The science behind giving good gifts

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The expressions in italics are additional and cannot be found in the article. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson. 

To pick (something/ someone)

To figure out

Unique

Better off

Puzzling

To have (someone) over

Gutted

To chip in (for something)

To go all out

To make do (with something)

A do

To undermine

Par

Fleeting

It’s the thought that counts

To do more harm than good

To overlook (something/ someone)

To get hung up on something

To hand (something) over

Over the course of (something)

Threshold

To fret

To derive

To splurge

To convey

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1. What does the article say about the price of gifts? Do you agree?

2. What does the article say about thinking longer term? Do you agree?

3. What does the article say about the uniqueness of gifts? Do you agree?

4. What does the article say about buying based on shared interests? Do you agree?

5. What does the article say about asking recipients what they want? Do you agree?

6. What does the article say about overthinking gifts? Do you agree?

7. What do you think is the best piece of advice from the article?

8. Do you have any of your own advice for buying gifts?

9. Are you good at buying gifts?

10. How is Christmas traditionally celebrated in your country?

11. How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

12. What is your favourite celebration of the year?

13. Are there any big celebrations in your country that don’t exist in the UK?

14. Is it wrong to lie to your children about Santa?

15. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?