A super practical and heartfelt guide to the art of gift-giving designed to help you think clearly, choose wisely, and give beautifully, even if it doesn’t come naturally.
This is a literal gem of precise writing, excellent organization, and creative ideas. By laying the framework of who and why of gift giving and then providing thoughtful and original gift ideas you have gifted us a most precious work of art. My mother was an intuitive gift giver whose gifts elicited “oh wow, Mum.” She gave us gifts that we didn’t conceive of ourselves but were perfectly suited. My most memorable gift from her and one that I use constantly is a Bernina sewing machine she sent me as a gift when my second child was born. For 40 years, I have thought of her every time I made a Halloween costume up to now when I see a sundress for her great granddaughter. Thank you for you inspiring and oh, so appreciated gift.
Thank you so much for not only reading my work, but leaving such a thoughtful reply. This is so kind. It sounds like your mother left a legacy of gift giving, and you are doing the very same.
Just WOW. SO useful. Bookmarking. I lean consumables (and cash), but I adore the concept of Tiny Gifts Just Because, and paying attention to favorites is so important. Like I always tell my boys to pay attention to favorite foods, drinks, and candy. People are touched when you remember their likes & interests.
Thank you for this post. I was thinking of what gift to get my best friend, and when I saw the anthropologie mug, I knew that would perfect. (Plus a couple other goodies of course) Thank you again!
Love this! Thanks for all the fun ideas! I keep a little basket of favorites (candles we love, small hand creams, cute journals, my favorite pens, etc..) for those spontaneous times when planning for a gift isn’t possible. Ultimately, I love how intentional you are about planning and it makes me want to be better about that!
I love that idea! In my wildest dreams, I'd like to have a "gifting closet" one day full of little happy things. You never know when someone may need a pick-me-up!
Wow, what a great job compiling all this! I love gift-giving and would never have been able to pull this sort of information together. I also found this to be a good reminder that gifting does NOT come naturally to many people, and that a lack of gifting expertise is NOT a signal that the other person just doesn’t like you that much. I have (to my shame) fallen into the trap of thinking my husband “doesn’t listen to me” because every holiday season comes around and he gifts me the absolute most random things. Then when he explains them, I see why they make perfect sense in his mind!
Also, I have kept a list of gift ideas for all my Main People for years now and it’s incredibly helpful. Any time ANYONE mentions something they like/want, I write it down.
Okay… this is the first gift guide that actually made me pause and reflect.
“Planning is love in action” and “the cost of having people in your life is learning to love in their language." Oof.
Bookmarking this forever!!
Ahh! So glad it was helpful to you!
I am the worst at picking gifts for people. Thank you for this guide!
So happy to help!
This is a literal gem of precise writing, excellent organization, and creative ideas. By laying the framework of who and why of gift giving and then providing thoughtful and original gift ideas you have gifted us a most precious work of art. My mother was an intuitive gift giver whose gifts elicited “oh wow, Mum.” She gave us gifts that we didn’t conceive of ourselves but were perfectly suited. My most memorable gift from her and one that I use constantly is a Bernina sewing machine she sent me as a gift when my second child was born. For 40 years, I have thought of her every time I made a Halloween costume up to now when I see a sundress for her great granddaughter. Thank you for you inspiring and oh, so appreciated gift.
Thank you so much for not only reading my work, but leaving such a thoughtful reply. This is so kind. It sounds like your mother left a legacy of gift giving, and you are doing the very same.
Gel pen user, checking in.
Just WOW. SO useful. Bookmarking. I lean consumables (and cash), but I adore the concept of Tiny Gifts Just Because, and paying attention to favorites is so important. Like I always tell my boys to pay attention to favorite foods, drinks, and candy. People are touched when you remember their likes & interests.
Hello fellow gel pen enthusiast! Glad it was helpful!
Yes!! Tiny Gifts!! 🎁 pens and notepads are small but some of my favorite gifts to give and receive.
Pens are my love language!
And notebooks.
Have you used/seen Charmpads? They are the cutest! I love them with Le Pens!
Googling Charmpads RN!
It’s like you’re in my head! Thanks for all the wonderful things you give life to! 💖
I'm so grateful it resonated! Happy to keep making all the things!!
This gift guide is gold. As an earlier commenter said, bookmarking this forever! 🌟
YAY!
Such a fun article!! Saving and putting this one in my back pocket to revisit for all the gifting!
YAY! Glad you enjoyed it :)
i REALLY like this post, well done!!
Thank you, Cate!
I fricking loved this post! Gift giving is my love language & you nailed it!
I’m so happy to hear you think so!! I bet you’re a great gift giver if it’s your love language!
Thank you for this post. I was thinking of what gift to get my best friend, and when I saw the anthropologie mug, I knew that would perfect. (Plus a couple other goodies of course) Thank you again!
I have that mug and it is so roomy! Such a good purchase for someone who needs a little extra cozy in the mornings!
Love this! Thanks for all the fun ideas! I keep a little basket of favorites (candles we love, small hand creams, cute journals, my favorite pens, etc..) for those spontaneous times when planning for a gift isn’t possible. Ultimately, I love how intentional you are about planning and it makes me want to be better about that!
I love that idea! In my wildest dreams, I'd like to have a "gifting closet" one day full of little happy things. You never know when someone may need a pick-me-up!
The additional inspiration I needed!
Happy to help!
This is the best gift guide I’ve ever read. 🙌🏽💜✨
I'm going to put this comment on a trophy and put it on my shelf!
Thank you! This helped me pick out a gift for my mom
Love to hear that!
Wow, what a great job compiling all this! I love gift-giving and would never have been able to pull this sort of information together. I also found this to be a good reminder that gifting does NOT come naturally to many people, and that a lack of gifting expertise is NOT a signal that the other person just doesn’t like you that much. I have (to my shame) fallen into the trap of thinking my husband “doesn’t listen to me” because every holiday season comes around and he gifts me the absolute most random things. Then when he explains them, I see why they make perfect sense in his mind!
Also, I have kept a list of gift ideas for all my Main People for years now and it’s incredibly helpful. Any time ANYONE mentions something they like/want, I write it down.
Yes! You sound like a real gift sleuth — I love that you track everything.
I enjoyed this. Thanks for the practical advice (gift wrapped in your beautiful words)
You are very kind. Thank you so, so much for reading!