A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:With Christmas coming up in less than 8 weeks, my finances have never been more unstable. I'm 19 years old and a student; I used to work part-time, but haven't been able to find another job since my last one ended abruptly in August. I have about £300 in savings, but having given several hundred to my parents (who are eternally in debt) since I started getting maintenance grants three years ago, it's a mere fraction of what it might've been!I'm supposed to be visiting my LDR boyfriend in Europe next month. It'll be the firt time I go to see him in his own country, and we'll probably drop in on his family too. Naturally I'm anxious to make a good impression, and I'll be buying something for each of them. With so little money and so many relatives to accommodate though, I'm wondering if it would be acceptable to give his two sisters, aged 16 and 25, two necklaces I've had for years (along with something new of course, but less expensive). They're still in their boxes - real silver, very pretty and in perfect condition - but I feel rather a fraud for considering recycling presents in such a way. I've never used these necklaces and I know I never will (I have a religious one which I wear all the time instead), and it'd be a shame to just leave them gathering dust. But would it make me dishonest somehow to pass them on, especially considering who the recipients would be? Opinions would be very much appreciated. Thanks! x
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male
reader, The Realist  +, writes (1 November 2011):
 I think that sounds like a nice idea. You will be the only one who knows anyway. Some things you don't re-gift like items that were given to you with some meaning behind them but if you happen to have them and have no plans in ever wearing them it is best to give them to someone who will. I don't beleive jewlery should just be left to gather dust. you can put meaning to it by giving it to them.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (1 November 2011): I've had far less thoughtful presents from friends and relatives that I have known for years - and even no present at all! I think that this is perfectly acceptable given your circumstances and the amount of thought that you have put into it all is so nice - in a way it would be more of a "lie" to take out credit to buy gifts that you can't afford - in such a case, you'd be pretending to be wealthier than you are - as it is, these "gifts" that were given to you are now your own possessions, so you can choose what to do with them, and if it will give you pleasure to give them to someone who will probably enjoy them more than you did yourself, then that is fine I think.
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (1 November 2011):
Some people have a real issue even with re-gifting new gifts. I am not sure why. If someone gives me two toasters and I give one to a friend then what does it matter? I can see how it might upset the person whose gift you gave away, but why should the recipient care? Nevertheless, some people do. To heck with them, I say.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (1 November 2011):
 I see no problem with regifting these two necklaces - I think it's actually rather thoughtful gifts.
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