DO only pass on things you think people will actually want

The fact that you don’t want something doesn’t mean that no one else will. However, the key is to only re-gift items you think will be genuinely appreciated. Don’t give someone something just because you want to get rid of it (so no wrapping up that crappy DVD your father-in-law bought you last year and trying to palm it off on your brother).

Rather than identifying things you don’t want and trying to figure out who to foist them on, ask yourself: ‘What have I been given that X would love?’ Did you get a book in the office Secret Santa that doesn’t interest you, but your nephew might love? Re-gift it (remembering to scribble an inscription in the front). Have you yet to use the food processor your parents bought you two Christmases ago? Give it to your foodiest friend. This isn’t cheap or thoughtless; it’s sharing things you think will make people happy.

If you’ve been given something and you honestly can’t think of anyone close to you who might like it, then it’s time to make a trip to the charity shop. Don’t bin unwanted gifts unless you want some seriously bad eco-karma.

How to re-gift Christmas presents without causing offence