The best gifts can't be wrapped.

Original post date: 12.19.2022. Revised 07.19.2025

A few months ago, I was meandering through a bookstore when I turned a corner and spotted a kiosk filled with greeting cards and gift bags. I laughed out loud when I read what was printed on one of the bags: “Good Lord, you’re hard to buy for.”

I mean… how many of us have someone on our list who fits that description? That one person you simply cannot find the “right” gift for — no matter how much time you spend scrolling Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or Pinterest.

And of course, most of us have been on the receiving end of a few gifts that required an Oscar-worthy “thank you” performance. One Christmas, I was given a black wire hanger wrapped in pink fuzzy tulle. It wasn’t the worst gift I’ve ever received, but it’s certainly is the most memorable.

I suspect many of us have reached a point in our lives where we can buy almost everything we need — and most of what we want. The only two things still on our wish list? Good health and more time. What we wouldn’t give to see those gifts under the tree. No gift bag necessary.

And yet sometimes, the best gifts — the ones that make you catch your breath for a moment — arrive in the most unexpected ways.

Last week, I received a text from the daughter of a family friend. She was about nine or ten when we met. Today, she’s a college senior, ready to take her own unique place in the world. I'd like to share part of her message:

“I know this is silly, but I’m making myself a cup of tea, and I just wanted to let you know I always think of you when I do. When I was younger, you were the first person who made me a cup, and I actually enjoyed it. I hope you’ve been well. I can’t wait to see you over the holidays.”

I don’t remember that moment. But clearly, she does. And I couldn’t be happier that with every warm, comforting cup of tea, she thinks of me.

We don’t get to choose our place in someone’s memory — or in their thoughts, or in their hearts.

But when we are remembered...well, I can’t imagine a better gift than that.

What’s the most unusual gift you’ve ever received? I’ll go first: pink tulle + a wire hanger.