With Christmas shopping in full swing, I thought I'd do a few posts this week addressing some common gifting questions.

Today's question: Is it ok to regift?

(If you don't know, regifting is passing along a gift you received but do not use to another person.)

In most cases, I think it's fine. Here are some rules to follow if you are regifting:

• Unless it is a family heirloom, anything regifted should be new.
• If at all possible, regift in the original, unopened packaging.
• If you are regifting anything electronic, make sure that you have all the manuals and the warranty card to pass along.
• Follow the same rules in regifting that you do in gift-giving. You should be trying to give someone a gift they will like, not get rid of junk you don't want. For example, if you don't cook, it's fine to pass on the food processor someone gave you to a foodie friend setting up his first kitchen. Or to give the gorgeous candle in a scent that gives you migraines to your aunt who's house typically smells like a flower shop exploded. It's not OK to pass on the box of cheap ornaments you got in the office white elephant.
• Make absolutely certain that you are not regifting something to the original giver.In fact, as much as possible, you should regift to someone in a completely separate social circle. If your boss gave you a serving tray that you don't like, don't pass it on to a colleague. Instead, give it to the cousin who loves to entertain.

Regifting can prevent waste and save money, two of my favorite things.  But make sure you protect all the feelings involved, because people are way more important than things.