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Recycling not only saves the environment, but it also saves people from buying gifts. Reduce, reuse, and recycle has given way to receive, reject, and regift. Of course, no one wants to get caught when regifting an unwanted present, so it must be done carefully. Here are the top ten things every regifter should know.

Make Sure the Original Tag or Card Has Been Removed Before Regifting

One newlywed regifter decided to give away an unwanted wedding gift to a close friend of her husband’s when they were invited to a couple’s shower. She selected a kitchen gadget from her stash and rewrapped it with a big fat bow.

When the bride-to-be opened the regift, she pulled out a card mistakenly left inside the box. She read the giving couple’s name out loud, and a hush came over the room. People pretended not to notice as the card quickly passed through the crowded room to its original owner. Avoid this scenario at all costs!

Remove Any Price Tags Before Regifting

It’s the thought that counts, not the cost. If it looks expensive, it probably was.

Enclose a Nutrition Label With a Regifted Fruitcake

At least a healthy nutrition content shows the fruitcake has some redemptive value!

The Bread Machine Must Be Unused Before Regifting

Telltale bread crumbs in a bread machine give the giver away like Hansel and Gretel. Someone once actually received a beautiful serving platter encrusted with old food.

Don’t Iron Wrapping Paper

Unless old wrapping paper has been carefully preserved, new wrapping paper will have to do. Burn marks tell tales.

Keep Track of the Original Givers

A file system recording bad gifts, the givers, and the year will help reduce the mortifying experience of giving an original giver back his gift. Or giving it to someone else when he’s there to see.

Don’t Regift Ugly Jumpers

There has to be some level of standards. Regifters may be frugal, but they can still exhibit good taste!

Teachers Can Smell a Recycled Gift a mile away!

Teachers receive more than their share of recycled presents, so be careful when choosing to regift one. But then again, maybe the second-grade teacher really does want a beanie baby.

Check the Year Before Deciding to Regift an Unwanted and Unused Item

Does the t-shirt have the championship team from five years ago emblazoned on it?

Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange Party to Pass Around Regifts

Guests each bring a wrapped gift of some item from home they don’t want; the funnier the better. Everyone draws a number, and they can even steal a gift from someone who already opened a previous gift if they actually want it. Once a gift has been passed twice, it can’t be “stolen” anymore and has found its permanent owner. The game is great fun and empties closets of unwanted things.

Who says regifters are only taking the easy route? The regifter is capitalizing on the latest trend of conservation to save resources. He should be proud of his clever resourcefulness and wear his moniker proudly!