Dilemma for #gifting (to men esp): "knowing their hobbies" seems like a great direction - but I'm actually very particular about the tools and materials I use in my hobbies. For example, I would LOVE a new sword - but only if it's full tang, well weighted, & carbon steel.
And I don't expect my non-hobbyist friends to understand the difference... but if it fails those criteria, I specifically do *not* want to own it.
(cont)
Another example - always thrilled with new additions to my fairy garden, but I have a particular aesthetic I want to adhere to.
My good/better/best opinions:
Good: something you know they do regularly that's not necessarily a specialty or a passion, but that they like doing well. A "quality of life" gift. Good examples for me would be housekeeping and cooking - always happy to try new approaches.
Better: a hobby they're interested in but not deep into. I usually replace my first tools once I've learned from experience anyway, so give me that push to try it out. But... those can be even harder to figure out.
Best: a hobby that we both share, but you have equal or greater experience in. Give me a hard-to-discover tool that I probably haven't tried before, but you're a big fan of. The stars really have to align with this one though - not something you can research your way into.
But ALL that being said - I will always love receiving a gift. Even if "gifts" is not one of their specific love languages, you'd be surprised how much any special show of affection can mean.
I'll always find something good to do with the gift. I'm very resourceful with my possessions, and I have a positive view on re-gifting: giving me the chance to give someone else a gift is a gift itself. I love finding a good home for a particular item, and I still get the warm feeling of know you care <3
jeffinreality