I had a student give me a gift card to a sushi place (wasn't actually a sushi place, but want to maintain some anonymity---the concept is the same). I, of course, thanked them and all, but the thing is I don't eat sushi. I had purchased for a family member a gift card to a cafe. This family member does in fact like sushi. I was thinking of swapping out the gift cards and giving my family member the sushi card, and keeping the cafe card for myself. Sounds like a win-win, but I do feel a little strange doing it. [The values on the cards are about the same---actually the sushi card is a little higher.] Have you ever done this?
Yes, I have done this. Some students gave me some gift cards and I then gifted them to some really good friends of mine.
I have been teaching for 40+ years. I could never have saved or used everything given to me over the years. I have re-gifted many times.
Morally, I do not believe regifting a gift from the wrong. However, that is not your real question. If you feel like you are doing something wrong enough to post it on here, then pragmatically, you might be influencing the results of later interaction with that student, so I would strongly advise against it to make sure that it does not adversely affect your performance psychologically as a teacher.
Yes, if I know someone else will enjoy the gift more than me, I’ll regift. It’s about the thought, not the cost.
I think it's fine. Perhaps you're feeling guilty about the swapping of cards with the family member, If that's the case, still give the family member the cafe card and also the sushi card. You can let him/her know the student gave it to you but you know he/she would enjoy it much more than you would. Not saying you have to do it this way, just putting it out there as an option.
I'd have no problem or guilt doing that whatsoever. Heck, my fiance' gave one of his brothers something this Christmas that their mom gave him 1-3 yrs ago. Firstly, his mom's memory is all shot so she won't know the difference & she has no proof that he didn't buy the same thing for his bro anyway. Plus, his bro didn't see that their mom gave my fiance' that gift anyway.
Does the family of the student own the restaurant? Does mom or dad work there? If so, definitely don't regift. I'm not a regifter, but if you do it, definitely be certain that the student would be unable to know you did not utilize the gift.
I was thinking about the teacher given a bottle of wine. Since no one in my family drinks, it would be re-gifted to the wine drinkers in our extended families or pour it down the sink. I believe that sharing with someone who would enjoy it would be in the spirit of the gift.
