Photo: Michael Murtaugh

For 11 months, senior staff writer Brooklyn White’s five-year-old daughter was absolutely sure she wanted a unicorn-themed birthday party. But three weeks before the big day, everything changed. Unicorns were out. Bluey was in.

Suddenly, the birthday required some extra finesse. Brooklyn dropped everything to make it happen, searching high and low for gifts in celebration of a certain silly Australian dog. The day, which you can read all about here, was a total Bluey dreamscape—complete with a custom photobooth.

“The cherry on top,” says Brooklyn, “was the huge Bluey box my aunt made for my daughter,” which was filled to the brim with non-junky gifts: a plush stuffie, great house shoes, a cozy blanket, and more. Brooklyn’s daughter remains in Bluey-induced bliss to this day.

There’s a lesson in here somewhere: People change, and the gifts that would really wow them will change too. It’s a story familiar to any parent—but also to anyone who has ever struggled to find the right way to celebrate someone. Expectations can be high, and people are … challenging (especially if they’re five). Simply put: Gifting is hard.

That’s where we’re hoping to come in, with our new weekly gifting newsletter, The Gift. Each week, we’ll share the hidden gems we’re most coveting (that we think your loved ones probably want, too), answer your biggest gifting conundrums, and surface some really great deals on really great presents.

So if your recipient abruptly and dramatically changes who they are—like suddenly worshiping at the altar of Bluey where unicorns once stood—don’t fret. We’ve got you covered.

Sign up for The Gift here→

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The best kids party favors (that aren’t junk) Send guests home with something not bound straight for the trash→

Some lovely birthday gifts for grown-ups Including a beautiful comb and a special birthstone pendant→

Our favorite gifts under $25 You don’t have to spend a lot to give a fantastic present→

A Bluey superfan’s day, made. Photo: Brooklyn White

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