Don’t rely on “best gifts of the year” lists (1/5)

Lists like these that you’ll see on Buzzfeed or magazines like New York or even gift finders from stores like Amazon are not good resources for you. These lists are impersonal and not curated to the tastes of the person you’re shopping for. If you find a hyper-specific list that matches their interests, then it might be worth a look. For example, if you’re shopping for an stylish environmentalist, a list of the best sustainable clothing gifts might work. Otherwise, stay away from these lists. 

The featured items also tend to be more expensive than what my college student self can afford, and the under-$50 or $25 lists are filled with things your loved one is more likely to throw away than treasure forever.