For parents
Why parents keep the card and lose the gift
A short column on why parents keep the card and forget the gift, and what that says about what you should write, say and spend next time.
Inès Rahmani4 min read
Inès Rahmani
Editor
Writes the gift advice and occasion guides.
Articles by Inès
By occasion
Graduation gift ideas that help with the next step
Graduation gift ideas that help with what comes next, from work bags and kitchen basics to a gift of time, with a plain rule for each kind of graduate.
Inès Rahmani5 min read
For her
Gifts for a partner who buys what they want
When your partner buys what they like, the gift has to be about taste, time or small daily comforts. Here is a way to choose that works.
Inès Rahmani3 min read
By occasion
Experience or physical gift: which is better?
Experience gifts and physical gifts each win in different cases. Use this simple comparison to choose for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.
Inès Rahmani3 min read
By occasion
Housewarming gift ideas that people actually use
Housewarming gift ideas that help a new home run well, from plants and candles to tools and kitchen basics, with a simple rule for who suits what.
Inès Rahmani5 min read
By occasion
Thank-you gift ideas for a teacher, host or neighbor
Thank-you gift ideas that suit a teacher, a host, a neighbor or a helper, with a simple rule on size, price and what to write in the card.
Inès Rahmani2 min read
By occasion
Diwali gift ideas for family, friends and hosts
Diwali gift ideas that suit family, friends and hosts: sweets, dry fruit, lamps and small home items, with simple rules on what to avoid and what to ask.
Inès Rahmani4 min read
Gift advice
How much to spend on a gift: a simple way to decide
How much to spend on a gift depends on closeness, occasion and your own budget. Use this plain rule instead of guessing or matching what others spend.
Inès Rahmani5 min read
For him
The sweater that never came out of the box
A made-up scene about a gift that missed, and what it says about guessing. Why gifts for him fail when they are about us, not him.
Inès Rahmani3 min read
For her
Anniversary gift ideas for her that are not jewelry
Anniversary gift ideas for her that are not jewelry: a few plain ways to show you remember the year, with a simple rule for each kind of partner.
Inès Rahmani5 min read
By occasion
Ramadan gift ideas for someone who is fasting
Ramadan gift ideas for friends, family and coworkers who are fasting, with simple rules on timing, food and what is kind to give during the month.
Inès Rahmani5 min read
By occasion
Christmas gifts for a big family: the swap that works
A made-up scene about a big family Christmas where a simple swap cut the shopping, the stress and the pile of duplicate gifts in half.
Inès Rahmani4 min read
By occasion
New baby gift ideas that help the parents, not just the baby
New baby gift ideas that help tired parents, from meals and laundry help to practical newborn basics, with a simple rule for what to give and skip.
Inès Rahmani5 min read
By occasion
Eid gift ideas: what to give family, friends and kids
Eid gift ideas that suit family, friends, hosts and children, with a simple rule for choosing and a few things to check before you buy.
Inès Rahmani5 min read
By occasion
Wedding gift: cash or present when there is no registry
Wedding gift cash or present? Cash suits most couples, a present suits a close couple whose taste you know. Here is how to decide and what to write.
Inès Rahmani4 min read
By occasion
Retirement gift ideas that help them enjoy the time
Retirement gift ideas should help the person enjoy new free time, not remind them of work. Here is a rule, safe picks, bold picks and what to skip.
Inès Rahmani3 min read
Gift advice
Should you include a gift receipt? Yes, here is when
Should you include a gift receipt? Almost always yes for clothes, gadgets and home items. Here is when to skip it and how to word it kindly.
Inès Rahmani2 min read
Gift advice
Three questions to ask before you buy any gift
Before you open a shopping tab, answer three questions about the person. They narrow almost any gift search to a handful of ideas in minutes.
Inès Rahmani4 min read
Gift advice
How to pick a gift for someone you barely know
A calm way to pick a gift for someone you barely know: keep it modest, useful or edible, add a gift receipt, and avoid the guesses that miss.
Inès Rahmani2 min read
For her
Gift for a 40th birthday for her: what feels right
A gift for a 40th birthday for her should mark the moment without joking about age. Here is a simple rule, safe picks and what to skip.
Inès Rahmani2 min read
Gift advice
Gift card or real gift: which one should you give?
Gift card or real gift? A real gift shows you know the person, a gift card shows you trust their taste. Here is how to choose without regret.
Inès Rahmani3 min read
Gift advice
Is it rude to regift? When it is fine and when it is not
Is it rude to regift? Not if the item is new, suits the new person and the first giver will never see it. Here are the simple rules and the traps.
Inès Rahmani3 min read
By occasion
Valentine's Day gift ideas for new couples: keep it light
Valentine's Day gift ideas for new couples should be small, warm and low pressure. Here is a simple rule, safe picks, bold picks and what to skip.
Inès Rahmani3 min read
For her
Gifts for mom on a small budget that still feel personal
Gifts for mom on a small budget can feel personal if they use her habits, your time or a memory. Here are rules, examples and what to skip.
Inès Rahmani4 min read