Smart Gift Ideas

I’m often stumped when it comes to buying gifts for Smarts. But they’re the one personality type where if you throw money at the problem, they’ll likely be happy with whatever you buy. Okay, not whatever, it still has to be classic in style, high quality or on a subject matter they love. So, think dense coffee table book on their favorite city or subject — they always have expertise in at least two areas if not more. If you go the sweater route, you better go cashmere or go home. 

The reason I bring up the coffee table book idea is that almost all Smarts love to read. But, because they love to read, if you purchase just any random book on a subject they love, you run the risk of purchasing something that’s already in their library. Coffee table books are rarely IN someone’s library so it’s a safer bet to buy one of these.

Example: Our Smart Structure father has published three novels that take place in the 1930s. Many parts of the books take place in the NYC area and he goes into great detail about various fabulous townhouses and country houses. I found this great coffee table book on some of these homes of yore to add to his research base. It came with tons of historical and architectural background, blueprints etc. And yeah, it was a home run.

Now as for my cashmere comment, I was joking, a little bit. Just remember high quality. H&M throwaway fashion isn’t going to please this type. They’re smart. They’d rather have a small higher quality wardrobe than a million pieces of cheapo clothing. If you are not one of the 1% or are, but like to keep Christmas spending down to normal levels then places to find high quality gear for not crazy prices would be Lands End, LL Bean or on the higher end Brooks Brothers. The latter is having a 2 for $500 sale so that works for the 1% — and then for the 99%, try Smart Bargains for something cashmere below $100.

If you’re on a really, tight budget, Smarts are precisely the folks you should keep your eye out for all year to get an amazing deal on something they’ll really appreciate — so grab those after Christmas sales and stuff those high quality bargains in a closet. Seriously, if you buy them a nylon scarf, you might as well give them a lump of coal — that’s about as excited as they’ll be when opening it!