Boldium’s gift guide from the heart
We’re super grateful for all AI can do. But when it comes to gifts, it’s nice to get recommendations the old-fashioned way, from people you know. So here are a few from-the-heart ideas from the Boldium team. Hope you enjoy!
I'm very much an "I'll know it when I see it" kind of gift-giver, so shopping online can be frustrating. Here in the Bay Area, Gifty at The Crucible is my secret weapon — plus, everything there is hand-made and unique. If you're not in the area, look up your local arts organizations and see if they are doing any holiday events!
— William
My go-to strategy for gifting is simple: I love giving board games, because they always come with something beyond the present itself — time shared together. Slow moments, laughter, tiny strategies, shared wins and losses. It’s really a gift of presence, not pieces. And my top pick, one that works for almost any age or type of person is Dixit; a small tip: adding an extra deck or two makes it even more fun to play.
— Gosia
I’m a big fan of gifts that support the thoughtful, creative people who make them. This year, I went a little crazy with scarves, hats and gloves from Verloop, a family-owned company now led by their granddaughter. Each piece has bright colors and playful patterns—and they’re designed using scraps from the previous year :-)
— Suzanne
I love gifts you can experience — like going to see an inspiring exhibit, trying a stand-out restaurant, or taking a small trip someplace where it feels like you’re stepping into another world. Sharing moments like these stay with you for a long time, often longer than anything you can unwrap and keep on a shelf.
— Ariel
This isn't a specific gift recommendation—but we've enjoyed adopting local families who don't have much of a holiday budget. Many cities have organizations that make it easy. Checking off someone else's wish list has become a fun family activity.
— Matt
Our kiddo got "1 pass on a bicycle trip" and also "1 pass to the zoo" from different friends of the family. We turned around and reciprocated with "1 pass to Fairyland" and "Hanging with your cat on vacation". It's a cute way to say (a teensy bit) formally, I'm the kind of friend you can count on.
— Eric
Got a gamer on your list but no idea what they actually need? I recently stumbled onto hall effect keyboards—they use magnets instead of traditional switches, which lets you customize the pressure sensitivity of each individual key. Gamers are obsessed with these, and most haven't tried one yet.
— Saul
I Iove giving food-related gifts—cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, and homemade treats. This year I've been making granola on repeat from one of my favorite food writers and chefs, Samin Nosrat. It's filled with lots of good ingredients and perfectly toasted with olive oil, pecans, a light caramel sweetness, and sea salt. Fill glass jars with it and tie on a ribbon for a yummy homemade gift. Here's the recipe, also found in her cookbook, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat—which makes a wonderful gift on its own.
— Kim
In our current world, there is no shortage of gift items and ideas to suit anyone. I feel what makes a gift special is having a silent genuine thought, good wish, blessing towards the person at the moment of giving the gift. This thought is what I believe will make any gift special.
— Nirmal
On that note, we’re wishing you lots of presents and presence from the people, pets, and plants who are important in your lives.
— The Boldium Team