A mum who often re-gifts Christmas presents has argued there is nothing to be shamed for in passing on unwanted presents.
Charlotte Bordewey, 33, says it's much better to give away a present to someone who would appreciate it more rather than seeing it go to waste. The mum-of-two, from Herefordshire, says that even though she isn't a winder drinker, she has received countless bottles over the years, which spurred her to take action.
As Charlotte is busy with her two kids, aged two and six, she often gives away her Christmas presents over other celebrations as the festive period is a time when gift sets are most popular. And one year, one of her children received three of the same present.
"Rather than them going to waste, we pass them on to people who I know will actually use them," Charlotte told the Mirror.
"It just makes sense. None of this is to say I'm ungrateful. I'm not. If you regift, there is more chance it will be appreciated and used."
Normally, Charlotte will keep quiet about re-gifting her presents unless it is her immediate family. Unlike her close friends and acquaintances, Charlotte can be honest with her close relatives.
"There are people I know I can say 'I'm sorry, I don't like this'," Charlotte, manager of her mum's online craft store - Spencer-Brookes Designs - and personalised gift store - Melon & Co - admits. And they would fully appreciate it as it would mean that they have wasted money on something someone didn't like.
"However, there are some people you would just never say that to. I' m not going out of my way to upset the person that has given it to me. They put thought into that present to give to me, and I fully appreciate that and they would never know otherwise."
And when it comes to clothing, the mum gives the receipt to her loved ones so they can have the chance to return the item if it does not suit their taste.
"It doesn't bother me at all if you want to take it back - you don't have to tell me," she asserts. "I would much rather you exchange it or return it than never wear it."
Amid the cost of living crisis, Charlotte argues there should be no shame in regifting or gifting second-hand. A few of her friends and family members this year only gifted charity shop items to keep costs down.
" I really don't think there should be any shame about it at all," she adds. "This year I've had no issue giving and receiving second-hand gifts. There shouldn't be any stigma to that and there shouldn't be for passing gifts on."
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