We’ve all been there – a dusty candle you’ll never burn, a scarf that isn’t your color or a kitchen gadget still in the box two birthdays later. Enter the age-old holiday hack of “re-gifting.” Done thoughtfully, it can be a savvy way to reduce waste and spread joy. Done carelessly? Well, you might just find yourself handing your best friend her own Christmas present from last year…and watching the realization dawn on her face in real time. So, how do you handle a re-gifting gone awry? I am so glad you asked!

Don’t Deny It, That Only Makes Things Worse

The worst thing you can do is pretend nothing happened. If your friend recognizes the gift – maybe even worse, she wrote a note inside the cover of a book, trying to dodge the truth will only make it more awkward. A quick and humble admission is your best bet.

Own the Mistake with Humor

Sometimes the best way to defuse an awkward moment is to laugh at yourself. A little self deprecating humor goes a long way. Say something like, “Looks like I just earned the ‘Worst Gifter Ever’ award!”

Offer to Make It Right

Even if the gift wasn’t expensive, a re-gifting misstep can feel thoughtless. Show your friend that your relationship means more than the gift by making a small, meaningful gesture. 

Try offering to take her for coffee to make up for your faux pas.

Be Honest, But Not Overly Detailed

If your friend asks why you re-gifted the item in the first place, be honest but tactful.

“I thought it might be appreciated more by someone else, and I truly didn’t remember it was from you.”

Avoid throwing the gift under the proverbial bus. You might not have loved it, but someone else did and that someone is standing in front of you with hurt feelings.

Learn the Lesson

If this incident taught you anything, it’s that re-gifting requires careful tracking. In the future, keep a little list of who gave what, especially if you are planning to pass it along. And, when in doubt? Donate the item or keep it. Not everything needs to reappear under someone else’s tree. 

When It All Blows Over…Laugh Together

Once the moment has passed and your friendship survives the awkward blip, bring it up later with laughter. These are the stories that make the best holiday memories in hindsight. 

“Remember the time I gave you your own candle back? Classic!”

Because at the end of the day, most friendships aren’t built on perfect gift exchanges, they’re built on trust, grace and a healthy sense of humor.