I've been thinking about this a lot and have yet to find said signature book for myself but the theory behind this gift is as follows: you think of a book that you love personally but has 'crowd favorite' potential (while still not a book that everyone has read or else why give book in question as present). The gift strikes a balance between giving something that is meaningful/personal to you while also giving a gift that they actually may like. This is not the sort of thing to give to close personal friends whom you know very well as you'd rather give them something that is tailored to them specifically, but is a great gift for people who do not fall in that category or people whom you are struggling to shop for. Again, I am still thinking about what my signature book will be but can imagine that once I find it, it will simplify gift-giving. Also you build aura as you give this book out consistently; it becomes strongly associated with you within the social circles in which you run (not that this should be the purpose of a good gift, just an added benefit).
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that usually includes a robust list of what they do/are passionate about, which will give you a good jumping off point.
HOWEVER, I am also a big fan of renegade gifting. the most treasured items I’ve ever received as gifts are things that I’d never buy for myself (and therefore would never ask for) but are things the gift giver associates with me.
my mom gave me a calmansi tree one Christmas to remind me of my childhood in the Philippines. one of my bffs got me a handmade leather journal with the last sentence of my thesis stamped in the cover when I graduated. my ex got me pottery classes at a local studio and handmade a fun gift certificate for my last birthday.
I love to give books bc that’s what I’m passionate about, and it can be a fun way to mix my personality with the receiver. the best part about receiving a gift is feeling truly seen by the person
Nov 30, 2024
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I was visiting a friend of a friend's bookstore over the Summer and they offered to give me a signed copy of Charlie Kaufman's Antkind. I did one of those omigosh-nos and we moved on right away but I still think about it and wish I'd had the grace to receive it.
This is a recommendation for a very particular type of person.
Nov 15, 2023
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I love to give gifts, and I think the best/most consistent formula for a gift someone will really love is something they’ll use, but wouldn’t splurge on for themselves— so if they enjoy coffee, a nice french press or Chemex along with a good bean subscription, or even a Moka pot and milk frother for espresso drinks at home— this formula works for most occasions, and relies on knowing the person/couple. Some good standbys that I get often are:
a good set of bathrobes; bathrobes make getting out of the shower much nicer, but many people wouldn’t get a really good robe for themselves; try Oddbird, Brooklinen, or LL Bean (which you can have monogrammed with a couples new initials)
a good vinyl player (if they collect vinyl), or a good set of speakers if they already have a quality turntable but poor speakers,
a subscription or service— for my girlfriends I usually buy a facial or a massage that they can schedule whenever, for a couple, maybe a theater subscription, a museum membership, or a couple’s massage— these are things people really enjoy but might not do for themselves, especially in the first year of marriage.
I tend to avoid overly customized gifts; if it isn’t something someone wants it may accidentally go unused and is impossible to return or regift.
Apr 19, 2024
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especially when you guys have been friends for a while and you pull up one of their old playlists and are sunk into their world (a world that you were a part of!)
I just started listening to a playlist my friend made in high school with the title of our favorite coffee shop we’d always go to. I could feel her soul in that playlist and it felt like a time stamp of who we were in that moment.
So special. Highly recommend.
Jun 29, 2024
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If it was played in a club during the late 60s and 70s, thats the only stamp of approval I need. A truly magnificent genre. Not necessarily slept on, but should be brought back to the clubbing scene (if in DC or NY area and aware of spaces that are genius enough to include this on their playlists, please leave recs below!)
Currently on repeat: Doctor's Order by Carol Douglas
Linked: A clip of Charlotte York from SATC dancing to this song in a club on Staten Island. These are the vibes, people; this is what we need to bring back.
Oct 4, 2024
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Reclaiming abrahamic faith for all the women harmed by it… so good
Nov 12, 2024