National Day
National Re-gifting Day
Celebrated on 12/18/2026
Quick Fact
National Re-gifting Day is observed on the Thursday before Christmas, a time when many are scrambling for last-minute gifts. The term 're-gifting' was popularized by the TV show 'Seinfeld' in an episode where Elaine gives Jerry a label maker that she had received as a gift. This day encourages people to pass along unwanted presents in a thoughtful manner.
Origins and Establishment of National Re-gifting Day
National Re-gifting Day was created by D.J. Gelner, a radio host from Kansas City, who declared the Thursday before Christmas as the official day for re-gifting in 2012. The idea was to reduce waste and save money by encouraging people to regift items they would not use, rather than throwing them away or letting them collect dust. The holiday quickly gained traction through social media and word of mouth, becoming a popular way to handle unwanted holiday presents.
Evolution and Modern Commemoration
Since its inception, National Re-gifting Day has evolved from a lighthearted concept into a widely recognized tradition. Many people now host re-gifting parties or swap events, where friends and family exchange unwanted gifts in a fun and ethical manner. The holiday has also been embraced by environmentalists as a way to promote sustainability and reduce consumer waste. Today, it's celebrated with humor and practicality, often accompanied by memes and social media posts about the art of re-gifting.
Facts & General Observations
- According to a survey by OfferUp, 70% of Americans have re-gifted at least once in their lives.
- The most commonly re-gifted items include candles, gift sets, and kitchen gadgets.
- National Re-gifting Day has been credited with saving Americans an estimated $1 billion annually in gift costs.
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