I've thought about this a lot, and the easiest rule of thumb is, "buy something consumable." Like chocolate, notebooks, wine, etc., that's one or two steps nice

I've thought about this a lot, and the easiest rule of thumb is, "buy something consumable." Like chocolate, notebooks, wine, etc., that's one or two steps nicer than they'd buy for themselves. (Or than you'd by for yourself.) They'll probably like it. It doesn't take up space. And, worst case scenario, it's trivially easy for them to share or regift if they don't like it. Also, statements like, "Good Gift Giving Is Incredibly Important," are unhelpful and untrue. People already feel too much anxiety about gifts. The worst case scenario is that they don't like it. As long as your present isn't offensive, nbd.