LessWrong (30+ Karma) “Ruby’s Ultimate Guide to Thoughtful Gifts” by Ruby
Nov 28, 2025
Gift-giving is an art that goes beyond spending money, requiring empathy and creativity. Ruby shares techniques for understanding the recipient's interests, even when you don't know them well. She emphasizes the power of personalized gifts, experiences over objects, and the emotional impact of small tokens. Writing heartfelt letters, exploring meaningful aesthetics, and combining personal skills can elevate your gifting game. Ultimately, thoughtful gifts can strengthen relationships and spread joy for a lifetime.
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Gift Giving Is A Learnable Skill
- Gift-giving is a skill that combines theory of mind, empathy, noticing, and creativity.
- Time and money alone don't guarantee delightful gifts; deliberate skill does.
Search Quickly For Hobby-Specific Gifts
- Research the recipient's hobbies online and pick a thoughtful, specific item within 10–15 minutes.
- A well-chosen inexpensive tool often beats a pricier, irrelevant object.
Turn Photos Into Personalized Prints
- Use a good photo of the person or their pet, improve it with image tools, and print it on canvas or metal.
- Frame or present it nicely to add extra charm and meaning.
