Our massive holiday gift guide, and tips for a less stressful Christmas

2024/12/6

Life and Art from FT Weekend

People

Harriet Fitch Little

Lila Raptopoulos

Louis Wise

Topics

Harriet Fitch Little: 圣诞节的意义在于爱和家人，而不是礼物本身。送礼时，可以降低预期，让对方惊喜。选择经典礼物的改良版，或者一些价格适中但品质优良的礼物，例如日本园艺刀或去球器。通过精美的包装提升礼物的档次，用精美的相框装裱照片，提升礼物的价值感。在圣诞节期间，给自己一些小的、放纵的享受，例如提前布置圣诞树，或独自去酒吧喝一杯完美的鸡尾酒。定期给自己一些特别的享受，例如品尝美味的奶酪和果酱。不要接受所有圣诞节的邀请，要学会取舍。减少圣诞节期间的奇特新菜谱，回归经典。 Lila Raptopoulos: 圣诞节每年只有一次，应该积极享受。圣诞节的快乐应该是真实而诚实的，而不是虚假的。送礼物的压力很大，感觉像是为了回报家人一年的付出。成功的礼物不必昂贵或具有纪念意义，只要能给对方带来新体验、更高品质的生活或感受到你的了解即可。提前准备礼物，可以减轻压力，并使礼物更有意义。一年四季留意值得送人的礼物，并记录下来。看到合适的礼物就买下，避免临近圣诞节才匆忙购买。如果要询问对方想要什么礼物，最好在11月中旬之前进行。避免需要解释的礼物，以免对方失望。通过精美的包装提升礼物的档次。 Louis Wise: 潘娜朵尼（Panettone）是不错的节日礼物，因为它独特、受欢迎且易于分享。送一些经典礼物的改良版，例如潘朵罗（Pandoro）。为男性挑选礼物，可以选择经典款式的升级版，例如高质量的白色T恤或连帽衫。用名厨推荐的高品质食材作为礼物，例如Kampot胡椒。支持更多具有创意的节日食物，例如“三鸟合一”（turducken）

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why should the holiday season be enjoyable despite the stress?

Christmas is about love and the people who matter most. The joy comes from the connections and the opportunity to express gratitude through thoughtful gifts, even if it’s a small gesture.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when buying gifts?

Avoid generic gift sets like tiny bottles of gin or deodorants that don’t align with the recipient’s actual preferences. Instead, focus on thoughtful, well-wrapped gifts that show you’ve considered their tastes.

What is the value of giving and receiving gifts during the holidays?

Gifts are a way to express love, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. They force us to think beyond ourselves and make a meaningful gesture, even if it’s just for a moment.

How can you make last-minute gift-giving feel thoughtful?

Keep a running list throughout the year of things people mention they like. This way, you can recall specific interests and choose gifts that feel personal, even if you’re buying at the last minute.

What are some strategies for organizing holiday shopping?

Start with a list in your phone and add to it throughout the year. If you see something that would make a great gift, buy it immediately rather than waiting, as you’ll likely forget later.

What are some good ideas for batch gifts (e.g., for teachers, colleagues, or service providers)?

Consider classic, festive items like panettone or pandoro. These are universally liked and add a touch of festivity without being overly expensive or controversial.

How can you make inexpensive gifts feel more special?

Focus on quality over quantity. For example, give a nicer version of something someone uses daily, like a high-quality pan or a reusable water bottle. Packaging and presentation can also elevate the gift.

What are some tips for buying gifts for men, especially those hard-to-shop-for types like dads or brothers?

Stick to classic, elevated items like a high-quality white t-shirt, a black hoodie, or a stylish gardening tool. Men often shop for themselves in repetitive ways, so a refined version of something they already use can be a hit.

How can you reduce stress and enjoy the holiday season more?

Start indulging in festive activities early, like putting up the tree or enjoying small treats. Avoid overcommitting to events and focus on quality over quantity when it comes to food, drinks, and gatherings.

What are some small, self-indulgent treats to enjoy during the holiday season?

Pre-mix a bottle of martini and keep it in the freezer for quick, decadent treats. Alternatively, visit a luxurious hotel bar for a perfect cocktail and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Shownotes Transcript

December is here, and we’re here to help you sort your holiday shopping. Need to make a last-minute gift feel thoughtful? Searching for something for your dad? Want to give a cheap gift a glow-up? Hoping to also actually enjoy December? Lilah has invited two experts onto the show: HTSI’s deputy editor Louis Wise and FT Magazine’s Food & Drink editor Harriet Fitch Little, the brains behind the FT’s two annual holiday gift guides. Please enjoy our most chaotic episode to date.

**As you know, the show is ending in early January – we’re still collecting your cultural questions. We have access to critics, reporters, artists and more – **and Lilah is determined to find you the most interesting answers she can. What’s rolling around in your head? How can we help? Email her at [email protected]) or send her a message on Instagram @lilahrap).

Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):

– The FT Magazine’s gift guide, in price order, is here.) We also love their advent calendar), with tips for every day of December

– HTSI’s holiday gift guide highlights: here is Louis’ Christmas buys for stylish guys) (which includes the Prada jumprope), HTSI editor Jo Ellison’s guide for fashion lovers), Drinks columnist Alice Lascelles’ for booze lovers) and Laila Gohar’s for party hosts)

– The HTSI guide to black hoodies for men)

– Harriet’s cheese interview) (you cut the cheese in the shape of the cheese!)

– Vox’s article on buying the perfect gift is here)

– Harriet is on Instagram @huffffle). Louis is @louisquinze)

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy) for more information.

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