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Gift Giving Guide

This post is the answer to the question, "What should I get Zachary Schneider for his birthday?" Also suitable for holidays like Christmas.

Zach Schneider

Jul 5, 2000 • 3 min read

In response to the numerous pairs of socks, random housewares, and food... I've put together a gift giving guide for me. This applies to my birthday and everyone's favourite commercial holiday, Christmas.

If you really want to get me something that I'll enjoy, let me pick it out by just giving me currency. Skip the material things this year (yes, this includes greeting cards). If you do end up sending something to me that is material, just know that I will think a tiny bit less of you for wasting time and resources.

Updated for 2024.

Greeting Cards

First off, save some trees and skip the greeting cards. Seriously, I'll read them once and they are going into the recycling bin. eCards are a great alternative, and they take up less physical space in my apartment. Here's some suggestions for eCards:

Consider supporting the creator of Wrongcards

Other options: Open Me, Ojolie, Kudoboard.

Gift Options

I make an effort to follow minimalism – less is more. I'm busy spending my time, energy, resources, and money on the most important people and things in my life. That means I value functional, sustainable, and unique material things.

Here's a list of great gift options, ranked from best to totally acceptable.

1. Cash

Don't actually send me cash or cheques in the mail. It's the 21st century, please use e-Transfer.

If you're already living in the future, try WealthSimple Cash. My handle/$name is $_z and when you sign up with my referral code S52U-W we both get a bonus:

You'll send your bonus to me, right?😉

2. Gift Cards

This one is quite a bit more complicated than #1. Digital gift cards are way-cool... I don't have time to keep track of physical ones, I'd rather add them to my phone's digital wallet.

Local

Modo Car Share (send them an email: [email protected])
Ecologyst
BC Robotics (I haven't had time for electronics lately, maybe skip this option)
and more...

Non-Local

I prefer to support local businesses when I can, although there some things that can only be found on sites like Amazon. A gift card for there is okay too.

3. Coffee

I like coffee. I only do pour-over. I have a coffee grinder - and a favourite coffee mug. I have a kitchen scale too. All I need are beans.

Buy Me a Coffee

Some local coffee shops I enjoy, in no particular order:

4. Cookies

I really like Oreos, but any cookie without nuts will do.