Roz Chast and the Art of Gift Giving: A Delicate and Sweet Experience

Roz Chast, renowned for over four decades of work at The New Yorker, is not only a celebrated writer and cartoonist but also a unique voice when it comes to the art of gift giving. Her latest book, I Must Be Dreaming, was published last year, and this October, she was honored with the National Humanities Medal for her contributions to cartooning. Yet, beyond her illustrious career, Chast’s perspective on gift-giving is a delightful mix of humor and introspection.

A Cautious Approach to Gifting

For Chast, gift-giving is anything but straightforward. “Fear and loathing” sums up her feelings about it. She describes the process as fraught with challenges, particularly during birthdays or holidays. The fear of choosing the wrong gift and the awkwardness of pretending to like a mismatched one have led her to favor spontaneous, heartfelt gestures over planned gift exchanges.

Small but Meaningful Gifts with Sculpey

The gifts Chast treasures most often come from her children, especially when they’re homemade. One of her children, both a therapist and an artist, creates intricate miniature objects using Sculpey clay. Among the tiny treasures in her collection are a Starbucks cup, a plate of tortilla chips with salsa, a teeny cellphone, and even a miniature MetroCard. These items, presented in a custom-made box, hold immense sentimental value for her.

Mixtapes and Cartoon Nostalgia

Another category of cherished gifts for Chast is music. Her son’s carefully curated CD mixes remain staples during her car rides, and an old friend’s gift of a Smiths cassette introduced her to a band that became a lifelong favorite.

Chast also has a deep appreciation for unique cartoon memorabilia. One of her favorite gifts is a set of Peter Arno cocktail napkins, given to her by a fellow cartoon enthusiast. However, despite these meaningful gifts, she admits that accumulating too much “stuff” can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The Philosophy Behind Roz Chast’s Favorites

For Chast, the best gifts are not extravagant or flashy—they’re personal and sincere. Whether it’s a homemade trinket, a thoughtfully curated mixtape, or a nostalgic token, these gifts represent a deep emotional connection.

If you find yourself struggling with gift ideas this holiday season, consider following Chast’s lead. A simple, handmade gesture or a heartfelt creation might just be the most memorable and meaningful gift of all.