I’m not gonna lie: I like wrapping presents more than I like opening presents. There’s something about a perfectly decorated gift and the joy of watching someone you care about be utterly delighted by something you’ve chosen for them. I also really like gifts related to the outdoors, and I especially like gifts that do good. As a conservationist, I’m constantly thinking about the impact of my dollars, the impact of the products I buy, and how I can curate a life with minimal negative impact and maximum enjoyment. And while not everyone wants a book on the sex lives of snakes, some of us really, really do. Whether it’s your mom, your crush, the neighbor down the street, or someone who wants to go to college, finding the right gift that is both useful, interesting, and meaningful can be difficult. This year, I’ve put together a list of gift ideas for that wildlife or outdoor aficionado in your life. Each item supports the work of a conservation organization, research project, STEM nonprofit, or features the work of a scientist. Enjoy!
Stickers, enamel pins, and jewelry
Cardinal pin from The Wildlife Host- Ashley Gary is a wildlife science communicator who recently made these awesome enamel pins of one of America’s favorite backyard visitor, the cardinal. Made for a jacket, bag, or shirt, these pins are a fun way to tell the world “I LOVE BIRDS.” https://www.thewildlifehost.com/shop
TWO PHOTON ART-Basically anything from Two Photon is worth it, from the awesome science-related pins to the jewelry to the brain cufflinks (yes you read that right). Two Photon is the brainchild of two full-time scientists, Tera Johnson and Christine Liu, and their delightful stickers, enamel pins, and jewelry represent several disciplines (think neuroscience, chemistry, genetics). Or, if you want to make a statement about inclusion or discipline in science (#ScienceIsForEveryone), this is the shop for you. They’ve got it all! Me? I really want the phylogenetic earrings! https://twophotonart.com/collections
#FindThatLizard- Earyn McGee hosts a weekly photo based game on Twitter and Instagram called #FindThatLizard. Each week participants search for a lizard camoflauged in its natural habitat. Earyn uses this game to teach people cool facts about lizards and show what a herpetologist (someone who studies reptiles and amphibians) can look like. Her sticker is perfect for lizard lovers! https://www.etsy.com/shop/FindThatLizard
Skype A Scientist matches scientists with classrooms around the work to increase student access to real scientists. Their sticker line is PHENOMENAL and proceeds directly support their efforts to connect classrooms with experts to increase science literacy and expose kids to valuable career paths. https://www.redbubble.com/people/sarahmackattack/collections/973749-skype-a-scientist?asc=u
The scicomm project BirdGlamour by Dr. Lisa Buckley uses makeup to get people excited about the diversity of our present-day theropods (a.k.a. birds!), from the teeniest hummingbird to the most misunderstood vulture! All images are inspired by Bird Glamour and provides inspiration in cosmetics! The stickers are beautiful and perfect for bird nerds, but she’s also got shirts and bags! https://www.redbubble.com/people/birdglamour/portfolio/recent
Clothing that Supports Science
Skype A Scientist matches scientists with classrooms around the world (at no cost to classrooms!) to give students of all ages the change to get to know a “real scientist.” 501©(3) non-profit program relies on public support, and 100% of sales from their AWESOME merch supports the program. You can shop shirts, sweaters, totes, and stickers featuring an array of species portrayed by various talented artists. So, whether your friend loves Anglerfish, bees, Medusa, axolotls, or pipettes, gifts from Skype A Scientist look cool AND pay it forward. And that’s what its all about. Check it out: https://www.skypeascientist.com/merch.html
The Alongside Wildlife Foundation is a 501©(3) non-profit charity supported by a grassroots network of people who are passionate about wildlife. This foundation funds research and outreach for projects all over the world with support from recurring donors- people like you and me who give a $1 or $10 a month. Last year, the foundation began a small-grants program to boost projects that are typically overlooked by larger funding agencies. By either donating in someone’s name or grabbing one of their t-shirts (or stickers or totes) with their sweet logo, you’re directly supporting projects on wolves, penguins, frogs, tigers, and crayfish, all over the world! https://alongsidewildlifefoundation.org/
My friend Wes, a wildlife biologist, wanted to figure out a fun way to educate the public about threatened species and create a product that would help people feel connected to animal conservation. He co-founded Socks For Animals which features unique species with an explanation of their threats, and a portion of the proceeds from sock sales (which have designs of that species) go DIRECTLY to a conservation organization working on the ground to help conserve the species of interest. With new species every month, these socks look AND feel good. https://socksforanimals.com/collections/all
Do you know someone who loves science podcats? Ologies is the best science podcast featuring experts discussing on their respective -ology field. Hosted by the hilarious Alie Ward, this podcast is educational, fun, and offers some great merch (not just clothes) repping a myriad of interests. Even if you don’t listen to podcasts, the designs on the shirts and sweaters are perfect for natural history lovers. I especially love her “Ask Smart People Stupid Questions” line! https://ologiesmerch.com/
The Turtle Survival Alliance is one of my favorite orgs because of their quality conservation work and their campaign “Drink Beer. Save Turtles” which purveys limited edition brews , merchandise, and tasting events that contribute directly to turtle conservation projects. Their awesome merchandise can be purchased thru their website or on Amazon and features several species and projects. Perfect gear (including hats!) for the turtle lover in your life. https://secure.turtlesurvival.org/np/clients/turtlesurvival/giftstore.jsp#.W6j-GmhKhPY
CATS CATS CATS
*I’m sorry, did you think I’d make an entire gift guide and not have a whole section devoted to wild cat conservation?
Urban Fishing Cat Project- Do you know someone who would love some unique shirts featuring really awesome wild cats? LOOK NO FURTHER, because this is obviously the next best thing to seeing a fishing cat in the wild. The Urban Fishing Cat Project works to conserve the urban population of fishing cats in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Founded and run by conservationist Anya Ratnayaka (#WomenInScience), The Urban Fishing Cat Project is a nonprofit that is studying how these nationally endangered cats are adapting to rapid degradation in Colombo. Fishing cats are unique to the cat world in that they are wetland specialists! Your awesome gift goes directly towards research efforts for these cool cats, whose conservation contributes to healthier ecosystems for wildlife and for people. You can also make a monetary donation in someone’s honor. Check out their merch shop here: https://scar.lk/shop/
Panthera- While the anti-poaching efforts, research, and community conservation efforts of Panthera- the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s wild cats- is largely funded by public donations, you can also support their work to address the threats facing cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards, and tigers through their gift shop, which includes everyday + outdoor apparel, accessories, bags, hats, and more. This is also the first year Panthera has come out with a line of drinkware, and I am loving these reusable options with the fancy big cat logo. From the YETI tumbler, the 16 oz mixing glass, and the Panthera-logo whiskey stones, this drinking swag gives back. Check it out: https://store.panthera.org/
The Felidae Conservation Fund- Felidae is a nonprofit organization that focuses on wild cat conservation worldwide through active research and itneractive educational programs for children and adults. With an impressive list of researchers, volunteers, and collaborators (including some listed here), contributions to The Felidae Conservation Fund supports growth and expansion of projects for many wild cat species. Their store features a variety of apparel and home accessories highlighting specific projects. http://www.felidaefund.org/?q=products
Save LA Cougars- The #SaveLACougars campaign, which supports the conservation, education and fundraising for the project, is a collaborative effort of the National Wildlife Federation and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund that is working to build the world’s largest wildlife crossing for Los Angeles’ cougar population. With California’s mountain lions facing increasing habitat loss and fragmentation due to urban sprawl and road expansion, road mortality is a huge threat to their conservation. By supporting their campaign, you get sweet merch AND contribute to big cat (and other wildlife species!) conservation. https://savelacougars.myshopify.com/collections/all
Snow Leopard Trust -If you love snow leopards but don’t necessarily want animal print décor in your home, I recommend the all of the handmade products over at Snow Leopard Trust (especially the Kyrgyz bedside rugs). Snow Leopard Trust helps snow leopards through their community conservation programs, which include livestock-wildlife mitigation and creating economic opportunities for families living in snow leopard habitats, which augments the loss of livestock from depredation and reduces retaliatory killings of these big cats. With a wide variety of conservation-focused handicrafts, your gift directly supports snow leopard conservation by supporting livelihoods. SLT also has a great line of apparel and accessories, too! https://shop.snowleopard.org/
Cheetah Conservation Fund- Cheetahs are one of the main reasons I got into conservation, and this organization is very near and dear to my heart. You can donate to CCF directly, or snag one of their beautiful books: https://cheetah.org/learn/ccf-books/
Gifts for Kids
The Ink-Credible Cephalopod Coloring Book will fill you with facts about earth's most charismatic invertebrates while you fill them with color! Large pages of cephalopod anatomy and a glossary of words and descriptions makes this a kid/adult-friendly book. These facts come from cephalopod expert, Sarah McAnulty. https://www.amazon.com/Ink-credible-cephalopod-coloring-book/dp/198091446X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543594013&sr=8-1&keywords=ink-credible
The Ada Lace chapter book series follows an eight-year-old girl with a knack for science, math, and solving mysteries with technology. Written by Emily Calandrelli—host of Xploration Outer Space, correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World, and graduate of MIT. For ages 5-10. https://www.amazon.com/Ada-Lace-Case-Adventure/dp/1481485989/ref=bseries_primary_1_1481485989
At the beginning of 2017, an innocent question on twitter about snakes formed the hashtag #DoesItFart as dozens of experts weighed in on which animals do and don't fart, and if they do, how much, how often, what it's made of, what it smells like, and what it's for. Written by my friends Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti, and illustrated by our friend Ethan Kocak, Does it Fart? is the result: the fully authoritative, fully illustrated guide to animal flatulence, covering the habits of 80 animals in more detail than you ever knew you needed. Great for adults and kids. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y4BJX93/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sout?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sout-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06Y4BJX93&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
… After Does It Fart? comes Number Two...a fully illustrated compendium of animal facts and falsehoods--the more repulsive the better. From the scientist duo behind the New York Times bestselling sensation Does It Fart? comes a new illustrated compendium True or Poo: The Definitive Field Guide to Filthy Animal Facts and Falsehoods. https://www.amazon.com/True-Poo-Definitive-Filthy-Falsehoods/dp/0316528129/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/132-0884690-3441408?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0316528129&pd_rd_r=26a72e5d-86cc-4e1d-b35d-ee99112dbab2&pd_rd_w=Efy8x&pd_rd_wg=WO1xC&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=X2ZRKY0N1X321YQ6E3DB&psc=1&refRID=X2ZRKY0N1X321YQ6E3DB
…In the third installment of this series, Believe It or Snot, Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti detail the slimy secrets of 80 organisms that ooze, drip, dribble, and splatter. With each entry being one single page, the authors dive into the goo and come up with a definitive ranking of earth's slimiest creatures-while offering up a plethora of facts about the natural world's ooze, gunge, sludge, gunk, and goop. Illustrated by Ethan Kocak. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0306846144/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
Written by American Museum of Natural History educator Dustin Growick, Dinosaur A to Z is a colorful parade of the most exciting creatures that have ever lived and provides a line-up of the biggest, smallest, baddest, nicest, scaliest, and everything-in-between dinosaurs that have been discovered to date, as well as other prehistoric creatures of the air, land, and sea. Specially commissioned CGI images of children alongside the dinosaurs illustrate exactly how big—or small—each one was in comparison, and children can learn how to pronounce dinosaur names and discover the meaning behind each, and learn about different dinosaur shapes, sizes, and meals. Dinosaur A to Z is the perfect first visual dictionary for little dinosaur enthusiasts. https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Z-Dustin-Growick/dp/1465463143
Packed with pop-ups, flaps, games, activities, and mind-blowing facts, Utterly Amazing Dinosaur explores the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, from the mighty T. rex to the armored Stegosaurus. See the different stages of how fossils are formed, and study the skeletons of different dinosaurs, and get up close to a Velociraptor with a special pop-up. Learn about the dinosaurs that swam in the sea, stomped on land, or flew in the sky. Find out what different dinosaurs ate, from herbivore to carnivore to omnivore. The colorful illustrations clearly show the different types of dinosaurs, and the pronunciation guide teaches readers how to say those tricky dinosaur names. https://www.amazon.com/Utterly-Amazing-Dinosaur-Dustin-Growick/dp/1465453660/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1574218011&refinements=p_27%3ADustin+Growick&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Dustin+Growick
Good Books to Curl Up With
The Wolverine Way reveals the natural history of this species and the forces that threaten its future, engagingly told by Douglas Chadwick, who volunteered with the Glacier Wolverine Project. This five-year study in Glacier National Park – which involved dealing with blizzards, grizzlies, sheer mountain walls, and other daily challenges to survival – uncovered key missing information about the wolverine’s habitat, social structure and reproduction habits. Wolverines, according to Chadwick, are the land equivalent of polar bears in regard to the impacts of global warming. I loved this book. I love the Glacier National Park ecosystem. I love wolverines. I tore my hip flexor tracking one in Washington state. This book is an easy read that walks the reader through a research project on the enigmatic, funny, and tough-as-nails carnivore. Buy it. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7888737-the-wolverine-way
First published in 1949, A Sand County Almanac combines some of the finest nature writing since Thoreau with an outspoken and highly ethical regard for America's relationship to the land. Written with an unparalleled understanding of the ways of nature, the book includes a section on the monthly changes of the Wisconsin countryside; another part that gathers informal pieces written by Leopold over a forty-year period as he traveled through the woodlands of Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, Sonora, Oregon, Manitoba, and elsewhere; and a final section in which Leopold addresses the philosophical issues involved in wildlife conservation. An absolute classic for those who love nature, and a foundational and pleasurable reading for any student interested in conservation and wildlife. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210404.A_Sand_County_Almanac_and_Sketches_Here_and_There
Of course I have to recommend The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen. When Matthiessen went to Nepal to study the Himalayan blue sheep and, possibly, to glimpse the rare and beautiful snow leopard, he undertook his five-week trek as winter snows were sweeping into the high passes. This is a radiant and deeply moving account of a "true pilgrimage, a journey of the heart." https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/764165.The_Snow_Leopard
I LOVED Last Chance to See. This hilarious and emotional book details rare fauna around the world and enchants the reader to consider the importance of conserving them. This book will make you care about wildlife and you’ll laugh at the mishaps along the way. Book summary: Join bestselling author Douglas Adams and zooligist Mark Carwardine as they take off around the world in search of exotic, endangered creatures. Hilarious and poignant--as only Douglas Adams can be--LAST CHANCE TO SEE is an entertaining and arresting odyssey through the Earth's magnificent wildlife galaxy. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8696.Last_Chance_to_See
I read this book as part of my ladies’ graduate student book club. As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learning to give our own gifts in return. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17465709-braiding-sweetgrass
Where the Crawdads Sing is novel by wildlife biologist Delia Owens that is simultaneously a celebration of nature, a coming-of-age narrative, and a murder mystery. I read this book in two days in a tent in Kyrgyzstan and learned so much about the marshlands of the North Carolina coast. I could not put it down! https://www.amazon.com/Where-Crawdads-Sing-Delia-Owens/dp/0735219095
FIELD GUIDES
*Every outdoor enthusiast needs one to properly identify the critters they come across. Field guides are written and illustrated by experts to help identify and distinguish species. Great for kids and adults!
The Sibley Guide to Birds https://www.amazon.com/dp/0679451226/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America https://www.amazon.com/dp/0395904528/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-Western-Reptiles-Amphibians-Guides/dp/0395982723/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3/132-0884690-3441408?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0395982723&pd_rd_r=4fc03533-9b39-4841-a07e-3817c6077506&pd_rd_w=sbVWY&pd_rd_wg=GtGd8&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=0G9TZX3W2YFBRFC5AYRR&psc=1&refRID=0G9TZX3W2YFBRFC5AYRR
Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes https://www.amazon.com/dp/0547242069/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
Mammal Tracks and Sign: A Guide to North American Species https://www.amazon.com/dp/0811726266/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
Foundational Texts
*Not just for assignments, these big books are great additions to a wildlife lover’s bookshelf and are great sources for learning and appreciating nature. These texts make great gifts for those itching to learn more about natural history, science, and conservation. If you know a student, consider this a much-appreciated investment in their career (books are expensive yo!).
Snow Leopards: Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HHB7SFO/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
The Wildlife Techniques Manual: Volume 1: Research. Volume 2: Management https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ROMKSM/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
Salamanders of the United States and Canada https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015QKWESO/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths (W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series) (newly published by my friend David Steen!) https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Snakes-Science-Natural-History/dp/1623497973/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=snake+myths&qid=1574220049&s=books&sr=1-1
Carnivores of the World https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691182957/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2TW5KV4AMSLZE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_biologistimogene_dp_vv_d
Cheetahs: Biology and Conservation https://www.elsevier.com/books/cheetahs-biology-and-conservation/nyhus/978-0-12-804088-1
Fun Stuff
*Ok, this section doesn’t exclusively support scientific efforts, but they are great conversation starters. Plus, some things are so wonderful that they must be thrown in for the fun of it.
Wingspan is a competitive, medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building board game. Goal: build your own wildlife reserve for birds! You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. IT IS SO FUN. https://www.amazon.com/Stonemaier-Games-STM900-Wingspan-Game/dp/B07MC9JN56/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=CjwKCAiArJjvBRACEiwA-Wiqq-quhCDQU1xki6F731d96MYNVR2vJb4t0Ce59AHhm9nuLFZVRzwhOBoCw0QQAvD_BwE&hvadid=323193972229&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1014927&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9739988991866211032&hvtargid=aud-835997443387%3Akwd-620747801183&hydadcr=2331_9913279&keywords=wingspan+game&qid=1575398435&sr=8-2
Effin Birds doesn’t just make me laugh- they make me CACKLE. Their merch is perfect for bird lovers, sarcastic friends, teachers, and anyone who really hates meetings or bigots (that’s all of us, isn’t it?). Their mugs, prints, shirts, greetings cards, and whatever else they’ve cooked up features beautifully illustrated birds with hilarious captions, insults (eg “Eff all this, goodbye”, and more gold). They’ve also got a hilarious bird guide. All around A+ gift ideas. https://www.effinbirds.com/
Troubled Birds is a collection of greeting cards and magnets by The Mincing Mockingbird that combines beautiful oil paintings of songbirds with sarcastic captions. Honestly hilarious and great gifts year-round. https://www.mincingmockingbird.com/collections/troubled-bird
Organizations for Direct Donation
*For those who want to eliminate material gifts but still want to make a difference, consider donating to the above groups directly, or any of the suggestions below (some may also have gift stores):
BluePrint Earth, a nonprofit org that catalogs unique ecosystems and offers experiences for students: https://blueprintearth.org/
The Big Blue & You- dedicated to inspiring and educating youth about OCEAN conservation thru ARTS and MEDIA. https://bigblueandyou.org/
The Nature Conservancy conserves the land and waters on which all life depends through research, habitat restoration, and a non-confrontational, collaborative approach. https://www.nature.org/en-us/
Conservation Canines- combining the precision and efficiency of detection dogs to readily locate wildlife scat (feces) samples with the ability to extract a wide variety of genetic, physiological, toxicological and dietary indicators from these samples. Perfect for dog lovers! https://conservationbiology.uw.edu/conservation-canines/
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. https://xerces.org/
The Ocean Conservancy- working to protect our oceans from today’s conservation threats using science-based solutions. https://oceanconservancy.org/
The Orianne Society works to conserve critical ecosystems for imperiled reptiles and amphibians using science, applied conservation and education. You can donate directly OR PURCHASE A SPOTTED TURTLE BOWTIE (they’ve got a gift shop). https://www.oriannesociety.org/who-we-are/mission/
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth, and works with Indigenous communities, researchers, and public stakeholders on global conservation efforts across taxa. https://www.wcs.org/about-us
A Final Note
If you’re considering buying foreign textiles as gifts (helloooo beautiful blankets and rugs!), be sure to look at the business owners and how they compensate their artists. Many businesses sell beautiful handwoven rugs and blankets from Central Asia and Central America, but the prices DO NOT reflect the cost of the item in country. Of course, shipping products across oceans will drive up the cost, but I’ve been in Kyrgyz and Uzbek markets and the prices are a fraction of what they’re sold for here in the US. Knowing where that money goes is important- while these purchases often empower local communities, please do your research to make sure enough dollars are going to the artists, regardless of the product. Consumerism can have nasty impacts on local communities, particularly where colonial mindsets drive conservation efforts, and so asking businesses where they 1. source their products and 2. how they compensate their artists is a great way to make sure your gifts are meaningful. If a company cannot address these questions, go somewhere else!