I’ve written several times about gift-giving etiquette, and I’m always intrigued by what other people think of specific gift-giving scenarios. So here’s one for you.
Can you regift a gift card, and if you can, should you?
Regifting Gift Cards
I recently received a used gift card. The front and back are worn and faded, and the gift card numbers are barely visible. There are also quite a few scratches on the card.
I received the gift card in a new envelope, but the card’s condition looks shabby and used. Who knows how this card ended up in the hands of my gift giver.
Perhaps the giver purchased the card at a discount from eBay or another auction website. Maybe that person wanted to provide a $100 gift but could only afford $75 and decided to buy the card at auction to get more bang for his buck.
Maybe the giver received the card but decided he’d never shop at that store. Perhaps the store isn’t conveniently located, or the products sold there don’t interest him.
In the worst-case scenario, the gift giver may be low on funds. In that case, they may not have the means to shell out cash for a gift.
Is it Ok to Regift a Gift Card?
Does the reason behind the regift matter? Does the circumstance behind the gift make the act of regifting gift cards right or wrong? Is it in poor taste to present a used gift card, no matter the circumstance?
Do you think the presenter should have mentioned that the gift card was purchased second-hand or that they received it from a place they’d never shop? Is it ok to regift a gift card? In most cases, I think it is. Here’s why.
Is It Tacky To Regift Gift Cards?
While I know many people would be offended by receiving a used gift card, I’m happy that someone thought well enough of me to present me with a gift.
I’d be thrilled to learn that the gift giver wisely purchased the gift card at a discount. In that case, I’d be happier with a used gift card than a shiny new one purchased directly from the store.
I love it when other people are frugal with their money, and I’d love to know that a friend got the most bang for their buck.
As long as the recipient shops at that particular store or dines at that specific restaurant, I don’t see the harm in regifting a gift card. But please don’t pass on a gift card you know someone would never use. That’s a cheap and thoughtless gift.
Can You Regift a Gift Card?
Is there a proper way to regift gift cards? Most definitely. How can you give a gift card as a present? Here are a few tricks that might help.
First, if you receive a gift card to a place you don’t shop, immediately place it in an envelope and stuff it away in a special drawer or the safe in your home. Don’t place it in your wallet where it can get scratched.
The key is to keep it in new or like-new condition for as long as possible. If it doesn’t look old and used, your gift recipient won’t know it’s a hand-me-down.
Second, some stores will allow you to exchange an old gift card for a new one. Before passing on a scratched-up card to your recipient, contact the business and ask if they can issue a new card for you.
Suppose they can, then your problem is solved. You’ll receive a new card with a new issue date.
Third, consider selling the card and using the cash from your sale to purchase a new one. You won’t receive 100% of the value from your card, but you will have more money to put towards your friend’s gift.
Fourth, hand over the used card with an explanation because a true friend won’t consider it tacky anyway.
Your Thoughts on Regifting Gift Cards
So what do you think? Is it wrong to present a used gift card if you don’t let the receiver know it’s a hand-me-down?
I would just be grateful for it, especially if it's worth $100.
While *I* think it's a tacky enough action that I'd never do it myself, I wouldn't complain if someone gave one to me. 🙂
Maybe they had an old gift card and decided to recharge it rather than make the store use a brand new one. Look at it this way, it's one less piece of plastic ending up in a landfill.
Also, put it in this perspective: When someone gives you cash, how often do you get brand new bills? Hardly ever. Most of the bills have been used before. If you think of the gift card as cash for that store, there really is no problem at all.
All of the commenters make good points, but my gut reaction is tacky. And it's especially tacky if the giftcard is for like $63.11.
I think it's a bit odd, but as previous commenters mentioned, I wouldn't complain if it were given to me! Personally, if I were going to re-gift a gift card, I'd have the merchant issue me a new one using the existing balance on the used one. Yes, one more piece of plastic for the landfill, but it just seems nicer. Though, I'd probably give the one with no money on it anymore to my son for his "wallet" and he'd be thrilled. 🙂
some cards are reloadable and maybe its been used but reloaded with the gift for you.
I would probably try to get a new gift card reloaded, rather than use the old one…but I'm with you. Credit is credit, whether the card's beat-up looking or not.
Having said that, I got 3 $10 gift cards from Target for buying computer ink (they were running a special) — and all three of those cards have gone as graduation gifts. Granted, they were on new cards…
At the very least the giver could have gone to the retailer and traded the gift card/transferred the balance to one that wasn't all beat up. Although Money Beagle has an excellent point…
I have given away gift cards that I received in presents, because I,ve suddenly been faced with a Birthday that I forgot about, so knowing that, I feel that there is not the same thought going into the gift. But that,s just my take on it and some of the other comments are probably nearer the mark.
I guess I'd consider it "used" if, as someone pointed out, it had a weird amount on it.
While it's a little disconcerting to have an old-LOOKING card, I certainly wouldn't turn it down.