Gifts that are perfect for regifting

Is this in bad taste? Considering that hundreds of thousands of Filipinos are literally giving and giving to victims of typhoon Yolanda, what right do we have to talk about regifting  that tacky tradition of taking something you received but didn’t quite want, and “paying it forward” in fresh wrapping paper to someone else?
Well, regifting doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Maybe there are items lying around the house that would better serve other people. Let’s start with those family members — aunts, uncles, distant cousins. Then we’ll work up to those people truly in need — the families still rebuilding in Leyte or those who have evacuated the area to dryer Metro Manila.

Regifting for family and friends

Corporate giveaways. Don’t get me wrong. We love the way corporations figure out how to all give the same item to clients each year — branded and logo-bearing water bottles, day planners, umbrellas and the like. But this stuff has a tendency to accumulate if you don’t use it immediately, so it just might be the perfect item for a stocking stuffer on your “Regift List.”

Electric appliances. Yes, some are handy. That shower radio, for instance. Or the travel shaver. But how many cheapo flashlight keychains or personal bedside book lamps do you really need in your collection? Think about who might be better served by that toaster oven or extra rotating desk fan, and do the right thing.

Polo shirts. God, we love ‘em. But when did somebody decide that we can’t get enough of ‘em? Sizing polo shirts is a skill that requires just a bit more, er, skill than squinting one’s eyes and mentally conjuring up the recipient’s girth. So if you don’t want a closet full of polo shirts that resemble a potential “Before and After” photo shoot, think about keeping them in the packaging and shifting them onward instead.

Gadgets. Some people are blessed with too many cell phones. Some have too many USB hubs or travel adaptor kits. If you have one too many MP3 players, e-readers or tablets that are new and still packaged, pass them along to your techie travel-friendly friends. (Be careful that they’re not your closest friends.)

Food. Yes, if it’s still perfectly intact and edible, it might be fair game for regifting — or at least bringing as an extra item of food to a social occasion. Queso de bola is always a nice thing to go with Noche Buena ham; ensymada is perfect with that holiday hot chocolate. Just try to think outside of the fruitcake box.

Regifting for typhoon victims

From various websites and from friends in the medical field, here is a list of things that it actually might be useful to liberate from your closet and send to those truly in need.

First aid and medical kits. People do sometimes stockpile first aid kits they’ve received as gifts, but you can also assemble your own: use plastic cases, pick up things like gauze, Band-Aids, scissors and basic medicines in bulk, and see if you can’t devise your own relief packs.

Basic medicines like amoxicillin and biogesic, and basic supplies like bandages, hypodermic needles, asthma inhalers are in short supply as well.

Children’s clothing. From the clothing drives I’ve seen, kids’ clothing isn’t donated nearly enough. And there were a lot of children affected by typhoon Yolanda. If you have piles and piles of toddler clothes, shoes and diapers, those things (if well-kept) might be useful to send along.

Hygiene kits. This category might include feminine napkins, toiletries, antiseptic wipe packs and alcogel bottles (infection is still a big problem in places without power or clean water). Things like extra (new) toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoos and deodorant are good for toiletry items. You may have a ton of such stuff you don’t know what to do with. Now you know.

Fresh underwear. No recycling on this one, please. But if you find you have too many unopened packs of Hanes, Fruit of the Looms or others lying around, then send your regift to those who could use some fresh cottony relief. Socks are good, too.

Tools. Yes, rebuilding is the next phase of the cleanup operation. Relief workers are now finding they need construction tools such as hammers, pliers, saws, nails, shovels, buckets, tarpaulin and even paint and brushes to get down to the task of rebuilding homes. So if you’ve got one too many well-stocked toolkits, think about sending one down to those who need it right away.

Rice sacks and canned goods. Some people will be fortunate enough to receive extra free canned goods and rice supplies from their employers this holiday season. If you can spare it, it might make a great regift for those who could use extra help this season.

Batteries, flashlights and candles. Still no power in a lot of affected areas, and no cell phone service. Lighting is badly needed in certain areas, so until that time, extra emergency lamps and candles (maybe not the scented ones) might be a useful item for those affected.

Shoes. No joke, if you have lots of unused sandals, shoes and boots, Tacloban and other affected areas are the place where they’ll get the most mileage.

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Send regift items through your favorite local charity arm; or regift some money — that always helps.