Pawn Shop Finds, Poems, and Great Sex
I asked folks about the best gifts they ever received.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
As I posed this question to readers earlier this week, I thought about what my answer would be. The gifts I’ve received over the years that stand out the most are simple ones. Little things or experiences that make me feel grateful to be alive and to share the human experience with others.
Like the words my nephew wrote to me in a birthday card a few years ago.
The way, to my surprise, legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen took the time to sign and personalize a coffee table book of his work I had pre-ordered. He didn’t have to, I wasn’t expecting it, and all these years later it still feels special.
Or the little keepsake book my friend Ily made for me when I was trudging through a difficult season of change.
The reader responses to this question range from heartwarming to surprising to amusing, but—in a way—they all tell the same story about what we consider great gifts. It doesn’t matter what form a gift shows up in. It doesn’t matter if it holds monetary value. It doesn’t matter if it’s fleeting or everlasting.
To be given a gift is to cross someone’s mind in a way that inspires them to create a moment of magic just for you. That’s a gift in itself, isn’t it?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
"A real Christmas tree. ‘Santa’ aka my parents got it Christmas Eve after YEARS of having an artificial one. It was huge and glorious.” - Alison
"My wife made me a slideshow for my 30th birthday. Seeing that much life in one video was amazing.” - Anonymous
“My armchair! We’ve been through it all. 📺 🤰 👶 📚 🎸 ✍️” - Sarah
“Tickets to The Price is Right. It was amazing! It was a tour they did but still just as fun, and they also called people up from the audience. We all got stickers with our names on them like the live show, too.” - Manuela
“A pawn shop drum set my dad got me when I was 12. I beat the hell out of that thing.” - Raun
“An original poem written for me by my husband.” - Kristen
“An amazing orgasm! The best gift to give or receive. Can I say that?” - Anonymous
“When I was a teacher, one of my students gifted me with her favorite stuffed animal at the end of the year. She wanted me to have it to always remember her and for me to know how much she loved me. We STILL keep in touch.” - Abbe
“A Polaroid camera!” - Megan
“When my Dad surprised me with a visit to Nashville! 🤗” - Amanda
“Pressed flower petals from a flower I got at a concert, [gifted to me] like 4 months later. Very thoughtful.” - Ily
I hope you enjoyed reading these responses as much as I did, and I hope you receive a gift this season that makes you feel seen.
Happy Holidays, friends!