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I have this problem often. I want very few things, I can easily afford everything I want, and the things I might want fall into two categories: 1. I already kn
by ebg13 6y ago
I have this problem often. I want very few things, I can easily afford everything I want, and the things I might want fall into two categories:
1. I already know the most about the thing and have already found the one that either maximizes the utility/price relationship or maximizes utility below my price sensitivity threshold.
2. I don't know the most about the thing yet and have therefore not decided what I want.
The problem with the first is obvious: I either already own the thing or am about to, so the gift becomes just a cash transfer, and I don't need or want cash transfers from my friends.
The problem with the second is less obvious until you know that I dislike owning things and only choose to own things when they meet the first category.
So what's the answer for people with enough money and interest to buy good things for themselves?
Don't buy them utility gifts if you aren't more passionate than they are.
Buy them only weird sentimental things and quirky consumables that don't have to meet a personalized utility threshold. A small piece of artwork that comes with a note saying "This made me think of you" carries sentimental value and will make the receiver think of giver every time they look at it. A weird chocolate with ants inside will be weird and fun and it won't matter if it isn't the best weird chocolate with ants inside.
- nicbou 6y agoThe sweet spot is consumables that will improve their life, but that they don't feel like spending money on. Let them indulge in quality food, candles, wine, clothes, tools, etc.
- robocat 6y ago> Buy them only weird sentimental things ... A small piece of artwork that comes with a note saying "This made me think of you" carries sentimental value It is incredibly hard to do this without giving someone a burden. The recipient often feels an obligation to keep obviously sentimental gifts, even if they hate them (that piece of art your dear aunt gave you). Or maybe worse when the receiver loves dust collectors, and has a horde of clutter that you have just added to. Certainly you are inviting them to reciprocate with something sentimental, which now you can’t throw away even though you have no place to put it. It can be done, but you have to be really in tune with their tastes or listened carefully to what they like (e.g. I love some artists, but can really hate some of an artists oeuvre or I might not have a suitable place for it, so it is hard to pick something for me). > and will make the receiver think of giver every time they look at it Sometimes that could be selfish (depends on relationship etcetera).
- petsormeat 6y agoThis. As a minimalist related to borderline hoarders, I dread gift-giving occasions. When I give what I would want, it's considered stingy and sparse.