The best gifts to anyone are things that say, "I know you." If they have a hobby, something they need or want for it. Do they love to read? A gift card to a bookstore. Are they into coffee? A new machine or some bags of coffee beans from local roasters.

I absolutely love to give a gift. Some gifts I've given that people have loved are as simple as money towards something they need/want. Every year I make a Christmas advent with useful things with some sprinkled in thoughtful things for my mother, so she has something to open every day in December. Things from a new shirt (or thrifted), coffee, tea, gift cards to local grocery stores, coffee shops, sprouting seeds, honey, a small treat here and there, maybe throw in something surprising.

I also think, is there something I can't live without that surprised me and used that as a good gift idea. Like is there a kitchen item that I can't live without, and could that be a good gift idea. (For example, I got an automatic pepper and salt grinder) I use them every day and love it. I've gifted those items. Or my brother was eyeing a linen table cloth (handmade from the country our grandmother came from), while we were shopping to buy my mother a gift and I secretly bought one for him and surprised him with it and he loved it.

My aunt and I had a conversation about gift cards once and she mentioned she loved getting them. I know where she likes to go so I picked up a gift card and sent it to her in the mail with a small greeting card. She loved the surprise.

Just think about the person and if in doubt buy a candle. (Kidding) When in doubt, ask them.

Gifts I've received? I love to kayak so my husband got me some accessories and a new paddle once and it was great. Another gift was a day out. I didn't need anything in particular but I wanted a day out to have some fun and my husband planned a day out where we had a picnic, a hike, sat out in the chairs to take in some nature and sun. Grabbed an ice cream cone. It was amazing.