People often say “it’s the thought that counts” when they receive a gift they don’t really like. This doesn’t always have to be an evasion, though: sometimes the idea really is the gift. These are often the presents that make people cry, in a good way.

At a minimum, you should make sure that the gift you’re planning on giving them reflects their real interests (actually, that is probably what you’re doing right now). Making something for them yourself is even better, but not everybody has the necessary skill at sewing, woodworking or whatever to produce something that’s both useful and nice to look at.

The very best way to show someone you care about them, though, is often just by telling them so, but in an unexpected way and with something they can cherish in the years to come.

This sounds great in theory, but it may not be practical or even wise to follow the example of mathematician James Sylvester, who wrote a poem to his girlfriend – it’s several hundred lines long and every one of those rhymes with “Rosalind”.

In any case, if you do manage to do something similar, you’ll be happy to learn that you can get the result printed and bound for less than you think.

However much you love them, this is a lot of work. Luckily, there is a simpler solution: these books by Knock Knock make it easy to express your feelings by answering one question per page about what you admire about some person. “I love the way you ____”, “I like doing ____ with you when you ____”, “I love the ____ ritual we have” – nothing too complicated, but more than enough to help you open your heart and pour out your love.

Different editions are available for couples, siblings, grandparents, best friends, children and even teachers (as well as many others).

If you prefer, there’s even a daily version you could keep on the fridge and fill out every morning or evening. Just know that these books are small (about 4½ by 3¼ inches). If you really need something more substantial, a photo album is maybe more your speed.