How Steve Madden Gifts
“Buy the thing they’ll actually use. Utility first, then a little swagger.”
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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, designer Steve Madden on ball markers, Milky Way bars, and how to regift in a professional manner.
What is your gift-giving philosophy?
Know your audience and buy the thing they’ll actually use. Utility first, then a little swagger.
What gift have you received that you’re most surprised about still using regularly?
A ball marker. Simple, perfect, always in my pocket. I got these great pajamas from Indiana University and they’re really soft when I wear them. I would never in a million years buy them. Never. I wouldn’t even know where to buy them. I got them as a present and they’re so soft, and when I wear them, I’m actually happy. And what could be a better gift than that?
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You have to give the same present to everyone for the rest of your life. What is it?
A Charmast portable charger. My assistant bought it for me on Amazon. Game changer.
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Is a gift card ever a good gift? Discuss.
Yes, to an independent bookstore, a driving range, or your best local grocer. You walk out lighter and happier.
Here’s $10 to get a gift for someone at Walgreens. What are you buying?
Tic-Tacs, specifically the freshmint flavor, and a Milky Way, the ultimate candy bar.
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What’s the best gift under $25?
If someone buys you a book and they think that it’s a subject that is important to you or it’s a subject that was important to them and they wanted you to share it with them, I think that’s kind of cool. Someone just bought me a book about Barneys by Gene Pressman. Gene Pressman is an old friend of mine. So it’s very nice if they bought it for me.
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What’s the last thing you impulse bought for someone else?
A case of Saratoga water.
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Who is the best gift-giver you’ve ever encountered — and why?
My daughter, Goldie, because she buys me golf tees and other things I will always use, forever. She bought me a bunch of pink golf clubs and I love them so much. It makes me happy when I use them, when I find them, you know, my little bag. It brings me a lot of happiness because I know that my daughter thought of me.
How can all bad gift givers get better? In five words or less.
Direct communication.
What’s the (physically) largest gift you’ve ever given?
A car for my daughter Stevie’s 16th birthday.
What is your dream gift? Is there any chance you actually get it?
A tee time at Augusta with Tiger Woods. Hopefully, after this comes out, it will happen.
What was the most disappointing gift you’ve ever received? How did you respond?
A box of socks. I rarely wear socks. I said “thank you” and passed them to someone who does.
Is it ever okay to regift?
Yes, unopened, wanted, and no paper trail. Be a professional.
What’s the best gift wrap?
Brown kraft paper, black ribbon, white card.
More 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.
