An ode to that “coffee friend”

I'm a Nothing Guy. Nothing makes a great gift for me.

I like this. coffee is something like a hobby and a shared experience and can pull together even really different people.

But if you know someone who is into a very technical hobby, it might be hard to give them a gift, or have a lengthy conversation.

I knew a friend who was really into ranch dressing. Every time we went to eat, we knew what he would order, or could help him order. silly thing that enhanced the relationship.

maybe we should all come up with hobbies or interests like this, to help break the ice with others and make ourselves more approachable.

> I buy them a nice bag of beans as a souvenir.

Buy them good beans, tho! Otherwise they will just be used to season their new grinder burrs.

If someone is into coffee, they will want great specialty beans. There are a lot of awesome specialty shops, but rare you will see them at the supermarket.

A man needs a maid

It’s not the value of the gift, it’s the thoughtfulness. “I know you like X, and I thought about you” is a very different sentiment than “Let me gift you with my expertise.”

The economists I’ve talked to say if you’re maximizing Utility then give cash.