This was so welcome in an inbox full of gift guides that just feel so out of touch at the moment— someone actually suggested a $500 Hermes ashtray, what?! I’m also just confused as to who everyone is giving all of these gifts to, my adult friends, colleagues and family are not in the habit of exchanging significant Christmas gifts. My friends and I are more likely to surprise each other with things we find throughout the year that remind us of each other.

I think the most thoughtful gifts involve the givers time, either in the creation of something (a letter, a loaf of bread, a knitted hat) or in time spent together.