Wirecutter - How to be a thoughtful gift giver

Michael Hession

Thoughtful, covetable items aren’t just in cutesy boutiques. Usually, they’re out in the world doing their jobs. Maybe your neighbor owns a beautiful cutting board. Or your local coffee shop has the most beautiful ceramics. (I love the Hasami mug we recommend in our gift guide for coffee lovers. It’s made by a heritage Japanese ceramics company and it’s dishwasher-safe!) So keep your eyes peeled, and don’t be afraid to ask for sources. Most people and businesses are proud and happy to share their smart finds. And if you need some added inspiration to shop local, we’ve rounded up 23 Wirecutter picks made by small businesses.

In this case of gifting, a yearound simmering effort works much better than a last-minute flash fry. Staff writer Dorie Chevlen jots ideas into recipient’s contact information in her phone; a rolling spreadsheet of all the special people in your life or a dedicated Note works too. If your partner mentions they’d really like new long underwear at the end of ski season, jot that down! And then wait 9 months knowing you’ve got an ideal gift in the bag.

Michael Murtaugh

A slightly zany gift is a great idea for lots of different recipients, from close intimates to tricky buggers who have everything. Just be sure to keep the item small, so as not to invade their space. A strangely lovely leather fly swatter: good. A giant orange shrimp-shaped body pillow? Not so much.

Associate staff writer James Austin firmly believes that games are great gifts for everyone. But not all players will appreciate every game. Splendor and Ticket to Ride, two games we recommend in our guide to beginner-friendly board games, are ideal for newer players. And games with cool or interesting themes tend to hit better with gaming newbies, too: One of our favorites, Sushi Go, appeals to anyone who can get down with a sushi platter—aka most people.