think back to previous visits you’ve made to other people’s homes or really lovely hotels. what stood out to you that made you go “oh!”?
also, if you’re down for it, challenge your guests by putting something like “something that makes you think of me/them/us!”
the more personal gifts are the ones that last
Nov 28, 2024
Related Recs
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When I have a friend coming into town for a birthday, work, or some family trip, a thing I love to do is to leave a little gift with the hotel concierge to leave in their room prior to their arrival. Flowers, a bottle of bubbles, a joint, a small tchotchke…anything, really. Just something small that says welcome home. It’s not very much effort for a really big payoff because it’s thoughtful, and what’s better than being thoughtful?
May 10, 2022
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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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- Right off the bat, ask them point blank if there's anything specific they want. You can kind of "pressure" them into it by giving them specific requests of your own.
- Something that reminds them of you or lets them show you off is nice, especially if you don't spend a lot of time together. One year I got my parents a custom-printed mug with a picture of myself on it. It was specifically requested, but your parents may like this either way. If you go to ___ University, then you can buy them a mug or sweater that says "proud ___ University mom" or "Someone I love goes to ___ University", or something of that sort.
- Something that you've acquired in your independent travels/adventures, that you probably couldn't get otherwise. Once you start travelling without them, whether for work or vacation, it's always nice to get a souvenir to show that you're still thinking of them. Stay away from tourist-y stuff if you can help it. Non-perishable consumables – sauces, jams, preserves, coffee beans – are great if travel restrictions allow for them, but locally-made crafts can work too, assuming your parents have the room. Candles are kind of perfect for this, since they don't occupy permanent shelf space, but you can avoid the TSA breathing down your neck.
Dec 19, 2024
Top Recs from @its_just_kate
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at least casually. don’t delete the accounts but don’t have the apps on your phone either.
rediscover your love of reading thru the magic of recognizing titles strangers are holding on the subway. become a subway reader.
don’t use sound as an escape from your thoughts/feelings/surroundings. grocery shopping without headphones is actually kind of beautiful!
pick up a new hobby or two or three. one of them should be something you’re not good at, and at least one should be no- or low-cost.
never. stop. learning. the library, the parks and rec department, and nearby museums offer great materials already but also usually have free lectures or courses.
go outside more. like, a lot more.
(took this much less literally, so apologies if it’s not what you’re looking for lol — as a narcoleptic I have no tips on how to Not Sleep since Sleep is basically my job)
Sep 30, 2024
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destined in the stars
Jan 1, 2025
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keeps it funky, keeps it fresh! a book for outside, a book for downstairs, a book for bed, a book for the subway, a book for the bathtub…..
Nov 30, 2024