The model answers below are taken from a members-only video lesson.
Watch the full lesson:
Download the audio track and full transcript of the lesson here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/tracywang/extras
Speaker: Finn
Are you good at giving gifts?
To be honest, not really. I’m actually pretty bad at choosing gifts for people. I tend to overthink it and worry that they won’t like what I’ve bought. I usually end up asking someone else for advice, especially when I’m buying a gift for a close friend or a family member.
When do you usually give gifts to others?
Mostly on birthdays and other special occasions, like Christmas, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day. I’m not really the type of person who gives gifts for no particular reason. I suppose I just tend to stick to the usual occasions because otherwise I probably wouldn’t know when to give someone something.
What kind of gifts do you usually give to people?
Usually something fairly practical. I might buy a friend some clothes, a book, or maybe something related to one of their hobbies. I’m not particularly creative when it comes to gifts, so I normally play it safe rather than trying to surprise someone with something unusual.
What do you consider when choosing a gift?
I mainly think about what the person actually likes and whether they’re likely to use it. I also consider how well I know them. If it’s a close friend, I’ll spend quite a bit of time thinking about it, but if it’s someone I don’t know that well, I’ll probably just go for something simple and safe.
Have you ever given someone a handmade gift?
No, I haven’t, actually. I’m not very good at making things, and I’ve never really had the patience for it either. I think a handmade gift can be really thoughtful, but if I tried to make something myself, there’s a good chance it wouldn’t look very good!
Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
I’d probably say receiving gifts. I know that sounds a bit selfish, but I find giving gifts quite stressful because I’m never completely sure whether I’ve chosen the right thing. Receiving one is much easier—you just have to smile and say thank you! Having said that, it is nice when you give someone something and they genuinely love it.
What is the best gift you have ever received?
Probably a pair of headphones that my parents gave me a few years ago. I’d mentioned that I needed a new pair, but I wasn’t expecting them to buy me any. I use them pretty much every day, so it was a really useful gift, and I was genuinely happy when I got them.
Do you think it is difficult to choose a suitable gift for someone?
Yeah, especially if you want to give them something meaningful. I think it’s actually quite difficult to know what someone really wants unless they’ve specifically told you. That’s probably why I’m not very good at giving gifts—I spend ages looking at different options and still end up wondering whether I’ve made the right choice.
Do expensive gifts better express your feelings?
Not really. I think the amount of thought you put into a gift matters more than how much it costs. Obviously, an expensive gift can be impressive, but if it’s something the person doesn’t actually want, then I don’t think it means very much. Sometimes a simple gift that shows you know the person well can mean much more.
Speaker: Blondie
Are you good at giving gifts?
I’d like to think so. I usually pay close attention to what my friends and family casually mention throughout the year, so when a special occasion rolls around, I can pick out something genuinely meaningful rather than just grabbing a last-minute gift card.
When do you usually give gifts to others?
The standard occasions, mainly—birthdays, Christmas, and the occasional housewarming or anniversary. That said, I’m also a big fan of “just because” gifts. If I’m out shopping and spot something that instantly reminds me of a close friend, I’ll get it for them right then and there.
What kind of gifts do you usually give to people?
It really depends on the recipient, but I tend to lean towards practical or experiential gifts. For instance, I might treat a coffee-loving friend to a subscription for specialty beans, or buy tickets to a gig for someone who loves live music. I prefer giving things people will actually use or remember.
What do you consider when choosing a gift?
My main focus is always on their personal tastes and lifestyle. I try to consider what they enjoy doing in their free time, or if there’s anything they’ve been needing lately. I also think about the emotional value—I want the item to show that I actually listen to them and understand what makes them tick.
Have you ever given someone a handmade gift?
Yes, quite a few times. Back when I was at university, I used to do a lot of digital illustration, so I made custom prints for my close friends and had them framed for their birthdays. It takes a bit of extra time and effort, but the personal touch always makes it far more memorable.
Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
Definitely giving. There’s something genuinely rewarding about watching someone open a present you’ve put real thought into and seeing their face light up. Receiving gifts is lovely, of course, but it can sometimes feel a bit awkward if you aren’t sure how to react in the moment.
What is the best gift you have ever received?
On my twentieth birthday, my older sister put together a photo album filled with pictures, ticket stubs, and handwritten notes from our childhood through to our recent trips together. It wasn’t the money that made it special, but the sheer amount of nostalgia and effort she put into it.
Do you think it is difficult to choose a suitable gift for someone?
It can be a real headache, especially if you don’t know the person particularly well or if they’re the type who already buys everything they need for themselves. In those cases, finding something unique without just giving them something generic can take a lot of guesswork.
Do expensive gifts better express your feelings?
Not necessarily. Just because a gift is expensive doesn’t mean it’s more thoughtful. A costly gift can sometimes feel a bit flashy, whereas a simple, inexpensive gift with some personal meaning can actually mean much more.
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