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Gifts by Budget

Gift Ideas Under $100

A decision guide for bigger gifts: when $100 is right, how to spend it well, and ideas for partners, family and milestones.

By GiftNook Editorial TeamPublished

14 min read

Quick answer

A budget of up to $100 suits partners, close family, milestones and group gifts. At this level, choose something with substance or lasting meaning: a quality upgrade to something they use daily, a personal keepsake, or an experience you share. Make sure it's something they actually want, and remember you don't have to spend it all.

A $100 budget gives you real options: a quality piece of tech, a personal keepsake, a few lessons in something new or a proper piece of gear for a hobby. It also raises the stakes, because a bigger gift is a bigger bet.

This guide helps you decide whether $100 is the right budget, how to spend it well, and which directions suit each person. Ideas are grouped by recipient, interest and life stage.

For smaller budgets, see gift ideas under $50. For budgets above $100, see gifts by budget.

How we chose these ideas

We chose gift categories where a good-quality version typically costs between $50 and $100, and where that spend adds real quality, meaning or longevity. Budgets are typical ranges, not prices.

What makes a gift worth $100?

At this budget, the question isn't just "will they like it?" but "is it worth it?" Good $100 gifts usually have at least one of these:

Substance
It's noticeably better than a cheaper version: better sound, better materials, better build.
Longevity
It will be used or treasured for years, not weeks.
Personal meaning
It carries a memory, a place, a name or a shared moment.
Compatibility
It works with what they already have: their phone, console, size or setup. Mistakes cost more at this price.
Shared value
Experiences and memberships can be enjoyed together, which adds to the gift.
A real wish
The best big gifts are things they've mentioned wanting. Guessing is riskier with more money on the line.

Which idea fits them best?

Find the line that sounds most like them, then jump to that idea.

Gift suggestions for different situations
If they…Try this
It's for your partnerSimple engraved jewelry
It's for a parent who loves being at homeCozy bathrobes
It's for grandparents who live far awayWi-Fi digital photo frames
It's for a teen who loves musicWireless earbuds
It's for a child who loves technologyBeginner coding robots
It's for a graduateLaptop backpacks
They've always wanted to learn somethingLessons in something they've wanted to try
They love cookingA quality chef's knife
You want a one-of-a-kind giftCommissioned art from an independent artist

Gift ideas under $100 by recipient

$100 is usually reserved for close relationships and milestones. Here's where it goes furthest.

Gift directions for each type of recipient at this budget
RecipientGood directionsIdeas to start with
PartnerGifts for her →Personal keepsakes, shared experiences and quality upgrades.
ParentGifts for parents →Comfort, memberships and family keepsakes.
GrandparentGifts for grandparents →Ways to stay connected with family.
TeenagerGifts for teens →Quality tech, creative tools and hobby gear.
ChildGifts for kids →Bigger projects and active toys, often from several relatives together.
GraduateGraduation gifts →Useful gear for what's next, or money with a note.
Close friendGifts for friends →Creative gifts and one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
Boss or retiring colleagueCoworker gift etiquette →Almost always a group gift from the team, not an individual one.See the full guide

Quick picks by type of gift

Personal keepsakes under $100

Meaningful gifts for partners, parents and milestones.

Simple engraved jewelry

Initials or a meaningful date, worn every day.

Suits:
Adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A simple necklace, bracelet or ring engraved with initials, a date or coordinates.

Why it works

Engraving makes a simple piece personal. It's understated and can be worn daily.

What to look for

  • The metal they usually wear.
  • A simple design.
  • Short engraving that fits.

Best for

  • Partners
  • Anniversaries
  • Big birthdays

Potential downside

Engraved items usually can't be returned.

Example ideas

  • Engraved bar necklaces
  • Initial bracelets
  • Coordinate rings

Make it personal: Explain the engraving in your card.

Framed prints of a meaningful place

A map or picture of a place that holds a memory.

Suits:
Adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A framed print of a hometown map, skyline, the place you met or a favorite trip.

Why it works

Places carry memories. A print of a meaningful place becomes a daily reminder and a conversation starter.

What to look for

  • A place with a real story.
  • A simple style that suits most homes.
  • A frame included.

Best for

  • Couples
  • New homeowners
  • People who moved away

Potential downside

Art is personal. Keep the style simple if unsure.

Example ideas

  • Custom city map prints
  • Star map prints for a date and place
  • Illustrated hometown prints

Make it personal: Write the story of the place on the back.

Commissioned art from an independent artist

One-of-a-kind art of their home, pet or a favorite memory.

Suits:
Adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

Artwork an artist creates for you from photos, such as a home, pet, family or special moment.

Why it works

It's unique to them, celebrates something they love and supports a small artist. It often becomes a treasured piece.

What to look for

  • An artist whose past work you like.
  • Clear reference photos.
  • A timeline that fits your date.

Best for

  • Someone who has everything
  • Pet owners
  • New homeowners

Potential downside

Commissions often take several weeks.

Example ideas

  • Pet portraits
  • House portraits
  • Illustrated family portraits

Make it personal: Frame it before giving.

Wi-Fi digital photo frames

New family photos appear without anyone touching it.

Suits:
Parents and grandparents
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A screen that shows a slideshow of photos. Wi-Fi models let family members send new pictures from their phones.

Why it works

For relatives who live far away, it keeps new photos coming with no effort on their part. It improves every time someone sends a picture.

What to look for

  • Easy photo sending from any phone.
  • No required monthly fee.
  • A screen that adjusts to room light.

Best for

  • Grandparents
  • Long-distance families
  • Parents

Potential downside

It needs Wi-Fi and setup. Do the setup before giving it.

Example ideas

  • Wi-Fi photo frames
  • Frames with an email address for photos
  • Larger-screen family frames

Make it personal: Preload 50 favorite photos and invite family to add more.

Tech upgrades under $100

At this budget, tech gifts can be genuinely good quality. Compatibility matters most.

Wireless earbuds

Everyday music, podcasts and calls without wires.

Suits:
Teens and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

Small in-ear headphones that connect by Bluetooth and charge in a pocket-sized case.

Why it works

Earbuds get used on commutes, at the gym and on calls, so a reliable pair improves many small moments. They are a practical upgrade from basic wired headphones.

What to look for

  • Several ear-tip sizes for a good fit.
  • Noise cancelling for noisy commutes or study spaces.
  • Water resistance for workouts.

Best for

  • Commuters
  • Students
  • People who work out

Potential downside

Fit is personal, and some features only work with certain phones. Include a gift receipt.

Example ideas

  • Noise-cancelling earbuds
  • Sport earbuds with ear hooks
  • Budget everyday earbuds

Make it personal: Add a protective case in their favorite color.

Instant cameras

Prints a real photo seconds after it's taken.

Suits:
Ages 8 and up, teens and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A camera that prints each photo straight away on instant film, which develops in a few minutes.

Why it works

Instant photos are physical and shareable, which makes them popular at parties, trips and gatherings. The prints often end up on walls and fridges as keepsakes.

What to look for

  • Simple controls, especially for children.
  • A built-in flash and selfie mirror.
  • The cost of film.

Best for

  • Teens
  • Parties
  • Scrapbookers

Potential downside

Film is an ongoing cost. Include a pack or two.

Example ideas

  • Mini-format instant cameras
  • Square-format instant cameras
  • Instant camera bundles with film

Make it personal: Add a small album or string lights with clips for displaying photos.

Pocket photo printers

Turns phone photos into small prints in seconds.

Suits:
Teens and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A small printer that connects to a phone and prints small photos, often on sticky-backed paper.

Why it works

Most photos stay on phones. A pocket printer turns favorites into something to stick on walls, journals or cards, which suits creative teens and scrapbookers.

What to look for

  • Sticky-backed paper for decorating.
  • An easy phone app.
  • Affordable refill paper.

Best for

  • Teens
  • Scrapbookers
  • Decorating a room

Potential downside

Photo paper is an ongoing cost.

Example ideas

  • Zink sticker photo printers
  • Instant film phone printers
  • Mini photo printers with frames

Make it personal: Include a refill pack and a few printed photos of you together.

Mechanical keyboards

A keyboard that feels more precise to type on.

Suits:
Teens and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A keyboard with an individual switch under each key, giving a firmer, more responsive feel.

Why it works

People who type or game for hours often notice the difference in feel. It upgrades a tool they use every day.

What to look for

  • Switch type: linear (smooth), tactile (a bump) or clicky (loud).
  • Size. Compact layouts save desk space.
  • Wired or wireless.

Best for

  • Gamers
  • Coders
  • Writers

Potential downside

Some are loud, and enthusiasts have strong preferences.

Example ideas

  • Compact mechanical keyboards
  • Keyboards with swappable switches
  • Quiet-switch keyboards

Make it personal: Add a wrist rest.

Comfort and wellness gifts under $100

Cozy bathrobes

An everyday comfort many people don't buy for themselves.

Suits:
Adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A wrap-around robe worn after a shower or while relaxing, in plush, cotton or light waffle fabric.

Why it works

A good robe is used daily and feels like a small luxury. It's the kind of upgrade people often put off buying for themselves.

What to look for

  • Plush fabric for cold homes, waffle for warm climates.
  • Deep pockets and a belt that stays tied.
  • The right size and length.

Best for

  • Partners
  • Parents
  • Self-care lovers

Potential downside

Sizing and fabric weight matter.

Example ideas

  • Plush fleece robes
  • Cotton waffle robes
  • Hooded bathrobes

Make it personal: Add matching slippers.

Handheld massage guns

Helps loosen tight muscles after exercise or long days.

Suits:
Adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A handheld device with a head that taps rapidly on muscles.

Why it works

Runners and gym-goers use them for recovery, and people with desk jobs use them for tight shoulders.

What to look for

  • Several speeds and heads.
  • A quiet motor.
  • A compact size.

Best for

  • Runners
  • Gym regulars
  • Desk workers

Potential downside

Some are loud, and people with health conditions should check with a doctor.

Example ideas

  • Compact massage guns
  • Full-size massage guns
  • Foam rollers as a lower-cost option

Make it personal: Add a foam roller.

Quality yoga mats

Better grip and cushioning for regular practice.

Suits:
Adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A non-slip mat for yoga and home workouts, with better grip and cushioning than basic mats.

Why it works

For people who already practice, a better mat makes each session more comfortable and stable.

What to look for

  • Good grip.
  • Enough thickness for knees and wrists.
  • A carry strap.

Best for

  • Regular yoga practice
  • Home workouts
  • Wellness gifts

Potential downside

Give it only to someone who already practices.

Example ideas

  • Grippy yoga mats
  • Extra-thick mats
  • Travel yoga mats

Make it personal: Add a class pass at their studio.

Hobby gifts under $100

A quality chef's knife

The kitchen tool home cooks use most.

Suits:
Adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

An all-purpose kitchen knife, usually about 8 inches long, for chopping, slicing and dicing.

Why it works

A sharp, balanced knife makes everyday cooking faster and safer, and a good one lasts many years.

What to look for

  • A comfortable handle and good balance.
  • Steel that holds an edge.
  • A blade guard for storage.

Best for

  • Keen home cooks
  • First apartments
  • Upgrading old tools

Potential downside

Cooks often have preferences, and in some cultures knives are an unlucky gift.

Example ideas

  • Western-style chef's knives
  • Japanese-style gyuto knives
  • Knife and sharpener sets

Make it personal: Add a sharpener.

Technical building sets with moving parts

Real gears and mechanisms for experienced builders.

Suits:
Ages 9 and up, and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

Building sets that use beams, pins, axles and gears instead of standard bricks. The finished models have working parts, such as steering, pistons or cranes that lift.

Why it works

Technical sets show how real machines work, without feeling like a lesson. Turning a gear and watching a mechanism move gives builders a clear sense of cause and effect. They suit experienced builders who are ready for a bigger challenge, including teens and adults.

What to look for

  • A machine they find exciting, like a race car, digger or crane.
  • Working features listed on the box, such as steering or suspension.
  • A piece count that matches their patience. Large technical builds can take many hours.

Best for

  • Experienced builders
  • Kids and adults who like machines
  • Long projects

Potential downside

The building style is different from standard bricks. New builders can find it frustrating.

Example ideas

  • LEGO Technic models
  • Mechanical engineering kits
  • Gear and motor building kits

Make it personal: Offer to build it together as a weekend project.

Landmark and skyline model kits

A small model of a meaningful city or building, made for display.

Suits:
Teens and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

Detailed model kits of famous buildings or city skylines. They are made to sit on a shelf or desk once built.

Why it works

Choosing a city someone grew up in, studied in or visited turns a building project into a personal gift. The build is calm and focused, and the finished model works as a keepsake that brings back a memory.

What to look for

  • A city or landmark with real meaning for them.
  • A finished size that fits their shelf or desk.
  • An included booklet with facts about the buildings.

Best for

  • Adult builders
  • Travelers
  • Display on a shelf

Potential downside

These are display models. A child who wants to play with the result may be disappointed.

Example ideas

  • LEGO Architecture skylines
  • 3D landmark puzzles
  • Wooden landmark model kits

Make it personal: Say in your card why you chose that city.

Team jerseys and fan gear

Shows team spirit on game days.

Suits:
All ages
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

Official fan gear from their team, such as a jersey, scarf, hat or hoodie.

Why it works

For sports fans, team gear connects to something they care about and gets worn on game days.

What to look for

  • The right team and current design.
  • Official, licensed gear.
  • Their size, or a scarf or hat if unsure.

Best for

  • Sports fans
  • Game days
  • Kids and adults

Potential downside

Check the team, design and size carefully.

Example ideas

  • Team jerseys
  • Team scarves and hats
  • Team hoodies

Make it personal: Give it before a big game and watch together.

Gift ideas under $100 for kids and teens

Beginner coding robots

Children write simple code and watch a robot follow it.

Suits:
Ages 8 to 12
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

Small robots that children program with an app, cards or buttons. They put commands in order, and the robot moves, lights up or follows a line.

Why it works

Seeing a robot act out their code makes programming concrete. Children practice planning, testing and fixing mistakes, which are useful skills in any subject. It can turn screen time into something active and creative.

What to look for

  • The right level: picture blocks for beginners, text code for older kids.
  • Which devices it needs. Many require a tablet or phone.
  • Free lessons or challenges in the app.

Best for

  • Kids interested in technology
  • Screen time with a purpose
  • Ages 8 to 12

Potential downside

Many need a tablet or phone. Check device support and ask whether the child can use one.

Example ideas

  • Screen-free coding robots with cards
  • App-controlled programmable robots
  • Line-following robot kits

Make it personal: Set up the app and charge the robot before wrapping it.

Rock tumbler kits

Turns rough stones into smooth, shiny ones over a few weeks.

Suits:
Ages 8 and up
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A small machine with a slowly spinning barrel. You add rough rocks, water and grit, and over several weeks the rocks become smooth and polished.

Why it works

The slow process gives children something to check on for weeks, and the finished stones are a real reward. It teaches patience and a little geology, and the stones can be kept, traded or turned into jewelry.

What to look for

  • A kit that includes rough rocks and every grit stage.
  • A sturdy barrel with a tight seal.
  • A quieter model if it will run indoors.

Best for

  • Patient kids
  • Rock collectors
  • Long projects

Potential downside

Tumblers run day and night for weeks and can be noisy. They need a spot like a garage.

Example ideas

  • Beginner rock tumbler kits
  • Rock tumbler refill packs
  • Gemstone dig kits

Make it personal: Include a small display box for the finished stones.

Kick scooters (with a helmet)

An active way to get around the park or neighborhood.

Suits:
Ages 5 to 12
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A deck, wheels and handlebar. Riders push with one foot. Three-wheel scooters are steadier for young children. Two-wheel scooters suit older children.

Why it works

Scooters are quick to learn and get children moving outdoors. They build balance and confidence, and they can be used for short trips to the park or school.

What to look for

  • Three wheels for young kids, two for older kids.
  • An adjustable handlebar that grows with them.
  • A rear brake and a suitable weight limit.

Best for

  • Active kids
  • Neighborhoods with sidewalks
  • Getting outside

Potential downside

Check age and weight limits, and talk to parents first about safety gear.

Example ideas

  • Three-wheel toddler scooters
  • Foldable two-wheel scooters
  • Scooter and helmet bundles

Make it personal: Always include a helmet that fits, and let them pick the color.

Complete skateboards (with pads and helmet)

A skill to learn with friends, ready to ride on day one.

Suits:
Ages 8 and up
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A "complete" skateboard arrives fully assembled, with deck, trucks and wheels, ready to ride.

Why it works

Skateboarding combines exercise, a skill to master and a social scene. Progress comes in small steps, which teaches persistence. It can grow into a long-term hobby with friends.

What to look for

  • A board from a skate brand rather than a toy version.
  • A deck width that suits their shoe size.
  • Softer wheels for rough streets, harder ones for skate parks.

Best for

  • Active teens
  • Learning a new skill
  • Skate park fans

Potential downside

Falls are common at first. Protective gear matters, and cheap boards can slow learning.

Example ideas

  • Complete street skateboards
  • Cruiser boards
  • Skateboard safety gear bundles

Make it personal: Add a beginner lesson at a local skate park.

Extra or upgraded game controllers

Lets someone else join in, or replaces a worn-out controller.

Suits:
Ages 8 and up
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

An additional or improved controller for their console or computer.

Why it works

An extra controller turns solo gaming into shared time with siblings and friends. A new one can also replace a worn controller with sticky buttons.

What to look for

  • Compatibility with their exact system.
  • A rechargeable battery.
  • A comfortable size for their hands.

Best for

  • Gamers who play with others
  • Replacing old gear
  • Siblings

Potential downside

Controllers only work with specific systems.

Example ideas

  • Official console controllers
  • Controllers with rear buttons
  • Kid-sized controllers

Make it personal: Pair it with a two-player game.

Experience gifts under $100

Lessons in something they've wanted to try

Turns a "someday" wish into a real start.

Suits:
Ages 8 and up, and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A set of lessons or a class, such as pottery, guitar, climbing, dance or photography.

Why it works

It removes the cost and effort of getting started on something they've mentioned wanting to learn, and it creates memories rather than clutter.

What to look for

  • Something they've said they want to try.
  • A beginner-friendly teacher.
  • A location and schedule that fit.

Best for

  • Someone who has everything
  • Curious learners
  • Experience gifts

Potential downside

Choose what they want to learn, not what you think they should.

Example ideas

  • Pottery classes
  • Music lessons
  • Climbing or dance classes

Make it personal: Wrap a small related item, like a guitar pick or paintbrush.

Museum, zoo or garden memberships

A year of visits and days out.

Suits:
All ages
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

An annual membership to a local museum, zoo, aquarium or botanical garden.

Why it works

It gives many days out over a year, which suits families with children and grandparents who enjoy outings.

What to look for

  • A place close enough to visit often.
  • Family options.
  • Perks like guest passes.

Best for

  • Families
  • Grandparents
  • Someone who has everything

Potential downside

Pick somewhere close enough to use regularly.

Example ideas

  • Family zoo memberships
  • Museum memberships
  • Botanical garden passes

Make it personal: Plan the first visit together.

Gifts for big life stages

Graduations, first jobs and moving out.

Laptop backpacks

Carries a laptop safely through years of school and work.

Suits:
Teens and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A backpack with a padded laptop section and pockets for chargers and essentials.

Why it works

It's used daily for years and protects expensive tech, which suits students and new professionals.

What to look for

  • A sleeve that fits their laptop.
  • Padded straps.
  • Water-resistant fabric.

Best for

  • College students
  • New jobs
  • Commuters

Potential downside

Some people prefer shoulder bags.

Example ideas

  • Commuter laptop backpacks
  • Anti-theft backpacks
  • Rolltop backpacks

Make it personal: Hide a note in a pocket.

Dorm mattress toppers

Makes a thin dorm mattress much more comfortable.

Suits:
College students
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

A foam or padded layer that goes on top of a mattress.

Why it works

Dorm mattresses are often thin and firm. Better sleep supports everything else about college life.

What to look for

  • The right size (often twin XL).
  • Memory foam, 2 to 3 inches thick.
  • A washable cover.

Best for

  • College students
  • Dorm rooms
  • Guest beds

Potential downside

Check the bed size first.

Example ideas

  • Memory foam toppers
  • Featherbed toppers
  • Cooling gel toppers

Make it personal: Add a pillow and sleep mask.

Money, with a note about what it's for

Useful money, made personal with a thoughtful note.

Suits:
Teens and adults
Typical budget:
$50–$100

What it is

Cash or a transfer with a card saying what you hope it's used for.

Why it works

Money lets people get what they actually need. A note such as "for your first apartment" shows encouragement.

What to look for

  • An amount comfortable for you.
  • A thoughtful message.
  • A creative presentation.

Best for

  • Graduates
  • Teens
  • Newlyweds

Potential downside

Expectations about cash gifts vary by family and culture.

Example ideas

  • Cash in a card
  • A savings account contribution
  • Money toward a specific goal

Make it personal: Write a wish for their future, not just the amount.

Ideas by budget

These are typical budgets for each kind of gift, not prices. Costs vary widely by brand and store.

Every gift idea in this guide, grouped by typical budget
BudgetIdeas
$50–$100

Is $100 the right budget?

A $100 gift fits some relationships and occasions better than others. It usually makes sense for:

  • Partners, parents and very close friends.
  • Milestones such as big birthdays, graduations and anniversaries.
  • Group gifts, where several people contribute.

It can feel like too much for newer friendships, coworkers or casual occasions, where a large gift may create pressure to match it. When in doubt, a smaller, well-chosen gift is the safer choice.

One substantial gift or several smaller ones?

At this budget, one quality item usually makes more impact than several mid-range ones. The exception is a themed bundle, like a cooking class plus a good knife, where the parts clearly belong together. If you're unsure what they want, two smaller gifts spread the risk.

Pooling money for a group gift

Many $100 gifts are given by several people together. To make it work smoothly:

  1. Agree who will choose and buy the gift.
  2. Suggest a range, and make it clear any amount is welcome.
  3. Keep contributions private.
  4. Include one card signed by everyone.

When to spend less than $100

If the perfect idea costs $40, give the $40 idea. Spending more to reach a number rarely makes a gift better. Put the difference toward presentation, a nice card or a small shared outing instead. For ideas at lower budgets, see gift ideas under $50.

How to choose a gift under $100

  1. Confirm it's something they want

    Listen for hints, check a wish list or ask someone close to them. Guessing costs more at this price.

  2. Check compatibility

    Phones, consoles, sizes and setups matter. Make sure it works with what they have.

  3. Favor quality and meaning

    Spend on something noticeably better or personally meaningful, not just bigger.

  4. Plan for timing

    Custom gifts and experiences need lead time and dates that work.

  5. Keep a receipt

    For tech and clothing especially, make returns or exchanges easy.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Spending $100 on something they didn't ask for and may not want.
  • Buying tech without checking it works with their devices.
  • Giving a $100 gift in a relationship where it creates pressure.
  • Ordering custom items too late.
  • Forgetting the receipt for sizes and electronics.

Other ideas worth considering

  • An experience together

    Tickets, a class or a day trip. See experience gift ideas.

  • A contribution to something bigger

    Money toward a larger goal, with a note about what it's for.

  • Two thoughtful smaller gifts

    See gift ideas under $50 for themed pairs.

Advice for this decision

Short reads on the questions behind this kind of gift.

Frequently asked questions

Who should I spend $100 on?

Usually partners, close family, very close friends, milestones and group gifts.

Is $100 too much for a friend's birthday?

It depends on your friendship and what you usually exchange. If you normally spend less, a large gift can feel awkward.

What's a good gift under $100 for a partner?

Engraved jewelry, a framed print of a meaningful place, or lessons in something they've wanted to try are strong options.

Should I give one big gift or several small ones?

One quality gift usually has more impact, unless the smaller items form a clear theme.

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