National Re-Gifting Day on Dec. 18 brings out the playful side of office gatherings as workers trade unused items for a few good laughs. Reactions spark immediately once the familiar swap regulars return, whether it’s the long-circulating candle or the box that looks expensive until someone finally opens it. Those moments give the swap its charm, sending each item to a new owner while giving offices a burst of energy they rarely get from meetings alone.
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To make National Re-Gifting Day run smoothly, offices rely on a short list of expectations that keep the exchange organized and inclusive. The tradition’s early office roots came with simple etiquette that favored clean, neutral items and avoided anything that could create awkward moments. Many teams also follow simple themes or value guidelines so the swap stays lighthearted instead of turning competitive.
Repurposing items for fun
National Re-Gifting Day is observed in the United States each year on the third Thursday of December, a date that lines up with many office celebrations. The observance began in workplace gatherings where employees traded unused or duplicate gifts before heading into the holiday break. The idea encourages people to pass along items that are still in good shape rather than letting them sit untouched at home.
The tradition is also a practical way of giving those items a chance to end up with someone who can use them. It offers a simple, budget-friendly way for offices, teams and friend groups to add humor and energy to their end-of-year meetups.
Workplace traditions and laughs
Regifting fits easily into office parties because many workplaces already plan secret Santa or white elephant exchanges. The format turns simple swaps into moments that loosen up the room as coworkers open strange items, trade for something better or attempt a clever steal to keep the game going. It also helps teams host festive events without heavy planning or big budgets.
Over time, the tradition has produced its share of office stories. Some workplaces run a mystery mug swap where a mug with an odd quote triggers a long debate about whether it feels uplifting or slightly alarming. Others have a candle that returns every year, passed around so often that staff joke about its seniority.
Pranks add to the appeal. One common example is a beautifully wrapped box filled only with bubble wrap that still draws competition because it looks expensive. Another is the complex board game that keeps resurfacing because no one wants to be responsible for learning or explaining the rules.
Plan a smooth office swap
A smooth gift swap starts with clear ground rules so everyone knows what to bring. Most offices ask for unused items in good condition and fresh wrapping to keep the exchange fair. Choosing a format early helps too, whether the group prefers a white elephant setup, a simple trade or a bring-one-leave-one approach.
Setting a budget or basic value range keeps expectations even. Teams also benefit when the focus stays on humor rather than cost, so everyone feels comfortable joining in. Some offices add small contests or quick storytelling to keep the mood light, such as naming the most swapped item or sharing brief reasons an item never got used.
Smart etiquette for office swaps
A successful swap starts with choosing items that are genuinely unused and suitable for anyone who might pick them. Worn-out or overly personal things set the wrong tone, and giving an item back to its original giver can lead to awkward moments. It also helps to skip anything with strong sentimental value or anything tied too closely to a specific social circle.
Keeping the event light prevents confusion and helps the group stay focused on fun. Teams should avoid turning the gift exchange into a competitive round of steals, which can pull attention away from the goodwill the swap is meant to build.
More than office humor
Office regifting brings more to a workplace than shared jokes. A quick exchange can ease end-of-year pressure by giving teams a short break from deadlines and holiday tasks. The activity also sparks creativity as people find fun ways to present their items. As the game unfolds, more employees take part, and the low-stakes setup makes it easier for quieter coworkers to join in and feel included.
There’s a practical side too. Reusing items cuts down on waste and supports more mindful holiday spending, which many workplaces now encourage. These small choices add value beyond the laughs and help offices build a tradition that feels both fun and sensible.
Fun that offices repeat yearly
National Re-Gifting Day gives offices a chance to build shared moments that stay with people long after the swap ends. Its timing also works well for workplaces that want to encourage simple giving habits that reduce clutter during a busy season. Because the tradition stays flexible, funny and easy to join, those small interactions naturally grow into connections that continue well beyond the event.
Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.
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