The right way to give secondhand gifts, according to an etiquette expert

When Carrie Aulenbacher turned 40, she didn't want a big party. Instead, she opted for a cake from her husband and an afternoon visit from her mother and father.

Secondhand gifts are standard practice in Aulenbacher's family, but what she unwrapped was far beyond what she expected: a late 1970s palm-sized emergency sewing kit, a dozen plastic icicles and a broken plastic bead organizer, all presented in a cracked plastic tote.

"I was happy it wasn't a gag gift," Aulenbacher says. "But these from my own mother to her daughter on my 40th birthday left me speechless."

Giving secondhand gifts: Tacky or tasteful?

Consumers will spend an average of about $1,007 this holiday season, with over 60 percent of that being spent on gifts, according to the National Retail Federation. Meanwhile, a recent Bankrate survey finds that 16 percent of Americans would give used or secondhand gifts to save money.

But is regifting to cut back on costs poor etiquette?

Whether giving a secondhand gift is tasteful depends on the way it's gifted. Jennifer Porter, a manners teacher and etiquette coach in Seattle, is an advocate for properly regifting.

Tips for those thinking of giving secondhand gifts this year:

Aulenbacher's situation wasn't the proper way to give secondhand gifts, but she decided not to confront her mother over the matter. Thankfully, situations like Aulenbacher's can be prevented.

"With a little bit of thought and care, gifting is appropriate," Porter says. "And if someone notices, there are ways you can handle the situation delicately."

If you're considering giving secondhand gifts this year, follow Porter's tips to avoid any awkward situations.

Keep the gift in its original packaging: Presentation is key. Porter says if you opened an item and realized you don't like it, that's not an eligible item to regift. Consider donating open items instead.

Don't give the gift to someone related to the person who initially gave it to you: This would be the worst-case scenario where feelings would likely be hurt, so just avoid it entirely.

If someone notices you regifting something they gave to you, Porter says being honest is the best way to diffuse the situation.

"Express your gratitude of the gift, but explain that you weren't able to use it so you decided to pass it along," Porter says.

Don't regift junk: Porter says a good gift should be thoughtful and given with good intention.

Giving secondhand gifts doesn't have to bring embarrassment or guilt to the gift giver, Porter says. If the thought does bring guilt, consider giving something unique and inexpensive instead.