Who hasn’t received a gift that simply “wasn’t you” and needed a gift, but didn’t have time to go to the store so you ended up giving that “unyou” gift to someone else? This is called regifting and the concept became popular during the 1990’s in a Seinfeld episode, although I imagine it began long before then! This Regifting: A Talking Points Lesson explores this controversial concept in a variety of ways! It’s the perfect time of year to give it a try!

Set

• View the Seinfeld episode to introduce the concept and have students answer the prompts and be prepared to discuss.
• Have students complete the PRE-READING column of the the Anticipation Guide prior to reading the article. After students complete the pre-reading side, assign them to small groups and give each group one of the prompts. The group is to discuss their answers and reasons as to why they feel the way they do even if they disagree. Then discuss each statement as a class having each group share. Other groups can weigh in with their opinions and perspective as well for each one.

Materials

• iPad or Laptop
• Computer & Screen

Activities

• Either print off or link to the Good Housekeeping article titled, “Is It Really Okay to Regift? Etiquette Experts Weigh in Once and for All” for students to read. After reading the article, they are to complete the POST-READING column of their Anticipation Guide to see how they did.
• To apply what students have learned, give them some scenarios to respond to using the information from the article to guide them.  These can be discussed in class or they can be collected and given a grade…your call.
• Quickly assess student by having them complete the Do’s and Don’ts DRAG-n-DROP digital assignment.
• Optional: If you want to add a creative element to this topic, you can assign student’s a creative writing project using this prompt:
  • Imagine you are a gift that has been regifted. In a creative and reflective narrative, tell your story from the moment you were originally chosen or created to your current state as a regifted item. Consider the following points in your response:
    
    • Describe the circumstances of your original gifting experience. Who was the original giver, and who was the initial recipient? What emotions and expectations were associated with that moment?
    • Narrate your journey from the original recipient to the current regifting situation. How did you end up being regifted? What events or decisions led to this point?
    • Reflect on how you feel about being regifted to a new recipient. Are you excited, disappointed, or indifferent? Consider the potential reactions and perceptions of the new recipient.
    • Share any lessons or insights you, as the regifted item, have gained throughout this journey. What do you think people should consider when regifting, and how has this experience shaped your understanding of gift-giving?

Attachments

• Seinfeld Episode Prompts
• Anticipation Guide
• Regifting Scenarios
• Do’s & Don’ts Drop-N-Drag Digital Template
• Creative Writing Assignment & Rubric

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok