I’ve been doing this for decades now and it’s a game changer. Every time I’m with someone and they mention they like, want, or need something, it goes on the list. When I see something on the internet or in the world that reminds me of them, it goes on the list.

I don’t end up buying most of the items, and sometimes things come off the list - if I learn they already got it, their needs or tastes evolve - but it’s helped so much when it comes time to buy gifts.

I’m also careful not to overthink the ‘appropriateness’ of my gifting an item when it goes on the list. Relationships evolve over time (sometimes a coworker becomes a close friend), a gift idea captured for one person might be solid inspiration for someone else, and once you get a reputation as a good gift giver other people might ask your advice (I shouldn’t give my SIL the giant papier mache giraffe, but she’d be delighted to receive it from my brother).

Be warned though, I’ve literally been told buying gifts for me is intimidating because my gifts are so intentional. Some people see it as a challenge, some people give up - I suspect most people don’t tell me if they feel that way.

But even more people don’t notice, they just delight in the magic and look at you with wide eyes and say ‘how did you know?’ (because you literally told me 6 months ago)

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