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3 weeks ago | 
nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech
Parents-to-be register for all sorts of baby items they know they’ll need and want, from the essential (car seats) to the questionable (Mozart-playing mobiles). But you have lots of reasons to go off the registry, too. If they’re first-timers, there will be a hundred must-haves and nice-to-haves they don’t yet know they’ll want. Maybe you just want to get them something that’s a little different.
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1 month ago | 
nytimes.com | Mari Uyehara |Samantha Schoech
We recommend kettles, carafes, beans, and some inspired surprises for your favorite caffeine fiend.
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1 month ago | 
nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech
A thoughtfully chosen housewarming gift can help a new house become a home. But the last thing anyone who has just packed (and unpacked) all of their earthly possessions needs is stuff for stuff’s sake. Still, down payments and movers are never easy on the bank account. To support loved ones who have settled into a new space, give them something useful, delicious, or just plain beautiful—something that they’re unlikely to get for themselves but suits their lifestyle.
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1 month ago | 
nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech
Gen Z refers to people born between 1997 and 2012, which means the generation includes both middle schoolers and people pushing 30. While younger Gen Zers may still be hiding their phones in math class and wishing their braces were off yesterday, older members are setting up lives as adults.
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1 month ago | 
nytimes.com | Mari Uyehara |Samantha Schoech
Your mom gave you life. Mother’s Day is a chance to shower her with love and gratitude, with a gift that shows you see and appreciate her.
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1 month ago | 
nytimes.com | Christine Clisset |Caira Blackwell |Rosie Guerin |Abigail Keel |Nancy Redd |Marilyn Ong | +6 more
Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platformsMother’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter staffers share the classic and unexpected gifts that have delighted the mothers in their lives. Things we recommendDyson Supersonic Hair DryerRecchiuti Confections Black BoxEpisode transcriptCHRISTINE: I'm Christine Cyr Clisset. CAIRA: I'm Caira Blackwell. ROSIE: I'm Rosie Guerin and you're listening to The Wirecutter Show.
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2 months ago | 
nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech
In this edition of The Gift, our gifts expert shares some of the garden-themed goodies she's loving for spring: fun dishes, great tools, some charming floral bedding. Plus, more gifts for plant lovers — including some very good-looking watering cans. Now that spring has really and truly sprung here in San Francisco — poppies popping, wind whipping off the Pacific, and my allergies ablaze — you can find me in my small backyard with my hands in the dirt.
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2 months ago | 
nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech |Mari Uyehara
No matter what your dad is into—books, music, games, the outdoors, or all of the above—we have a gift that is sure to scratch the itch.
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2 months ago | 
nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›StylePublished April 16, 2025Source photos by NYT Wirecutter, Issey MiyakeBy Samantha SchoechSamantha Schoech is a writer focusing on gifts. She spends her time finding things that combine quality, beauty, usefulness, and delight. Our gift guides are liberally sprinkled with stylish pick-me-ups in the form of jewelry, accessories, shoes, and clothing.
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Mar 28, 2025 | 
nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech
In this edition of The Gift, we’re making the case for genuinely funny (not junky) gag gifts. Plus, some under-$25 delights and a swanky leather fly swatter. Although I am against junk and clutter and all things future landfill, I am very much pro just-because little gifts—especially those designed to make someone laugh. Yes, usefulness and thoughtfulness are part of my gift-giving mantra, but so is delight. And what’s more delightful than genuine laughter? Especially of the shared variety?
