because I already have 2 folding chairs and any more would be cumbersome because I have nowhere to store them:)
Yes, this is one best way, too, to avoid any future misunderstandings.
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It's my pleasure. Thank you, too 😊
Most of the time, it doesn't end well when we turn down a gift so I prefer giving it to someone who needs it more than I do.
Gifting your aunt the wrist watch is a reasonable thing to do and I believe she will even appreciate it more than you do.
Yes, rejecting a gift makes the giver feel sad. So, accepting it and then giving it out to someone else is the best.
Why did you say everything on my mind like that😂
Yeah I also think there’s nothing wrong with giving out a gift you won’t use for anything. It just takes space.
I also appreciate the act of re-gifting rather than letting the item clutter one's space without any use for it. I've heard some people re-sell items that were gifted them 😂 so compared to that, you're kind for using it to put a smile on someone's face.
I sometimes do that too. And yes, it's better to pass it down rather than be in our closet.