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What’s the etiquette on regifting? What else can you do with a gift you’ve received that you don’t want, but regift it? I’m allergic to scented candles; I only read cookbooks and listen to classical music; I’m gluten-free and don’t eat sugar; and I don’t drink Three-Buck Chuck wine. Personally, I take great care in my gift giving and am a bit miffed when I’m stuck with a present I don’t want.

–TP, Boston

Regifting or regiving is social recycling.

Nothing wrong with that as long as the gift hasn’t been used and is still in pristine condition with the original cellophane or other packaging intact.

• If the seal on that CD, Whitman chocolate sampler box, or jar of Roasted Garlic Onion Jam has been broken, the receiver will know it; and that you were not tempted to keep it for yourself. He may think, “If it wasn’t good enough for the giver, maybe I don’t want it either.”

• Let’s include not regifting to relatives who live nearby with whom you socialize with year round.

• It is best not to regift to anyone within your circle of close friends and frequent acquaintances.

• In my opinion, food gifts are not the best gifts to recycle. The exception would be a sealed box of chocolates; now that’s an excellent gift to recycle.

• Don’t regift a fruit cake if candied fruits are listed in the ingredients.

Think lightly of the Christmas gift exchanged by friends; it’s a token of your affection or appreciation. Don’t take the gift personally by being emotionally invested in whether or not it was the right or wrong perfect present for you.

When possible, include a gift receipt as a sign that you’re not going to be offended if she exchanges your present, because here is the receipt.

~Didi