How Ana Gasteyer Gifts
“My favorite gift to give is something that solves a problem or that they didn’t know they need but that is also delightful.”
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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, actress Ana Gasteyer on popcorn poppers, Ikea gift cards, and why it’s okay to regift.
What is your gift-giving philosophy?
I’m a Taurus, so I like things to be beautiful and practical. My favorite gift to give is something that solves a problem or that they didn’t know they need but that is also delightful. I love meeting a need when I give a gift, but with something a little bit elevated, beyond the price point they might be interested in. For example, I gave someone aPaul Smith umbrellarecently. It could be acashmere beanieor a really niceteakettle, things like that.
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What gift have you received that you’re most surprised about still using regularly?
A writer friend atSaturday Night Livegave me aWhirley-Pop popcorn makerin 1998; it’s a stovetop gizmo that pops absolutely perfect popcorn and elicits the old-school joy of childhood Jiffy Pop. I’ve purchased duplicates for my summer place and given it as a gift countless times. You can give it to anyone who has access to a range, and it’s not something that people are going to buy themselves. You can pick up some artisanal popcorn or special seasonings to go with it, too.
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You have to give the same present to everyone for the rest of your life. What is it?
Something perishable but helpful. Atub of Maldon sea salt.Olive oil. Abar of Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap.
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What was the most heartfelt, smart,so youpresent you’ve ever received? Tell us the story.
My 22nd birthday fell during finals and tech for a show I was in my senior year of college. My roommates cleaned my room, did mountains of laundry, and filled my shelf of the refrigerator for the week. I cried with gratitude. It was so incredibly thoughtful. They just anticipated my need and met it. It was just a true gift of service.
I like to try to do that. I’ve done that for my husband, when I know he’s really busy. And this is like the most unromantic thing in the world, but I’ll book all his doctor appointments and the things that we’ve put off for, like, the first Monday that he has off in January. And then we’ll just plan a really nice lunch and go to the appointments.
Is a gift card ever a good gift? Discuss.
Yes! Who doesn’t love remembering they can in fact spring for a chai latte at Starbucks on break from jury duty or if the plane is delayed? Where else have I done gift cards? Ikea. I know that’s so stupid, but it’s like, I love Ikea so much, and I’ve even gone to Ikea on my birthday before. For a certain person of a certain life stage, there’s going to be a lot of trips to Ikea. I also do a lot of spa services, and I’ll try to find out what the new thing is. In TV and film, you’re always giving wrap gifts, and it’s just a good thing to say to somebody, “I know you’ve been working your ass off, so go get a scalp massage.” For my son, I’ll do food near his school, like Chipotle.
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Starbucks Gift Card
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Ikea Gift Card
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Spafinder Wellness 365 Gift Card
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Chipotle Gift Card
Would you ever give cash? When? How much?
I often give cash to teenagers and older relatives who are on a budget who frankly don’t want more crap. I always accompany it with a nice card and a little something thoughtful — chocolate or cute socks — so it doesn’t feel so transactional.
Another way to do it is to put it on you and just say, like, “Things were so crazy. But I wanted to send you something to let you know I was thinking of you and maybe this could help with something that you might like.” I know you don’t want to be disrespectful, but, literally, a lot of old people are strapped for cash.
Here’s $10 to get a gift for someone at Walgreens. What are you buying?
Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salts. It is often on sale — get two and give one as a gift to the runner, performer, or otherwise passionate tub soaker in your life. It’s cheap and super-relaxing. Last year, I spent $40 on literally the same thing from Erewhon because I saw it in a gift guide, and it was a complete waste of money.
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What’s the last thing you impulse bought for someone else?
An oversize stripedwestern shirtwith ticking stripes from Levi’s for my husband. With clothes, you always want to estimate too big. Nobody wants to be squeezing into something they can’t fit.
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Who is the best gift giver you’ve ever encountered — and why?
My late father-in-law. He met the receiver right where they were. He bought me beautiful stationery, books, luggage — all exactly when needed. Once he gave my toddler an egg carton with goldfish crackers in every section, which was the runaway hit of the year. He bought the same child, on his 8th birthday, a globe with a pointer that told you facts about each place you tapped.
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What was your absolute worst gifting experience (giving or getting)?
I don’t have one standout, but I will say that one gift-giving trap is to over-index on someone’s personal collection. If someone collects vintage cookbooks, maybe part of the fun is the selection process — it’s a thing they enjoy doing for themselves. Deluging them with vintage cookbooks isn’t always the best move.
How can all bad gift givers get better? In five words or less.
Please include a gift receipt.
What is your dream gift? Is there any chance you actually get it?
I have always wanted a bouquet of the month. As a kid, one of my neighbors got this from her husband, and it was so nice seeing the different arrangements with the seasons.
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UrbanStems Flower Subscription
What was the most disappointing gift you’ve ever received? How did you respond?
A pair of tights at my seventh-birthday party. Didn’t handle it well and had to take a beat by myself.
Is it ever okay to regift?
Not only is it okay, it’s encouraged. There’s too much crap out there! Only exception is if the initial giver would be devastated if they find out. In that case, donate it and don’t tell. Or return it for store credit and buy a present for someone who deserves a present.
What’s the best gift wrap?
Tea towels for small items and newsprint for big. I also love kraft paper, because who doesn’t love brown paper packages tied up with string?
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Bonus! Ana answered some more gifting questions in a video for our Instagram – below.
More Christmas Gift Ideas
- Hark, the Advent Calendars Arrived (Very) Early This Year
- 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
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