present meaning gift

Do You Give Presents Or Gifts? Here’s The Difference

Watch: do you give presents or gifts.

Where do the words gift and present come from? Why does English use both? We’re pretty sure it’s not just so that children can ask for toys in multiple ways …

Language is not a linear, predestined development. Even though it may feel as if the language we speak is in some way the logical conclusion of thousands of years of development, every word that we use has a unique, sometimes circuitous history.

So, let’s dig a little deeper into the histories and meanings of these two words.

What is a gift ?

Gift means “something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance.”

In Old English, gift is found in the senses of “dowry, marriage gift” in the singular, and “nuptials, marriage” in the plural. The familiar sense of gift , as in “an object freely given to another person,” emerges in the 1200s. In the 1300s, we can find  gift meaning “a special talent.”

The word gift appears to come from an Old Norse word, with cousins across the Germanic language. Speaking of cousins, you are probably wondering: is gift related to the verb give , “to present voluntarily and without expecting compensation; bestow”?

In a word, yes. Like gift , the English verb give is found in forms in Old English but also influenced by Old Norse forms, too. Suffice it to say, both gift and give share ancient Germanic roots.

Now, how about using gift as a verb? That’s a new thing, isn’t it? That may be a new pet peeve of some people, but using gift as verb is old, too, going back to at least 1600s. Switching the parts of speech of words, like using a noun as a verb, is one of the great, well, gifts of the English language.

And then there’s regift . The word refers to the common practice of giving away a gift that you received from someone else, like candles, bubble bath, and ugly slippers. This verb is also older than you think, found in the 1800s!

What is a present ?

But, what about gift ‘s synonym, present ? Present was imported into English from French, ultimately from the Latin  praeësse , “to be present, before others,” as when one is presiding over something or is in charge. Present , as a noun for a “gift,” is found in English in the 1200s. The sense of present as a verb for “to give a gift” is found by the 1300s.

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What’s the Difference Between a Gift and a Present?

By arika okrent | nov 30, 2018 | updated: nov 29, 2022, 10:07 am est.

It’s that time again when we’re busy buying, wrapping , and giving them. Sometimes we call them gifts , sometimes presents . Is there a difference?

The words come to us from different language families. Gift comes from the old Germanic root for “to give.” It referred to an act of giving, and then, to the thing being given. In Old English it meant the dowry given to a bride’s parents. Present comes from the French for "to present." A present is the thing being presented or bestowed. Both words were in use for the idea of something undergoing a transfer of possession without expectation of payment from the 13th century onward.

The words gift and present are well-matched synonyms that mean essentially the same thing, but even well-matched synonyms have their own connotations and distinctive patterns of use. Gift applies to a wider range of situations. Gifts can be talents: You can have the gift of gab, or a musical gift. Gifts can be intangibles: There is the gift of understanding or the gift of a quiet day. We generally don’t use present to describe things like that. Presents are more concrete or a bit more, well, present. If your whole family gave donations to your college fund for your birthday would you say “I got a lot of presents”? It doesn’t exactly sound wrong, but since you never hold these donations in your hand, gifts seems to fit better.

Gift can also be an attributive noun, acting like an adjective to modify another noun. What do you call the type of shop where you can buy presents for people? A gift shop. What do you call the basket of presents that you can have sent to all your employees? A gift basket. Present doesn’t work well in this role of describing other nouns. We have gift boxes, gift cards , and gift wrap, not present boxes, present cards, and present wrap.

Gift appears to be used more frequently than present , though it is difficult to get accurate counts, because if you compare occurrences of the noun present with the noun gift , you include that other noun present , meaning the here and now. However, the plural noun presents captures only the word we want. Gifts outnumbers presents in the Corpus of Contemporary American English by four to one.

Still, according to my personal sense of the words, present —though it may not be as common—is more casual sounding than gift . I expect a child to ask Santa Claus for lots and lots of presents, not many, many gifts. But whether it’s gifts or presents you prefer, I wish you many and lots this year, of both the tangible and intangible kind.

Have you got a Big Question you’d like us to answer? If so, let us know by emailing us at [email protected] .

A version of this story ran in 2018; it has been updated for 2022.

Definition of 'gift'

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Meaning of present in English

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present noun ( SOMETHING GIVEN )

• present The coat was a birthday present from my sister.
• gift I have a small gift for you.
• donation After the earthquake, donations poured in from all over the world.
• grant Students receive a grant equal to £250 per month.
• contribution She wanted to make a financial contribution to the family.
• We're having a collection for Tom's retirement present.
• They got an entire set of silver cutlery as a wedding present.
• I was looking for a birthday present for my mother but I didn't find anything suitable .
• Aren't you going to unwrap your presents?
• The children squealed in delight when they saw all the presents under the Christmas tree .
• Christmas box
• Christmas stocking
• secret Santa
• stocking filler

present noun ( NOW )

• I'm usually too immersed in the present to worry about the future .
• Let's talk about the present.
• contemporaneity
• contemporarily
• contemporary
• in this day and age idiom
• the status quo
• there's no time like the present idiom
• this minute idiom

present adjective ( IN A PLACE )

• Mind your language - there are ladies present!
• Is it necessary for all of us to be present at the meeting this afternoon ?
• Melanin is the dark brown pigment of the hair , skin , and eyes that is present in varying amounts in every human being.
• More men are present at the births of their children these days .
• There ought to be an adult present at all times , when there are young children in the pool .
• be in at the kill idiom
• in the flesh idiom
• kick around
• seropositive
• sit through something
• synchronically

present adjective ( NOW )

• Charlie has a clever plan for getting us out of our present difficulties .
• Unlike the present government , we believe in serving the community .
• The present system of payment will remain in effect until the end of the rental agreement .
• The present voting system distorts the wishes of the electorate .
• Are you feeling frustrated in your present job ?

present verb ( GIVE )

• He has a lot more work to do before he can present the scheme to the public .
• Ruth was astonished when he presented her with an engagement ring .
• She presented a well-argued case for the banning of smoking in public places .
• She graciously accepted the flowers that were presented to her.
• The Duchess of Kent will be presenting the trophies .
• accommodate
• accommodate someone with something
• administration
• arm someone with something
• hand something down
• hand something in
• hand something out
• hand something over
• reassignment

present verb ( INTRODUCE )

• I'd like to present my grandson , Jackson Junior.
• He was presented to the Queen and given a knighthood .
• She used to present one of those holiday programmes but now she reads the news .
• May I present Sir Bob Geldof?
• What was that documentary called that she used to present?
• audio described
• audio description
• commentary box
• interchannel
• live stream
• slow motion
• station break
• transmission

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

present verb ( SHOW SIGNS OF ILLNESS )

• adverse reaction
• aggressively
• contraindication
• echocardiogram
• vital signs
• withdrawal symptoms

present | American Dictionary

Present adjective [not gradable] ( grammar ), present adjective [not gradable] ( place ), present verb [t] ( provide ), present verb [t] ( cause ), present verb [t] ( introduce ), present | business english, examples of present, translations of present.

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• present (SOMETHING GIVEN)
• present (NOW)
• the present
• the present (tense)
• present (IN A PLACE)
• present (GIVE)
• present (INTRODUCE)
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What’s the Difference Between a Gift and a Present?

• Updated on August 14, 2023

Matt Carlson

ParentPresents.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.  Learn More 

Difference Between a Gift and a Present

The words “gift” and “present” are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two words. 

A gift is something that is given without expecting anything in return.  

A present is a gift that is given in order to celebrate a special occasion or to show appreciation for something.

For example, if your friend took you on a trip, you might give them a cool present, like a  custom map of the place that they took you, as a way of saying thank you. In this case, there would be  no expectation of receiving anything in return. 

This would be a gift .

However, if you gave your boss a gift card to his favorite store as a way of asking for a raise, you would be giving them the gift card with the expectation of getting something in return (in this case, more money).

This would be a present.

Origins of the words

The word “gift” comes from the Old English word “gift,” which means “give”.

The word “present” comes from the Latin word “praesentare” which means “to show”

Conclusion: Gift vs Present?

The difference between a gift and a present is very subtle. 

To summarize it in one sentence:

When giving, if you are expecting something in return technically it is a present, if you are not then it is a gift. 

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Home » Language » English Language » Words and Meanings » Difference Between Gift and Present

Difference Between Gift and Present

Main difference – between gift vs present.

Gift and present both refer to something that is voluntarily given to another person. Thus, these two nouns can be used interchangeably on most occasions. However,  gift can also refer to a natural ability or talent, unlike present. In addition, the meanings of the two verbs gift and present are not the same; present refers to the act of giving something formally or ceremonially whereas gift refers to a more informal act.

In this article, we’ll look at the,

1. What is Gift? – Meaning, Usage and Examples of the word Gift

2. What is Present? – Meaning, Usage and Examples of the word Present

What is Gift

Gift refers to something that is voluntarily given to another person. The Oxford dictionary defines gift as “a thing given willingly to someone without payment” and the American Heritage dictionary also defines it as “something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.” In this sense, gift is synonymous with present and reward. So, gifts can refer to presents you give for your friends and family as well as rewards and donations you give to charity. For example,

I bought a gift for her birthday.

They received many gifts for their anniversary.

He gave her a diamond and ruby ring as an anniversary gift.

Your gift is highly appreciated.

Gift can also refer to a natural ability or talent. For example, the gift of healing can refer to the talent for healing people.

He has the gift for comedy . – He is good at comedy.

She has a gift for playing the piano. – She is good at playing the piano.

Gift can also be used as a verb. The verb gift means to give someone a gift.

The queen gifted her with a diamond necklace.

The company gifted 20% of their shares to a charity.

The God has gifted her with a beautiful voice.

She gifted me with a gold watch.

What is Present

As a noun, present refers to a thing that is given to someone as a gift. In other words, present is synonymous with gift. For example,

My sister received many birthday presents. – My sister received many birthday gifts.

This car is my 10 th anniversary present. – This car is my 10 th anniversary gift.

However, the noun present does not refer to a natural talent or ability as the noun gift does. Furthermore, the verb present does not have the same meaning as the verb gift. The verb present means to give or award formally or ceremonially. For example,

The mayor will present the prizes.

He was presented a medal for his bravery.

She received several Christmas presents.

Gift and present both refer to something given voluntarily.

Gift can refer to a natural talent or ability.

Present cannot refer to a natural talent.

Gift refers to the act of giving a gift.

Present refers to the act of giving something formally or ceremonially.

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Synonyms of gift

• as in donation
• as in talent
• as in to bless
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Thesaurus Definition of gift

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• presentation
• contribution
• benefaction
• benevolence
• philanthropy
• beneficence
• care package
• remembrance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peace offering
• predisposition
• inclination
• disposition
• predilection
• proficiency
• shortcoming

Thesaurus Definition of gift  (Entry 2 of 2)

• bestow (on or upon)
• confer (on)

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun gift differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gift are aptitude , bent , faculty , genius , knack , and talent . While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

When can aptitude be used instead of gift ?

The words aptitude and gift can be used in similar contexts, but aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

How do bent and aptitude relate to one another, in the sense of gift ?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

Where would faculty be a reasonable alternative to gift ?

In some situations, the words faculty and gift are roughly equivalent. However, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

When could genius be used to replace gift ?

The meanings of genius and gift largely overlap; however, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

When would knack be a good substitute for gift ?

Although the words knack and gift have much in common, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

In what contexts can talent take the place of gift ?

The synonyms talent and gift are sometimes interchangeable, but talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed.

Phrases Containing gift

• gift of gab

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Cite this entry.

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on gift

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Is the present a gift?

• Post author By Pat and Stewart
• Post date June 28, 2013

Q: A friend posted this on Facebook: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a GIFT. That’s why they call it the present.” Is there a connection between “the present” and “a present”?

A: That saying, which is often mistakenly attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, A. A. Milne, and others, is merely a play on words.

The “present” that means now and the “present” that means a gift are two separate nouns, though they have a common source.

Both of them originated in the notion of presence—of being at hand or on the spot. They can be traced to the Latin noun praesens (presence) and adjective praesentem (present or at hand, not absent).

In these Latin words we find the prefix prae- (before, in front of) and a participial form of the verb esse (be). So the original notion was of being before (in the presence of) a person or thing.

Derivatives of the Latin words came into English in the Middle Ages by way of Anglo-Norman and Old French.

And it was in Old French that the noun present first came to mean a gift, a sense that was passed along into English.

As John Ayto writes in his Dictionary of Word Origins , “The use of the related word present for ‘gift’ originated in Old French in the concept of ‘bringing something into someone’s presence,’ and hence of giving it to them.”

The other sense of the noun “present”—the time at hand—was also influenced by French, according to the Oxford English Dictionary . But it developed separately from the “gift” sense.

And the English adjective “present” is from French as well, in its usual senses related to place (here) and time (now).

It’s difficult to sort out which English words came first.

For example, the OED says the English adjective “present” was first recorded in writing in 1340, but that it may have influenced various noun usages, some of which were recorded more than a century earlier.

The etymology of these words helps explain why the English verb “present” has so many meanings.

The OED says that when first recorded, around 1300, to “present” meant “to bring or place (a person) before or into the presence of; to bring to the notice of another; to introduce, esp. formally or ceremonially; spec. to introduce at court or to society, or before a sovereign or other distinguished person.”

Today “present” can mean, among other things, to introduce someone or something (like a person, a product, a performer); to put before the public (a play, exhibition, etc.); to hold vertically in salute (as in the phrase “present arms”); or to lay before a court or other authority (as a lawyer offers documents to a judge).

That last meaning explains the use of the term “these presents” in legal language, a usage the OED says dates back to 1379. In the legal sense, “presents” means the  present documents, writings, words, or statements. (No, they’re not gift-wrapped.)

Here’s an example from the preamble to the Articles of Confederation (1781): “To all to whom these Presents shall come, we the undersigned Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send greeting.”

As you’ve probably gathered, the verb “present” is almost always transitive—that is, it has a direct object, the something that’s being presented.

But as we noted in a blog posting a few years ago, there’s an exception. In medicine, to “present” means to appear before a doctor. It’s one of the rare cases in which the verb is intransitive and doesn’t have an object.

The examples we used: “The patient presented in my office with symptoms of fibromyalgia ” … “ The head of the fetus is presenting. ”

The OED has examples of this medical usage going back to 1719. So it may be odd, but it’s presentable.

As for that saying your friend posted on Facebook, it’s been cited in print in one form or another since at least the 1990s, and it may have originated in a Hallmark greeting card, according to the language sleuth Barry Popik.

In an entry on his Big Apple website, Popik traces the saying to an Aug. 31, 1994, installment of “The Family Circus,” a comic strip by Bill Keane: “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a GIFT. That’s why it’s called the present.”

Popik, who had help on his posting from the lexicographer Jonathan Lighter, says an earlier version of the saying that doesn’t connect the two senses of “present” appeared in the July 11, 1967, issue of the Altoona (PA) Mirror:

“You must forget the past. Yesterday is history, tomorrow’s a mystery. Follow the AA philosophy of quitting one day at a time and seeking divine guidance.”

A partial version of the saying showed up in the Aug. 2, 1993, issue of the Galveston (TX) Daily News , in a typo-ridden ad that suggested a greeting-card connection:

“Today is a gift, thats why its called the present “MAINLAND FLORAL, INC. “Hallmark.”

A citation from The Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People , a 1998 book by by Jill H. Podjasek with Jennifer Carney, also suggests a greeting-card origin of the saying:

“I read the following wisdom in a greeting card years ago: ‘Yesterday is history; tomorrow is mystery; today is a gift; that is why they call it the present.’ ”

If any readers of the blog have one of the greeting cards up in the attic, please send us a photo of it!

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Gift giving: Is it really the thought that counts? Psychologists weigh in.

As I scrolled through a friend’s Secret Santa wish list recently, I felt conflicted. I’ve always believed that a good gift requires thought and effort. If I just got him something on his wish list, would he think I didn’t care enough to try to come up with the perfect present on my own? If I put in minimal thought, would he like the present less?

The answer is no, according to research . In fact, focusing on adages, such as “It’s the thought that counts,” isn’t necessarily the best approach to gift giving.

“One of the central challenges in gift giving is that you are trying to get something that’s ideal for another person, and what seems ideal to you — what’s going on in your mind as a gift giver — might be quite a bit different from a gift receiver,” said Nicholas Epley , a behavioral science professor and the director of the Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Although many common gift-giving beliefs are well-meaning, leaning on them can potentially lead givers astray, said Marisa G. Franco , a psychologist and friendship expert. “The problem with some of these platitudes is that they pretend that we all have universals,” she said. “It replaces the other person and the other person’s actual needs and actual languages of love.”

Here’s what experts say about some popular gifting beliefs, and here are their tips for giving holiday presents in a way that can help optimize happiness and connection.

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the thought that counts

“What we find in our work is that thoughts count pretty importantly for the givers,” said Epley, who published research in 2012 that examined the cliche. “Putting a lot of thought, spending time thinking about what a recipient might like tends to make the givers feel closer and more connected to a receiver.”

But recipients often “are not having your thoughts,” Epley said. His research suggests that, when people receive gifts, the “dominant effect” of the gift is how much the person likes it.

Franco agreed. “We think that people would prefer something we’ve chosen for them rather than what they’ve explicitly asked for,” she said. “When in fact, people actually like when they get a gift that they actually like.”

There are some situations, however, in which the thought behind a gift does matter. Recognizing thoughtfulness can help buffer the negative experience of receiving a bad gift from someone you know, experts said. Thought can also play a larger role in gifting when the alternative is giving nothing.

“If thoughtfulness comes not from the amount of thought you put into a gift, but just from the fact that you were thinking about somebody and you got them something — maybe when they weren’t expecting it — that’s really meaningful,” Epley said. “We value expressions of warmth from others a lot, and giving somebody a gift, even a small one just to show that you’re thinking of them, matters.”

The friendship checkup: How to reevaluate relationships and take steps to repair them

Still, the desire to be thoughtful can lead to pitfalls, such as overthinking, said Mary Steffel , an associate professor of marketing at Northeastern University who has studied gift giving . “Givers often end up overshooting, getting things that are maybe more unique or more narrow than what the receiver might want.”

Take, for example, some people’s aversion to giving cash or gift cards because they believe it is too impersonal. Not only is gifting money accepted, and in some cases expected, within certain cultures, but Steffel said her research also indicates that recipients may prefer gifts with more flexibility, including gift cards that aren’t specific to a store. “They’d rather have that Visa gift card or Amazon gift card that allows them to get whatever they want or need.”

By relying too much on thoughtfulness, givers tend to “overlook better ways of gift giving, which is to listen to what the other person wants,” Epley said. “You don’t have to divine it. I don’t have to read your mind and guess what you want. I can ask you directly what you might like, or I can just listen carefully.”

It’s also important to remember that despite our best attempts, it can be challenging to get into the minds of others, said Sam Maglio , a consumer psychologist. “All the thought and mental effort in the world isn’t going to get you inside somebody else’s head as well as consulting a wish list.”

Sustainable gift-giving is on the rise. Here are a few ideas for the holiday season.

Gifting experiences is better than giving material items

According to science, this holds true. People who get experiential gifts, such as event tickets, gift certificates to restaurants or special trips, feel closer and more connected to their gift giver compared with those who receive material gifts, according to the results of multiple studies published in 2016 in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Additionally, the researchers noted that experiential gifts can have a connecting effect even if the giver and the receiver aren’t sharing the experience. “The reason is because even though you aren’t with me, I’m thinking of you,” said Cassie Mogilner Holmes , who co-authored the 2016 paper and is an expert on happiness and the role of time. “I feel like you’re with me vicariously, and the emotions from consuming that experience lead to greater sense of connection.”

Holmes encouraged gift givers to think about their relationships with recipients and how the recipients spend their time. Another benefit of giving experiences is that a person’s time can feel more enriched, she said. For “time-poor” people, she suggested getting them experiences that give the gift of time.

“You can buy them time by hiring a babysitter for them, so that they have the space to go out and spend their time in ways that are satisfying for them,” said Holmes, a professor of marketing and behavioral decision-making at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

Why having too much free time can be as bad for you as having too little

If an experiential gift isn’t feasible, material gifts can create a similar sense of connection when presented in ways that emphasize experience, Holmes said. For example, she said, she gave her husband a watch for one anniversary and included a letter about how the watch represented a way to track their shared experiences and life together.

“You can frame the gift as an experience that they will have consuming it,” she said.

Give from the heart

Gifts that require a lot of effort — for example, something handmade or something that took you a long time to find — can be important ways for givers to “symbolically show just how much they care,” Steffel said. Ideally, Franco added, a gift you put extra effort into should align with what the recipient wants.

Giving from the heart can also take the form of sentimental gifts, experts said. Research shows that givers tend to shy away from sentimentality more than they should, because recipients actually appreciate presents with emotional value.

When in doubt, Epley recommended “creating a diversified portfolio of gifts.” You can gift a person something you know they’ll like, either because you asked them or because you picked it off a wish list, and supplement that with a present that may feel more meaningful.

It’s better to give than to receive

Not necessarily, experts said. “Giving love is a blessing, and so is receiving love,” Franco said. “One doesn’t have to be superior to the other.”

Alternatively, some gift exchanges can also be “lose-lose” propositions, Maglio said. Gift givers can “exert all sorts of mental effort to give a good gift” and still fall short, he said. Then, recipients are left with a gift “that, despite all this effort that the giver put into it, missed the mark.”

Maglio encouraged givers to ask some key questions: Would you really want it? What would it be like to own and use this gift? How can you give a gift that’s more practical or functional?

Givers often “only think as far as what it’s like to be the instantaneous recipient of a gift,” he said. “They think a showy, expensive present that is impossible to use or doesn’t have a lot of value in day-to-day life will really drop jaws to the floor, and it might." But then, he said, “the gift giver walks away from the interaction and the recipient is left with a beautiful, expensive thing that collects dust on their shelf.”

Another way that givers and receivers can benefit from gift exchanges employs the adage “Sharing is caring,” said Maglio, who co-authored a 2017 paper that studied the effects of buying a gift for someone that you also buy for yourself. “Our data shows that receivers feel closer to gift givers when they say, ‘I bought the same thing for myself,’ more so than, ‘It got great reviews online’ or ‘I put a lot of effort into it,’ ” he said.

Keep in mind, Franco said, that as a recipient, you can also play a role in creating a positive gift exchange experience. “It is a skill to be good at accepting gifts,” she said. A receiver should be able to recognize that, whether a gift is something you wanted or not, “someone had a positive feeling that they wanted to express toward you in the act of giving.”

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The Telegraph

Stuck for Christmas present ideas? Here’s how to buy a gift your adult children actually want

Posted: November 20, 2023 | Last updated: November 21, 2023

Buying presents for grown-up children can be a minefield. They’ve moved out of home, and have lives of their own – lives you might not know all that much about.

If they have children of their own, grandchildren can quickly become the focus on Christmas Day , but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your own offspring.

In fact, a small and thoughtful present to them – especially if they are hosting you – can make all the difference in making the festive period run as smoothly as possible.

But if you are staring into the void, without any ideas of what your grown-up children need or want, it can feel like a Sisyphean task to find the right gift.

Never fear. With my years of experience helping shoppers pick out the right thing, I know exactly how to achieve that glowing feeling of having given a perfect present on Christmas morning.

Here are my top tips for being the best gift-giver this festive season. 

The first steps

As hard as it can be to rid your head of all of the endless gift possibilities, especially given how many advertisements there are at this time of year, don’t start with the product itself.

Begin with the person that you are buying for. Use what you know about them to create a shortlist of ideas that are tailored to them as an individual.

Think about what they have done during the year, and the conversations you have had in the last few months. What do they like to do in their spare time? What do they want to do in the next year? Figuring out their passions will help you choose something that is both useful and wanted.

Social media can help with this, for the au fait , as can talking to other relatives and friends of the loved one. Avoid talking just to those in your own generation, as their opinion might be skewed.

While small children cannot always be relied upon as arbiters of taste, they might be able to offer insight into how their parents are enjoying their free time.

If there’s a comedian or an artist they watch all the time on television, or a film they’ve been wanting to see, their children may well have the inside line.

This poll has been active since Nov 10, 2023

Alternatively, is there something you’ve noticed that they might need? If they’re a keen baker, for example, a replacement for a cracked or damaged item in their kitchen, or an upgrade of a piece of equipment, might be very well appreciated.

If they’re a sports nut, ask yourself whether you know which team they support. Could tickets to a game be appropriate, or if they play, equipment or an offer to pay their annual team fees?

Do they wear the kit of their team when they go to support and, if so, has there been a new strip recently?

The problem with collectible items is that collectors usually get there first, so it can be worth making sure that they haven’t already got the present you have in mind.

If they are a keen reader, then the next book in the series is always a wonderful present, although you might need an insider to help figure out what they’re reading now.

Alternatively, often the best gift you can give bookworms is the chance to go to a shop and browse for hours – if you can promise a day out, then it becomes a way to spend more time together after the festive season.

Remember, the present is just one aspect of a gift. The wrapping and experience of the giving is important in creating memories, and a card with a handwritten and thoughtful message is, of course, also key. 

While the demands of buying presents for a large family can be significant, you can also rely on the well-established names to provide general advice and support.

Trusting the great institutions of taste, such as Harrods, with what information you do know can be effective, efficient and enjoyable.

Should I ask them what they’d like?

I don’t feel there is a reason not to do this, despite some believing that the very best presents are a surprise. Sometimes a gift that is expected can bring just as much joy, especially if it is still thoughtful.

If you do ask for ideas, be prepared to seek out the gift that has been requested. If you struggle to give up all of the element of surprise, adding smaller and complimentary gifts around the initial request can help to deliver an extra level of thought.

If you are gifting to a close family member, I would recommend purchasing the present requested and a little something extra to open on the day. This is more important if the present that they’ve asked for isn’t something they can open on Christmas day.

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Even having a book or a chocolate bar to open can help everyone feel included, and stop any lingering resentment.

You could also add other gifting moments in the run up to the big day. Consider giving close relatives and friends an advent calendar at the beginning of December, as then the Christmas season, and its memories, can be extended.

Should I choose an object or an activity?

Both! Consider Xenia, the ancient Greek social rule about giving something material and non-material (such as hospitality, or in this case an activity).

If you can combine an object with an activity , then you’ve hit the jackpot. For example, offering to take someone for a day out with an express purpose, such as going to a bookshop, can see you combine a more traditional gift with time together.

If you live a long way from where you will be spending Christmas, gifting experiences or tickets to shows or plays can also help lighten the load for when you travel.

But, as a word of warning, giving a shrinking violet a voucher for indoor skydiving might miss the mark entirely.

If you are giving tickets to the theatre, try to make sure it’s something your loved one would want to see. There’s not much worse than being forced to sit through a musical if they make you want to run out of the room screaming.

So, remember to properly tailor your choice, whether it is a physical gift or an experience, to the person you are giving it to. 

What should I do if they don’t like my gift?

We have all, at one point or another, received a present that, with the benefit of hindsight, could have been better. But it pays to be polite and grateful, so as the gift recipient, try to hide any disappointment on Christmas morning .

If you are in the unfortunate position of having given someone a present they clearly don’t like, don’t panic. There’s a reason why the saying goes that the thought is what counts, so be gracious in accepting the feedback but don’t feel the need to apologise if you’ve put effort in.

Take note of the criticism, whatever form it takes, and make sure not to make the same mistake next time. If the person you bought for received an excellent present, perhaps have a conversation with whoever gave it to them – it can be a good way to find out what they really like for next time.

If the shoe is on the other foot, be gracious in receiving, and either regift the unwanted present to someone who will like it, or quietly donate it to a charity shop in the new year.

You can then allow your circle of influence to carefully disperse more accurate messages about what you might like better, just in time for next Christmas.

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Top Holiday Gifts for Women From $8 to $98

Find a present that suits her to a tee.

Lois Joy Johnson,

Holiday gift buying is a mix of fun, frivolity and fear this year as prices rise, budgets shrink and our lists of recipients grows longer. Though your heart says “ splurge ,” your head is probably murmuring “be sensible.” It takes a little more digging to find the special somethings that balance cheer, love and affordability, but here are the best beauty and style options for friends and family that clearly shout, “It’s a wrap!”

Whether she wears black leather pants and stacked jewelry or boho midis and boots , this giftee loves anything new and edgy that she doesn’t have … yet! On her must-have list: a black denim midi skirt like the Gap Denim Midi Skirt in Black Wash ($48, gap.com), a black turtleneck top like the Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Mock Turtleneck T-Shirt in Black ($15, target.com) — the newest alternative to the white tee — or an opaque black bodysuit like the Abercrombie & Fitch Women Long Sleeve Ottoman Squareneck Bodysuit in Black ($56, abercrombie.com). All are basics that add a this-minute tweak to any wardrobe . For a stocking stuffer, try a midnight blue nail polish like Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in 127 Fugueuse ($32, nordstrom.com), a very cool change from dark merlot and deep red that’s also kinder to aging hands than punky black but just as effective.

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Whether she’s a vegan foodie with a green thumb who wants to save the planet or an eco-conscious soul with two rescue dogs and a yen for cruelty-free products and sustainable clothes, give her gifts that resonate with those values. Try a teddy bear-ish pullover like the Everlane The ReNew Fleece Oversized Crew in Kalamata or Tiger’s Eye  ($98, everlane.com) in soft recycled polyester, vegan kicks like the Vionic Beach Pismo in Black or Cream ($65, zappos.com) or the Temple Spring Bathtub Caddy Tray in Bamboo in Natural ($50, amazon.com) with a so-useful Kindle/book rest and a recessed spot for a tea mug and for instant soothing. Add the Love Beauty and Planet Hydrate & Restore Pant-Based Body Wash in Vanilla Bean ($11, target.com) with nourishing hyaluronic acid in a richly lathering formula as a feel-good bonus to any package.

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3. Practical

Whether she’s a work-from-home workaholic who’s balancing job and life or just prefers simplified solutions that declutter her routine, give her gifts that streamline the day like the lighter weight Revlon One Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush in Mint ($60, amazon.com), the newer version of the famous do-all superstar with smaller handle and barrel for easier styling of layers and bangs; an oversize sleep mask like The Sleep Code Washable Silk Butterfly Sleep Mask in Navy ($38, thesleepcode.com) to block out extra ambient light; the time-saving and cruelty-free Philosophy 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath in Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere ($25, ulta.com); or a machine washable wool sweater like the J. Crew Factory Crewneck Sweater in Extra Soft Yarn in Hthr Acorn or Hthr Graphite ($35, factory.jcrew.com) in quiet luxurious colors like camel and gray that never go out of style.

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4. Sophisticated

Whether she’s a classic who favors button-downs and blazers or a minimalist who prefers a sleeker pared-down aesthetic, gifts that project refinement never miss. Give her the elegant H&M Women Pajama Shirt and Pants in Dark Red or Black ($35, hm.com/en_us) with notched lapels and wide-leg pants; a chic knit hood like the & Other Stories Fitted Cashmere Hood in Cream or Black ($79, stories.com/en_usd) to protect hair , neck and ears from cold and wind; a shimmery top like the Chico’s Mock Neck Metallic Crinkle Top in Black ($80, chicos.com) to dress up any pair of black pants in a flash; and the most heavenly stocking stuffer around — a bar of La Chatelaine Luxury Bar Soap in Gardenia ($10, amazon.com), triple milled in Provence with shea butter and argan oil.

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Whether she’s a fitness fanatic who runs 3 miles every morning or an armchair athleisure fan who lives in leggings, give her casual gifts that reflect a sporty mindset like the Old Navy Dynamic Fleece ½- Zip Sweatshirt for Women in Jade Shadow, Wish Bone or French Roast ($50, oldnavy.gap.com) in a new neutral to perk up black workout wear; the A New Day Women’s Layering Cardigan in Gray, Tan or Black ($40, target.com), a ribbed-knit duster with shawl collar that makes casual outfits or loungewear look pulled together; or the water-resistant  Etronik Gym Bag for Women Medium in N-Pure Green or B-Black ($38, amazon.com) with pockets inside and out for everything from water bottle to wallet, an inner “wet bag” for sweaty garments or swimsuit , and a bottom shoe compartment. For a useful stocking stuffer, consider neutral-toned clips like the Cobinaan Claw Hair Clips for Women in 6-Piece Assortment ($8, amazon.com) with a nonslip square grip that holds even thin or fine hair.

Whether she’s an adventurous solo traveler or a dedicated volunteer who jump-starts community projects, she stands out in a crowd and never lets age, size or shape get in the way of what she wears. Give her gifts that reflect her spirited attitude. She’ll love an animal-print top like the St. John’s Bay Womens Long Sleeve Regular Fit Button-Down Shirt in Leopard Print ($20, jcpenney.com), sparkly statement earrings like the Loft Sparkle Statement Waterfall Earrings in Fuchsia Primrose or Deep Space Blue ($22, loft.com) or, to add some instant pizzazz to dress pants or jeans , the Anne Klein Celeste Driving Shoe in Gold ($89, nordstrom.com). Wrap the present with a new nondrying matte red lipstick infused with hyaluronic acid like the L’Oréal Paris Le Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick Up to 16 Hour Wear in French Kiss ($12, walgreens.com).

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at  Ladies’ Home Journal  and a founding editor of  More  magazine.   She has written three books:  The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup  and  The Woman's Wakeup.

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Israel withdraws ambassador ahead of South African vote to close Israeli embassy

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Israel has recalled its ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotserkovsky, back to Jerusalem “for consultations” ahead of a parliamentary vote in the African country to decide the fate of the Israeli embassy on Tuesday.

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The two countries’ diplomatic relations have recently witnessed a rise in tensions over the Israeli war on Gaza. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa previously said his country believes Israel is committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed.

“Following the latest South African statements, the Ambassador of Israel to Pretoria has been recalled to Jerusalem for consultations,” Israel’s ministry of foreign affairs posted late Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This came ahead of a vote in South Africa’s parliament on a motion to shut down the Israeli embassy and cut all ties with Israel until a cease-fire is implemented in Gaza.

The motion tabled by the leftist opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters has the backing of the ruling African National Congress and other smaller parties.

South Africa announced last week that it had referred what it called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza to the International Criminal Court for an investigation, with its cabinet calling on the ICC Monday to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Given that much of the global community is witnessing the commission of these crimes in real time, including statements of genocidal intent by many Israeli leaders, we expect that warrants of arrest for these leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should be issued shortly,” South African minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, told reporters Monday.

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Earlier this month, South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel and withdrew all its diplomatic staff from the country.

The conflict will also be the subject of a virtual meeting of BRICS countries on Tuesday, which will be attended by leaders of the bloc, including Ramaphosa, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The economic bloc was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009 and added South Africa in 2010. Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia are also set to enter BRICS.

The Israel-Hamas war erupted after the Palestinian militant group’s surprise attacks on Israel on Oct.7 killed about 1,200 people. Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza have so far killed more than 12,700 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

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More Palestinians flee south as Israeli troops search Gaza’s largest hospital

World Nov 18