When you give someone a gift card, you’re essentially putting down the cash to let them buy whatever present they want. It’s definitely one of the easiest gifts you can give, but is it a good one?

Point: The Case For Gift Cards

What do I want for Christmas? I dunno! Peace on earth, etc. So instead of reading tea leaves or forcing a list out of me under duress, do the really thoughtful thing: get me a gift card.

You could argue that a gift card is impersonal, that it’s lazy, that it’s a cop-out. Ridiculous! A gift card is the most personal present there is. It’s the gift of freedom to buy whatever you want, whenever you want it. It’s the gift that says “we’re good enough friends/relatives/acquaintances that we don’t have to force it.” And there’s a certain beauty in that.

What, you got your girlfriend an …

It might seem a little risqué but sex toys can make good gifts. People often aren’t always willing to traipse around a shop or have the goods delivered to their door for fear of being caught out. They want to try them, without the potential embarrassment of buying them. That’s why sex toys can be kind presents for birthdays or at hen parties. But are there certain scenarios in which a sex toy becomes an inappropriate gift? Would a sex toy be an appropriate present for a newly married couple?

Sex, after all, is still a private matter, and while a sex toy given to an individual is done so with the implication that they can enjoy some self-pleasure on their own, a couples’ toy makes a fairly bold recommendation for two people’s love lives. Would giving a sex toy to a married couple play into dated ideas about waiting …

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ― Mother Teresa

‘Tis the season for giving. And research suggests that doing so may help bust stress, promote happiness, and even lead to a longer life. Looking to get in touch with your generous side? Embrace these seven habits of truly thoughtful gift givers.

They plan ahead.

Considerate gift giving is as much about planning as it is about how well you know the person. Take time to think about the recipient’s personality and interests to figure out how he or she will get the most value or gratification, suggests Elizabeth Hebda, shopping expert at LivingSocial. Map out a list of your ideas to help you stay organized and make sure you find the perfect fit for everyone.

Thoughtful gift givers don’t focus on cost.

The practice of thoughtful giving offers a wealth of …

You may not find it in the New York Times holiday guide, but a sex toy is a spot-on gift to give your significant other. If done right, gifting a sex toy hits every prong of the perfect present trifecta: thoughtful, useful, and, most importantly, fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind before giving one to your partner.

Talk about the pros of using sex toys

When you’ve been with someone long enough to complete each other’s sentences, it’s easy to fall into certain routines as a couple. A sex toy is an easy way to add some variety to your life. Such is the spice of life, right? Says psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Lori Buckley, “You can really benefit from having some sexual novelty and excitement in your life,” noting, “as we get older, it takes more physical stimulation to get excited.” Talk with your …