DEAR ABBY: My grandmother was very poor, but she was generous with what she had. As a child, I noticed that most of the gifts she received were regifted to others. At first, it upset me because I spent a lot of time choosing a "perfect" gift for her. Then I realized she was enjoying the gift twice. She loved receiving it, but it gave her even more pleasure to pass it on to someone else to enjoy when she couldn't afford to buy a present on her limited income.
I get so tired of people whining about "regifting." Instead of being happy that someone gave them something, people worry about how much was spent. (I'm willing to bet the real reason for the upset is that the regift can't be returned or exchanged.) People who don't want to receive regifts should let the givers know so they won't waste their generosity on them in the future. -- THE JOY OF GIVING
DEAR JOY: I see the issue differently, because I suspect that some complainers may have confused the monetary value of the item with how much they -- the recipients -- are valued in the relationship. As you point out -- and I agree -- it really is the spirit in which a gift is given that counts.