I’m a college student, and I have a question about Christmas presents.

Thank you for your question! Shimoda from Universe’s Osaka branch here. As others have mentioned, some people may feel uncomfortable if their family happens to see the gift, so something that doesn’t leave a physical trace might be a better choice. Rather than giving a material gift, perhaps it’s more about giving a heartfelt gesture…

I’m in my 60s and feeling conflicted. Since I’m married, I basically don’t need anything. Even if you want to give me something, a small amount of candy is more than enough. It gets eaten and disappears—quickly, too. Anything that lingers or can’t easily be thrown away is a burden.

I’m Kazu, a male member. If he’s a papa (a male supporter), I assume he probably buys whatever he wants for himself. So I think it would be best to choose something he’s unlikely to buy on his own, that doesn’t obviously look like something a woman picked out, lets you show off your own sense of style, and isn’t something you can have too many of. I used to often buy ties as small gifts. If they weren’t someone’s taste, they could always give them to someone else. But if a tie is given to him by a woman, he may not be able to pass it on, and if he’s married, it could put him in an awkward position. So I gave it some thought, and what about a business card holder? Anyone who works will have a use for one, and it’s something he’ll only see in a professional setting. They also come in a wide range of prices, from a few thousand yen to tens of thousands, and even over ¥100,000, so you can choose one that fits your budget. Even if he’s very attached to the business card holder he normally uses, he could probably use it as a card case or something similar. Another gift that wouldn’t be a burden is a reasonably nice ballpoint pen, such as a Montblanc. Montblanc would probably be over your budget, but brands like Parker and LAMY have options starting at a few thousand yen. If it’s something costing under ¥10,000, people often receive pens like that as small thank-you gifts at work, so it wouldn’t seem strange for him to own one. Especially with COVID going around, I don’t really want to touch shared ballpoint pens sitting on counters, so I try to use my own whenever possible. Come to think of it, a ballpoint pen that also works as a stylus—and doesn’t look cheap—might be surprisingly appreciated. I don’t normally use a stylus, but having one is handy for making quick sketches or notes on my phone. Most of the ones people give me are rather cheap-looking, so I’d be happy to receive one that feels a bit more refined. Incidentally, don’t choose a fountain pen. Not that many people use one regularly. Adding this after reading Seattle’s answer: I think I’d be happy with a shoulder-massage voucher or a massage voucher. Unless it’s a woman who mentions it in her self-introduction, I’d never feel comfortable asking, but if someone I was dating offered to do that for me, I’d be genuinely delighted.

Maezawa from the CEO’s office here as well. I think most men have already bought the things they really want for themselves. So rather than focusing on what they want, they’re probably happier knowing that you chose something for them and gave it to them as a gift—even if it’s inexpensive. As someone mentioned in an earlier question, I think it’s best to choose something that won’t be inconvenient for him to have.

I’m in Seattle. The best gift was when she put on a maid outfit and called me “Master~.” My gift to her was some extra cash.

This morning, even though I was still sleepy, a call from my senior woke me up: “Just say we’re out together again today, okay? And don’t come over here.” I’m Paper Airplane, a male member. It really depends on whether you’re single or married. I’m married, so it’s easier for me if I don’t receive gifts whenever possible—I don’t have to worry about anything. My senior gives me all kinds of things, both new and used, on a regular basis, so I openly use scarves, keychains, and other things I’ve received from women as well. That said, I’m basically fine without receiving gifts.

I’m Flag Maker, a column writer. I haven’t received that many gifts, but thinking back, there was a watch, a ballpoint pen, a tie, a tie clip, hand cream, boxers, a bundle of allergy medication, emergency supplies, and ¥100,000. The allergy medication came with notes explaining how often to take each one and what it was for. That may have been the gift I appreciated most, haha. I still have no idea why I was given the emergency supplies—or why emergency supplies specifically. As for the ¥100,000, it came from a female senior colleague at work. I helped her out with an important project, and she just handed it to me. That was pretty cool.