John Oliver’s Tips For Regifting The Horrible Presents You Don’t Want

Let’s face it, we’ve all received gifts that might as well have been lumps of coal. If you’re careful enough, you can use these tips to rid yourself of those stinkers and look generous all at once.

In this video, John Oliver, the host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, lays down the truth when it comes to this gift-centric time of year. Some presents are awesome, and some are just the worst thing ever (oh a candle, thanks). Between all the jokes, however, there are actually some pretty useful tips for regifting:

• Never regift to someone who knows the original gift giver. Save bad presents from your family for the office secret Santa and vice-versa.
• Personalise the gift with a note that’s intimate, yet vague, like “Saw this and couldn’t resist!” or “This is so you!”
• Disguise the gift by re-wrapping it in a creative way, or at least use a gift bag.

Be sure to keep your regifting down to a single present per person, otherwise people will start to get wise to your redistribution techniques. Also, it never hurts to put some thought into your regifting. If you have something you don’t want, think of someone who will. Regifting can be a bit shady, sure, but it can also be a great way to make everyone happy.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver [YouTube]