Business
I have no regrets about regifting – What to do with unwanted presents
Richard WilsonMost of us have received at least one Christmas present that missed the mark – a jumper that doesn’t fit, a hideous ornament or a perfume you don’t like.
Not every present is greeted with delight – so instead of banishing them to the back of a cupboard, how can you get rid of them without causing offence?
1. Regift
Getty ImagesFor Dawn-Maria France from North Yorkshire, the solution to unwanted gifts is simple – pass them on to someone else. She says right after Christmas is the perfect time.
She never feels any guilt for doing so and believes it is a more sustainable way of celebrating the festive season. “One year I was given some garden seeds that I had no use for,” she says.
Rather than letting them go to waste, Dawn-Maria re-gifted them to a green-fingered friend. “It’s a budget-friendly way to manage spending, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, and it’s helped me declutter my home,” she adds.
The habit could also help tackle a much bigger problem. Each year, an estimated £42m worth of unwanted presents are thrown away in the UK, with some ending up in landfill.
Dawn-Maria re-wrapped her garden seeds adding a personalised note hinting that it was a regift. “I was given this but I knew you’d love it,” she wrote.
“It promotes sustainability,” she says. “I have no regrets about regifting”.
2. Hide the evidence
Antoinette AkanjiSo how do you regift without causing offence?
“Don’t get caught out,” warns Louise Minchin, who presents the BBC’s Rip Off Britain programme, advising regifters to remove any labels or notes that might be addressed to someone else.
Before re-wrapping she recommends inspecting the gift carefully to make sure no seals have been broken or show signs of wear.
If it’s been opened or is part of an incomplete set, it’s a clear giveaway the item isn’t new.
“I’ve been caught out,” admits BBC Radio 2’s Reverend Kate Bottley who forgot to check there wasn’t a card inside a gift she passed on. “They opened it and I said ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry,'” she recalls.
It’s enough to make both parties cringe. The BBC’s Morning Live regular Dr Oscar remembers being handed a box of chocolates with the message “Dear Mrs Smith, Thanks for being my teacher this year”. It didn’t stop him regifting though, “I just took the label off for the next one,” he says.
Etiquette expert Antoinette Akanji’s has another golden rule: regift outside your social circle.
“If your aunt has given you a jumper that you didn’t like, do not regift this to your cousin,” she says. “She may see your cousin wearing it and this could provoke an awkward conversation.”
“You need to ensure that the original giver and the new recipient aren’t likely to cross paths.”
3. Resell
Kirsty QuinnKirsty Quinn, 36 from Oxfordshire says she makes about £500 a month reselling items sourced from car boot sales and charity shops on eBay and Vinted.
“I think if you receive a gift that you’re not going to use or don’t like, and it’s likely to just sit in a drawer or even end up in landfill, then I don’t see the harm in re-gifting…or selling it online,” she says.
“Selling unwanted gifts can help someone else get something they want at a cheaper price, which feels especially relevant given how tough the economy is at the moment,” she adds.
“It also means the seller can put that money towards something they actually need, something that improves their life, or something they’ll truly use. To me, that feels more practical and sustainable than letting items go to waste.”
Vinted says the first Sunday of each year sees a spike in listings of unwanted gifts – averaging three times the normal daily rate
Last year’s top-listed items women’s toiletries and perfumes, jewellery, nightwear and make-up, according to the platform.
Fashion dominated the most-bought items after Christmas closely followed by entertainment and electronics, Vinted says.
Vinted’s tips for reselling presents without offending the person who bought them include using a username that is not easily identifiable and keeping the background of photos neutral.
“Many members will however choose to regift openly, and will include phrases like ‘unwanted gift’ in their item description,” a Vinted spokesperson says. “This often helps buyers better understand the condition of the item.”
4. Donate
Getty ImagesIf regifting doesn’t feel right there are plenty of other ways to pass on the joy, says Louise.
Donating to charity is an obvious option – and one that can make a real difference. Charity shops eagerly await the post-christmas clear-out, when unwanted gifts become someone else’s treasure.
This is also echoed by Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation.
“If you have decorations that didn’t quite fit your theme, a board game you’ve been gifted twice, or a Christmas jumper that’s no longer your colour, why not let them brighten someone else’s home or wardrobe by donating them to us?”
And it’s not about just donating – shopping in charity shops over Christmas can make a difference too.
“Our stores are full of unexpected treasures – quality items just waiting to find loving new homes,” she says.
If you’re worried a relative might stumble across the item they’d bought you while they bargain hunt you can always donate to a charity shop outside of your local area.
5. Include a gift receipt
If you’re the one giving the present, you can make life easier for the recipient if you include a receipt.
“If you’re giving someone a gift and include a gift receipt, it gives them far more options,” explains Louise, especially when the item is high-value.
A gift receipt usually allows the recipient to exchange the item in-store or receive a credit note.
In some cases, a refund may be offered, but that depends on the retailer’s individual policy.
Without a receipt, things can quickly become uncomfortable, so Louise recommends an honesty first policy: “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’d like to exchange this for something else do you have the original receipt?'”
Business
Noida International Airport inauguration: Delhi-NCR gets new airport – all you need to know – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding aviation infrastructure.PM Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel.
Developed at an investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project is expected to enhance both regional and international connectivity for the National Capital Region (NCR).The airport is being positioned as a key addition to India’s aviation network, aimed at easing pressure on existing infrastructure while supporting the country’s ambition of becoming a global aviation hub.
Second international gateway for Delhi NCR
Noida International Airport has been developed as the second international gateway for Delhi NCR, complementing the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport, which currently handles the majority of the region’s air traffic.
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With rising passenger demand and capacity constraints at IGI Airport, the new facility is expected to play a crucial role in distributing traffic more efficiently.Together, the two airports will function as an integrated aviation system, helping reduce congestion, improve connectivity, and enhance the region’s standing among leading global aviation hubs.
Phase I capacity and future expansion plans
Phase I of the airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), providing immediate relief to the region’s growing air travel demand.The project has been planned with scalability in mind, with provisions to expand capacity to 70 million passengers annually in subsequent phases. This long-term vision reflects the government’s strategy to future-proof infrastructure and accommodate sustained growth in air travel.
Modern infrastructure and all-weather operations
The airport features a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, making it suitable for both domestic and international long-haul operations.
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Equipped with advanced navigation systems such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and modern airfield lighting, the facility is designed to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations. These features ensure operational reliability even under challenging weather conditions.
Cargo hub and logistics ecosystem
In addition to passenger services, the airport includes a comprehensive cargo ecosystem aimed at strengthening logistics and trade.The Multi-Modal Cargo Hub comprises an Integrated Cargo Terminal and dedicated logistics zones, with an initial handling capacity of over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually. This capacity is expected to expand significantly to around 18 lakh metric tonnes in the future, positioning the airport as a major cargo and logistics centre in North India.
Dedicated MRO facility to enhance efficiency
A key component of the airport’s infrastructure is a 40-acre Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.This dedicated facility is expected to improve operational efficiency by enabling airlines to service and maintain aircraft locally, reducing turnaround times and operational costs. It also strengthens India’s capabilities in aviation maintenance services.
Sustainability and future-ready design
Noida International Airport has been designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, with a focus on achieving net-zero emissions.The project incorporates energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices, aligning with India’s broader climate goals. The airport’s development reflects a growing emphasis on green infrastructure in large-scale projects.
Architecture inspired by Indian heritage
Blending modern infrastructure with cultural aesthetics, the airport’s architectural design draws inspiration from traditional Indian elements such as ghats and havelis.This approach aims to create a distinctive identity for the airport while offering passengers a sense of place rooted in Indian heritage.
Strategic location and multi-modal connectivity
Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, the airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub.It will feature seamless integration with road, rail, metro and regional transit systems, ensuring smooth connectivity for passengers and cargo. This connectivity is expected to significantly improve accessibility for travellers across Delhi NCR and neighbouring regions.
Boost to India’s aviation ambitions
The inauguration of Phase I of Noida International Airport is being seen as a major step in strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem.By expanding capacity, improving connectivity, and integrating modern infrastructure with sustainability, the project is expected to play a key role in positioning Delhi NCR as a major global aviation hub while supporting economic growth and regional development
Business
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LPG crisis: No respite for restaurants yet – The Times of India
MUMBAI/BENGALURU: The restaurant industry is struggling to run regular operations due to the meagre supplies of LPG cylinders . With the govt’s move to hike commercial LPG allocation to up to 70%, it will take some time before the measure actually translates into sustained supply, executives said. “Supply is still hugely limited and erratic. A feeling of uncertainty looms large,” said Anurag Katriar, founder at Indigo Hospitality. The key question is how quickly this revised allocation will translate into on-ground availability, said Pradeep Shetty, vice-president at Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI).A walk along Indiranagar’s 12th Main, known for its cluster of independent restaurants, reflects the strain. “It is all hand-to-mouth at this point,” said Nikhil Gupta, who runs brands including The Pizza Bakery and Paris Panini . The move doesn’t directly help the restaurant sector which is still getting 20%-30% of LPG supplies, said Sagar Daryani, co-founder & CEO at Wow! Momo Foods and president at National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). State-wise, the supply situation varies with some such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan restricting allocation for restaurants, hurting the sector , Daryani said.
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