How Chi Ossé Gifts
“A solely edible gift is a bummer …”
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
We asked 20 notable people about their gifting philosophies, gifting nightmares, the best gifts under $25, and much more. We’ll be publishing each of their questionnaires now through December 23 in this new series, “How I Gift.” Today, City Councilmember Chi Ossé on Revlon brow pencils, Citi Bike memberships, and the ideal wrapping paper.
How would you describe your gift-giving philosophy?
I want to give something to someone that they will use. It’s so devastating to show up to someone’s house after you’ve given them a gift and you, like, see the gift not being used, or in the package still, especially if it’s someone who you know and love and see often. So I always want to get something that’s utilitarian for someone, right?
What gifts have you received that you’re most surprised about, that you still use regularly?
I was surprised to receive apool towel from Bainaas a gift. For the record, it’s a nice towel. I never asked for a towel, but I still use it to this day.
New! You can now save this product for later.
You have to give the same present to everyone for the rest of your life. What would you get?
ACiti Bike membership. It’s so expensive when you don’t have a membership.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Would you ever just give cash, and if so, when?
My grandmother is Chinese, and we still exchangehong baos(the red envelopes) to this day, so culturally, it’s cool in my book.
You have $10 to get a gift for someone at Walgreens. What are you buying?
ARevlon eyebrow pencil. People look good with shaped brows. I think it frames the face.
New! You can now save this product for later.
You just got someone you’ve never met for Secret Santa. What are you buying them?
A $25spa gift card.
What was the most disappointing gift you’ve ever received? And how did you respond?
Asolelyedible gift, and nothing else with it. It’s a bummer. We had a white elephant in middle school. A girl got me candy, just candy. I got, like, a nice gift for someone, and all I got was candy. I still ate it.
Is it ever okay to regift something? And have you ever regifted something yourself?
(A quiet yes.)
What do you think makes the best gift wrap?
Solid colors, patterns, and no crazy patterns. The holographic shit hurts my eyes. I don’t like that at all. No themed superhero wrappings. I prefer the classic bow.
What was the last impulsive gift you bought someone?
I found this really cute travel Rummikub set for me and my partner on Etsy. I bought it, and when it arrived, it was the cheapest set that I’ve ever received in my life, and it was over $100. I’m never using Etsy ever again.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
[Editor’s note: We linked to a cute set from Etsy above if you want to try your luck, but we’ve also linked to a basic $13 travel set.]
Bonus! Chi answered some more gifting questions in a video for our Instagram – below.
More Christmas Gift Ideas
- The Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds
- The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
- The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads, According to Outdoorsy Dads
- The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads, According to Outdoorsy Dads
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
