Edition 139 - Gifting

I specialize (not intentionally) in thinking of things that aren’t the flavour of the season, like buying umbrellas in winter and not just because they are more expensive in rainy season - it is a congenital feature.

So I loved this post by Tim Harford, written nearly 2 years ago on gifting. I just gifted a friend a book on sports at his wedding last weekend. And I echo what Tim offers as advice “Focus on what the recipient will actually do with the gift, rather than aiming for effect at the moment of unwrapping. Romance, surprise and delight are nice, but don’t be ashamed to be practical. And if you’re not sure what gift might be appreciated, ask.” That’s why I keep a rather long wishlist of books, which I offer to people anytime they ask me what I want.

That said, as a parent to two young kids, I sometimes can’t be bothered to think too much before buying gifts for their friends on their birthdays. And there’s at least one birthday party every month. So I am being practical :)