As the sound of carols drifts around us and the aroma of cinnamon biscuits fills the air, the annual quest to find that perfect gift begins. Whether we are searching for a gift that our parents will actually use or finding a present that will make our friends laugh, the search becomes part of the holiday fun. A recent poll from the Southerner Staff shows what our community thinks makes a gift worth giving to the people we love.
Team sentimental vs. Team practical
The poll displays a 62% to 38% split between staff who prefer sentimental gifts and those who lean toward the practical ones. Though the community is divided on the issue, both sides present equally thoughtful reasons behind their preferences.
Team sentimental: Something that will stay with me
For some of the Southerner Staff, the emotional meaning of a gift significantly outweighs the usefulness. Team sentimental views gifts as small time capsules that hold memories, friendships, and special moments of love. Southerner Co-Editor-in-Chief Madeleine Lennox shared, “I don’t have a whole lot I feel I need, so I enjoy having something I can hold onto without ruining it with use. I’ve always been a bit of a collector,” emphasizing how small, meaningful gifts can be treasured forever.
Sentimental gifts can also remind the recipient of inside jokes, as Southerner Staff Writer Irena Jiang points out: “I once received a pair of chick leg socks that make me laugh every time I see them in my sock drawer.” Sentimental gifts also connect people to their loved ones. Features Editor Chloe Lee recalls, “My mom’s old picture book collection really stayed with me. Even though I had my own copies of the same books, it was really cool to know that my mom read the same books that I loved as a kid. It also had a lot of her annotations inside, which felt really personal to be able to see.”
Team practical: Something I will use every day
Other staff members appreciate gifts that can be used in their daily routine. Team practical sees gifts as a way to show support for friends’ or family’s daily lives and hobbies. Lennox explained, “I enjoy thinking long-term about my presents. I know I’ll get daily satisfaction from using a gift. For example, I received eighty dollars worth of yarn that I am still using to this day.”
Daily usage of a gift can even offer a layer of sentimental value, as Special Features Editor Yuna Kim exemplifies. “I love journaling, so when I received a journal as a gift, I was very happy. I’m reminded of the giver every time I use it.”
For some, practicality is just a preference shaped by experience, pointed out by Southerner Co-Editor-in-Chief Lana Miao, “I moved a lot when I was younger, so I’ve gotten used to prioritizing utility. I’m not very sentimental in general.”
Team Surprise vs. Team Tell me what you want
According to our survey, the staff is almost evenly split, 46.2% Team Surprise and 53.8% Team Tell Me What You Want, revealing just how personal the gift-giving process can be.
Team Surprise: Something that will delight me
Team surprise finds the magic of gifts lies within the spontaneity and unexpectedness. News Editor Ashley Chung shared how the excitement of the gift sometimes suppressed the gift themself: “I love receiving something unexpectedly. I’ll be happy with whatever they get me, even if it’s just a cool rock.”
For others, surprises are rare treasures. The genuine feeling of being surprised is more than the gift itself. As Print Managing Editor Raymond Zhang recalls, “The most surprising thing I’ve gotten is when Dylan and Amelia of the Southerner showed up to my house randomly with birthday gifts. I don’t remember the exact gifts, but I remember we walked around my block a few times and just talked at like 10 p.m. at night.”
Team Tell me what you want: Something I know I will like
Meanwhile, Team Tell me what you want values practicality and clarity. The transparency alleviates the social pressure of gift shopping. Kim pointed out, “I prefer choosing my own gift because the expectations are clearer, and it reduces shopping stress for the buyer.” Many on Team Tell me what you want note the frustrating experiences they have encountered in the past when shopping for a present. They describe how stressful it is to avoid giving someone something the recipient doesn’t like or won’t use. Even worse, Kim added, “what if I got them something they already have?”
Team Handmade vs. Team Store-Bought
The Southerner staff is a bit less divided on Team Handmade vs. Team Store-Bought. According to our surveys, 58.3% of respondents prefer Team Handmade, while 41.7% lean toward Team Store-Bought.
Team Handmade: Something made with love
Team handmade values the time, thoughts, and personal touch behind every gift. These gifts serve as tokens of physical memories. Staff Writer Eric Chen explained that handmade gifts hold “a lot of sentimental value,” especially pieces like origami bouquets that “felt like they were made of gold.”
Others note how handmade gifts can be uniquely tailored to the gift recipients. Staff Writer Madison Jing added, “I appreciate gifts that have been made with care and love since it makes it extra special.” For many, handmade gifts are tangible evidence that someone cared to put in the hours and carefully chose every detail. Each stitch, fold, or brushstroke is intertwined with intention and love.
Team Store-Bought: Something brought with love
Team store-bought finds comfort in consistency and quality. “Store-bought gifts usually ensure practicality and reduce the stress of the giver,” explained Web Managing Editor Justina Hom. “Although handmade gifts can be sweet, they often end up falling short of expectation, which makes store-bought gifts feel safer and more dependable,” Chen pointed out. Store-bought stans reported a wider variety of gifts to choose from. Supporters of the store-bought gift also pointed out that useful gifts usually come from a store and that choosing a gift can just be as thoughtful as making one.
Team Experience Gifts vs. Team Physical Gifts
According to our survey, The Southerner’s once again split almost evenly. 46.2% prefer experience-based gifts, while the other 53.8% favor physical gifts.
Team Experience Gifts: Something I can keep in my memories
Team experience-based gifts believes the value of a gift lies in the memories created. These staff members see experience as much more lasting and impactful than anything physical. Experiences range from overseas trips to connecting with one’s roots to a simple city trip to connect with friends.. The people you share an experience with make it more cherishable than any physical gifts. Co-Editor-in-Chief Lana Miao recalled, “Earlier this year, my friends took me to Chelsea Market for lunch, to the Museum of Arts and Design to see some cool modern art, and to La Pecora Bianca for dinner. 10/10. No notes. I’ll remember that day forever.”
Team Physical Gifts: Something I can keep in my drawers
Team Physical finds tangible objects more permanent and accessible. Memories fade over time; however, physical gifts serve as lasting reminders. The supporters note that the physical gift stays with them — literally. Lennox commented, “I keep most gifts that I receive as long as they’re small and sentimental or I use them on a daily basis. I have this drawer of my birthday cards and other trinkets with some of the oldest from first grade.” Other fans of physical gifts explained that they just don’t remember experiences as long as they like to. Chung explained, “Having an experience as a gift just doesn’t really fit well for me personally. I happen to have a terrible memory.”
Gifting isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Everyone brings their own experience and values into the process of gift selection. Whether it is something sentimental, handmade with care, a practical item used daily, a surprising gesture, or an item on their wishlist, every gift reflects a different way of expressing love and appreciation. Gift-giving is less about the object than about the intention behind it. It is about the desire to make the recipient feel seen, valued, and loved.
