Thrill of the Year-Long Hunt

As tastemakers Stiles T. Colwill and Jonathan Gargiulo tell Southern Accents, finding that perfect present for a friend can be a fun, lingering process if you start in advance. Keep in mind "your friends' collecting passions, taste in literature, love of art, culinary flair, or sense of humor." It seems Colwill and Gargiulo's one rule is "If you come across an item engraved or monogrammed with a friend's initials, you know it was meant to be."

So snap up the random silver spoon with the appropriate monogram and pair it with some home baked goods and tea or your grandmother's recipe for gumbo. Look for a vintage decorating magazine published during your friends' favorite era. Make the gift memorable and savor the thrill of the hunt. 

Sources for vintage magazines:
Paper Pursuits
Past Paper