HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver returns to us a bit early in a web exclusive video posted on the show's YouTube channel last night. Last Week Tonight is currently on hiatus, until February. In the meantime, Oliver felt it important to share with us some re-gifting advice for the holidays.
Oliver explains the importance of the video saying, "At some point this month, you will unwrap a present that induces the sort of jaw-dropping disappointment that one normally associates with the term, lettuce wrap." Examples of these "lettuce wrap" gifts include scented candles, edible arrangements and stuffed animals.
A brief rundown of John Oliver's rules for re-gifting are as follows:
1. Do not re-gift to someone who knows the original gifter. Apparently, it is a particularly poor idea to violate this advice if the gift is an engagement ring. Personally, I would say this goes without saying, but I can't quite shake the feeling it has been done before.
2. Write a personalized note to go along with the gift. Oliver suggests something to the effect of, "Saw this and couldn't resist." The Last Week Tonight host does, however, encourage a small amount of common sense. Such a phrase may be poorly received when coupled with gifts such as self-help books and boxes of wine.
3. Disguise the gift by rewrapping it. Oliver promotes the use of a gift bag, at the very least. He explains that, "gift bags are the sweat pants of gift wrapping. Sure it's lazy, but it's undeniably better than not putting on anything at all."
4. The re-gift limit should be kept to a maximum of one re-gifted item per person. The comedian equates this bad habit to a "festive Ponzi Scheme," and in the end, no one wins in a Ponzi Scheme.
In addition to these re-gifting guidelines, Oliver advises that the best place to address your re-gifting needs may be during an office party Secret Santa. I can't lie. I have taken advantage of this small nugget of advice on several occaisions.
If you can't wait until February for John Oliver's return to Last Week Tonight, I thoroughly recommend watching the video now to get your fix. It will give you a wee chuckle to tide you over until he is back on HBO.
