This is the third and final part of our gift-giving tutorial.

Today, we will look at two common gift-giving questions.

1) Is it ok to re-gift?

Of course it is, as long as you follow a few basic rules.

1. With the exception of vintage collectibles, antiques, and family heirlooms, anything you regift should be new.
2. A re-gift should be re-wrapped (with special care to remove any tags).
3. You should re-gift only when you know that the new recipient will really enjoy the gift.
4. Never re-gift unless you are 100% sure of who gave you the gift originally.  Nothing is worse than giving someone back the gift he gave you.
5. Re-gift into a different social circle.  If you want to re-gift the sandwich maker Aunt Bev gave you, give it to Charlie at work. If you aren't a fan of the scarf your friend Bentley gave you, you can re-gift it to your cousin. Like that.

2) Are gift cards an acceptable gift?

While I've never been a huge fan of giving gift cards as a Christmas gift, there are definitely times when gift cards are a very good choice.

Give gift cards to:

• Teachers. They don't want another "World's Best Teacher" mug or a plaque or bath salts or cheap chocolate. They would like a gift card to an office supply store, a craft store, or a bookstore so that they won't have to spend their own money on things they need for the classroom. Or a gift card for coffee!
• People who work for or with you. For example, I give my assistant and my personal trainer gift cards. I want to say thank you for all they do, but maintain a professional distance. Gift cards do that perfectly.
• Folks on fixed incomes. When people have limited disposable income, they often have to give up favorite pastimes. Gift cards for favorite restaurants or related to hobbies (movies, crafts, etc.) gives them the freedom to enjoy their favorites.
• People who live far away, especially when shipping would be a problem. Let's face it. It's easier to mail a gift card than a vase.

What are the basic rules of gift-giving?

• Buy what the recipient wants, not what you wish he wanted.
• The thought really does count. An expensive gift that does not reflect a person's personality will be less welcome than a well-chosen inexpensive gift.
• Do not get someone a gift to "improve her" unless you know it's something she really wants. So a gym membership is probably a bad idea if she's never mentioned it, but two sessions with a running coach for someone preparing for her first half-marathon is OK. 
• Small luxuries are always welcome and generally make a better gift than something practical.
• When in doubt, the gift of an experience (a spa day, a concert, an exhibition, etc.) is always a good choice.

So — you are prepared. Go forth and shop!