Gift-giving etiquette
By Amy Brown-Bowers • Bankrate.com

"Re-gifting is okay in some circumstances, but you have to go outside your circle because otherwise, it's just not going to go over," Fox says.

"If you do give somebody something that's a re-gift, don't call it a gift. Say, 'You know what, I got this as a gift, but I can't use it, but I know you've always wanted it.' And with any kind of re-gifting, it always should be something you know the other person wants or needs," she adds.

Other rules for re-gifting, Fox says, are as follows: "It should be brand new. It should be in the original packaging. Have everything intact."

There are, however, some instances where re-gifting is entirely appropriate, Fox says. Items such as family heirlooms or mementos with special sentimental value -- a ring or an old quilt made by a family member -- make great gifts.

Culturally diverse settings
If you work or live in a culturally diverse setting, it is particularly important to proceed with caution.

"Use common sense when it comes to exchanging gifts. If you don't know someone well, then ask if they will be offended by a gift or what gifts they may find inappropriate," says Neil Payne, managing director of Kwintessential, a British provider of cross-cultural communication services.

"Some cultures feel they need to reciprocate gifts with those of equal value. You should therefore be wary of very expensive gifts which may put people in awkward positions. As a rule of thumb, give people things they will relate to or appreciate rather than items of monetary value," Payne says.

Also be aware that not all holidays are celebrated with gifts. "Some are simply times of religious practice," Payne says.

If you're unsure what your colleagues or neighbours celebrate, offer them the gift of kindness, respect and interest rather than money, Mallett says.

Amy Brown-Bowers is a writer in Toronto.