Context: My wife grew up in Guatemala. There one of her favorite things was a restaurant called "Pollo Campero" (literally, Country-style Chicken"). Well, they opened a few restaurants in the US. I was on a road trip, and passed by one such. I bought about 8 pieces, put them in ziplock bags, put them on ice in the cooler, and brought them home. She said it was the most romantic thing I have ever done.
Books. I've gotten a lot of books that I've appreciated. I've also given books and people always seem to be happy.
Other than that, small decorations.
I've never been that big of a fan of most practical or functional gifts because they're often obsolete tech. It's cool to give someone something they use every day, but it's easy to just clutter up a drawer instead.
People mean well, and I appreciate the thought, but I've gotten lots of stuff from relatives who don't quite understand that disposable batteries are a hassle and I don't have random papers lying around that need organizing.
Shi Ba Zi Zuo Chinese chef's knife (cleaver). Extremely versatile, holds a great edge. Probably my favorite knife in my kitchen and I give them out for Christmas/birthdays/graduations all the time.
My spouse bought me a Chemex coffee brewer years ago. It makes significantly better coffee than a standard drip brewer and I use it pretty much every morning. It’s not as easy as pushing a button or using a K-cup, but there’s something slightly meditative about the process.
My mom gave me a manual pourover, not an all glass chemex but similar, which is one of very very few simple functional objects I'm happy to have. I use it every morning.
One of those little warming plates for a single mug. I distract myself way too easily, so it's nice to return to tea that's still warm if I walk away from my desk. Worked great for 4 years and counting! Mine specifically doesn't have a brand on it so I'd bet it was under 50$.
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Context: My wife grew up in Guatemala. There one of her favorite things was a restaurant called "Pollo Campero" (literally, Country-style Chicken"). Well, they opened a few restaurants in the US. I was on a road trip, and passed by one such. I bought about 8 pieces, put them in ziplock bags, put them on ice in the cooler, and brought them home. She said it was the most romantic thing I have ever done.
Other than that, small decorations.
I've never been that big of a fan of most practical or functional gifts because they're often obsolete tech. It's cool to give someone something they use every day, but it's easy to just clutter up a drawer instead.
People mean well, and I appreciate the thought, but I've gotten lots of stuff from relatives who don't quite understand that disposable batteries are a hassle and I don't have random papers lying around that need organizing.