Navigating the Challenges of Gift-Giving for Discerning Recipients

We’re fielding listener questions with pro tips for delighting picky friends, impossible relatives, and other challenging recipients on your holiday list.

Guest:  Staff writer Samantha Schoech

Products we recommend:

Beautiful Utilitarian Upgrades:

• Brushed Stainless Steel French Press
• Rough Linen Robe

Personalized Gifts: 

• Handwriting Cuff bracelet
• Personalized retro view finder
• Customizable drinking straw 

Experiential Gifts: 

• Teas to try together
• Bokksu Japanese Snack Box

Great for Dads: 

• Yeti Cooler
• LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers

Digital gifts that don’t clutter: 

• MasterClass subscription
• Libro FM  audiobook subscription
• Met Opera subscription
• BritBox British movies and TV subscription

For a brother who buys himself what we wants: 

• Williams Sonoma Monogrammed Steak Brand
• The best growler
• The best home brewing kit
• Happy Tooned Print

For people you don’t know that well: 

• Fast Growing Trees Citrus Trees

Sam loves:

• Italian loafers

Additional Reading: 

• Most Gift Baskets Are Terrible. These Are Great.
• 36 Gifts for People Who Have Everything 2024
• 28 Best Personalized Gifts of 2024 
• 15 Aesthetic Gift Picks (for Those With Impeccable Taste) 
• The 48 Best Gifts for Dads 2024

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast