Wirecutter - How to be a thoughtful gift giver

Be an excellent gift giver

It’s not that it’s easy for Wirecutter staffers to select excellent gifts. It’s just that great products make great gifts, which means we have a lot of practice. We tapped editor Hannah Morrill, who helps drive our gifts coverage, to share some tips she—and other gifting experts—have picked up along the way.

Michael Hession

Ask around

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.

Keep a running list

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

Quirky is good—with conditions

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.

Gift the right games

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.

Gifts needn’t last forever

Giving a treat like food, flowers, or wine is almost always a good idea, and while a lot of gift baskets are kind of terrible, we found some really great ones. Perishables tend to feel more special if you stick to local producers. Goldbelly, an online marketplace for regional foods that we looked at during our extensive gift basket testing, has a great selection of local delicacies that ship nationwide.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

More weekend deals

How to support small businesses this weekend

Huge blowout holiday sales can be difficult for small, locally owned retailers to match. Here’s how you can help support your mom-and-pop shops.

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Our favorite stocking stuffers for adults

An easy thing to cross off your list early, these small offerings still have the potential to spark big-time joy.

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Get ahead on some Cyber Monday deals

While Black Friday is technically over, Cyber Monday promises a brand new batch of deals. Here are the best ones we’ve spied so far.

30 days of gifts

For the seasoning devotee

It’s a cinch to grab a pinch from this open-mouthed ceramic vessel (a favorite in our guide to the best housewarming gifts) thanks to its angled opening. Plus, its unglazed earthenware interior absorbs moisture to prevent flakes from caking.

Buy this Emile Henry Salt Pig

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