Just wondering but what Christmas gifts did you choose this year? Do you have any advice on how to choose good gifts? I give gift cards every year but it doesn't feel special or wow people. I want my gifts to be memorable :(
hello nonnie!
i think you're asking about what christmas gifts i chose for others and while i would love to tell you, i have about thirty-five people on my list. that's a lot of gifts to run through (but i'll tell you under the cut the best gifts i've ever given that people still bring up to this day.)
but i can give you advice on the art of gift giving from my perspective (even though... in my opinion, getting a christmas gift after cyber monday is a little dicey to me timewise but december is a packed month for me in terms of school and work.)
a thoughtful gift requires care, time, patience, and detail but it's not a difficult task if you're organized and prepared. so there's a few ways you can go about it but like i said, bundles make a gift unbelievably thoughtful. you can also never go wrong with a handmade card/letter.
general recommendation: get the person to create their own wishlist with about fifteen items. you can buy gifts through this method and then, with your own judgement, get them small items to supplement the bigger item.
the tuyet an liu method: you remember everything about the person and make notes about them in a notion template whenever you stalk their instagram, twitter, etc. (in this notion template, you also keep track of the gifts you've given them so you're not a *gasp* gift repeater)
more under the cut!
once you've got all the information you need, it's time to create a plan of what you’re going to buy, a theme, and where you’re going to buy it. i prefer to do most of my shopping between july - november and wrap everything up by december 10th at the latest. black friday and cyber monday are when i buy the bulk of my gifts (handmade gifts are bought throughout the year because i don't believe in purchasing those on sale). while it’s good to shop small business and local creators, don’t feel bad if they’re out of your budget and you need to rely on big box stores.
and remember, bundles are always more thoughtful!
now, you might ask, what in the fuck do you mean by bundle?
here are some examples of some standard gift bundles/packages i like to create that usually add up to less than 100 if you're a sale hound.
for the coffee addict: a french press/pour-over set, coffee bean sampler from a local roaster, a cute mug/on-the-go cup, and a milk frother.
for the book lover: a book or two (stalk their goodreads), bookmarks, cozy socks, a blanket, a bookstand/book holder, and a book journal.
for the new cook: a silicone kitchen set, a cookbook, a cookbook stand, recipe box, swedish dishcloths, and an apron.
for the skincare junkie: a skincare set (from a brand they love and you'll know because skincare junkies like to share products like they're religious revelations), face masks, jade roller, and gua sha tools.
do you see why it seems so much more thougthful when you create bundles even if you don't spend more money than others? it's because you create the illusion of having put a lot of thought into the gift.
if you have a good friend of the friend you're buying a gift for, try to get their opinion.
so, as promised, here a list of gifts that were absolute hits for more ideas.
new to journaling friend: handmade pen, a new blank journal, a guided journal, stickers, and washi tape.
fountain pen geek friend: handmade fountain pen, new ink, fountain pen friendly notebooks, and a fountain pen case.
coffee addict hipster friend: handmade mugs, mug warmer, five vintage records (i had to go to a lot of stores for this one), and a vietnamese coffee set.
newbie baker friend: matching apron and tea towels and oven mitts, a set of books about baking, a cookbook stand, and a spice organizer!
book friend who didn't want books: vintage tote bag, framed art prints, bookmarks, and handmade bookends (i made them by hand!)
art as a quarantine hobby friend: artist pencils, sketchbook, mixed media paper pad, gouache paint set, and an art reference book.
vintage decor obsessed friend: a vintage mirror set (it could've been haunted because the man selling them was very enthusiastic but she thought it added character), a refurbished set of chairs (i refurbished them), and thrifted dishware.
when it comes to people i care about, i usually make handmade cards and write letters explaining why i got them the gift as well.
and if all of this sounds extremely exhausting to you... honestly, you can never go wrong with asking three months beforehand and hoping they forget because life gets busy.
my friends attempt that with me since i'm difficult to get gifts for (i never forget but i can pretend to). i know every present i'm getting this year from my friends which are journals from notebooktherapy, a beaker set, some books, a new tote bag, etc. and i will be immensely grateful for it all even if it's not the surprise most people intend for gifts.
gift cards are great! especially if it's for people you don't know well but there's nothing quite irreplaceable like a thoughtful gift.
🎧 What Makes a Great Tech Gift for Men? It Starts With Listening
By The Gifting Dad
We live in a world overflowing with gadgets... smart this, Bluetooth that, everything promising to upgrade life. But when it comes to actually choosing a great tech gift for a man in your life, here’s what no trending list will tell you:
The best gifts don’t start with the product. They start with a conversation.
It might not be out loud. Maybe it’s in the way he talks about that thing that bugs him in the kitchen. Or how he always adjusts the lamp near his workspace. Or how he takes five minutes every night to line up his phone, wallet, and earbuds before bed like it’s some kind of ritual.
Those are the clues. And if you listen, they’ll guide you to gifts that matter.
🛠️ It’s Not About the Gadget - It’s About the Friction
Here’s a quick mindset shift that works wonders when you’re shopping for tech:
Don’t just ask “What would he like?”
Ask: “Where’s the friction in his day?”
That’s what great tech gifts do, they reduce friction.
They smooth out annoyances, simplify routines, or elevate something he already enjoys.
Some real-world examples:
He’s always misplacing his phone? A sleek magnetic charging stand turns chaos into calm.
He listens to music while cooking? Get him smart lights that pulse with his playlist.
He works long hours at a screen? Maybe it’s time for an eye massager that says, “You’ve earned some ease.”
You’re not just buying tech. You’re gifting smoother days. And that lands differently.
🔍 Think Function First, Flash Second
We all love cool features. But after years of testing, reviewing, and occasionally returning tech gifts, the winners are the ones that quietly become part of someone’s everyday life.
Here’s what I’ve learned to look for:
Will he actually use this on a weekday?
Is it plug-and-play, or does it need a manual the size of War & Peace?
Does it work with what he already owns - phone, setup, vibe?
Sometimes the most “boring” gifts, like a good wireless charger or a beautifully simple Bluetooth speaker, end up being the ones he raves about three months later.
Because they fit. And great gifts are all about fit.
🧠 What Kind of Thinker Is He?
Another trick I use is this: figure out what kind of thinker he is. Once you do, the right kind of tech starts to stand out.
The Tinkerer – Loves to build, tweak, or fix things
→ Try modular gadgets, DIY kits, or upgraded tools
The Optimizer – Always looking to improve routines
→ Think smart home gear, ergonomic accessories, or tracking devices
The Escapist – Craves downtime and immersive experiences
→ Go for headphones, ambient lighting, or VR accessories
The Creator – Expresses himself through sound, video, or design
→ Choose audio tech, filming tools, or digital sketchpads
The Sentimentalist – Values memories and nostalgia
→ Look for digital frames, retro turntables, or voice recorders
If you understand how he sees the world, you’ll start to see the tech that belongs in his world.
✨ One Simple Rule That’s Never Let Me Down
Here it is. The one rule I always come back to:
If it makes him say “Wow, that’s exactly what I needed,” you’ve nailed it.
Not “cool,” not “expensive,” not “on trend.”
Exactly what he needed... even if he didn’t know it yet.
💬 Bonus Tip: Add a Little Meaning
Want to elevate your tech gift instantly?
Add context. Include a handwritten note. Reference a moment you noticed him needing it.
Let the gift say, “I’ve been paying attention.”
That turns even the simplest gadget into something memorable.
🔗 Want Some Handpicked Ideas?
If you’re ready to browse gifts that have real-world usefulness and that spark delight, I’ve put together a full guide with the best of the best... no fluff, no generic picks.
👉 Best Tech Gifts for Men – TheGiftingDad.com
Everything in it is dad-approved, experience-tested, and chosen to actually land.
