So you want to master the art of the mixtape. It isn’t easy, but with some planning—and access to a legit music library—you can make casettes so evocative and personal your loved ones will want to buy a crappy old Toyota just for the tape deck.

For your significant other: Surprising your bae with a thoughtful mixtape always trumps sending flowers. String lovey-dovey tracks of different genres together (nothing beats a punk love song followed by an R&B cut—try early Rancid with FKA Twigs), and focus on memorable lyrics. Stay away from obsessive, misogynist anthems disguised as sweet pop songs. Nick Jonas, I’m looking at you.

For your parents: If your folks are like mine, then their music tastes are night and day. The trick to creating their mixtape is to alternate between songs at least one of them will dig, like Ty Segall chased with Jenny Lewis. That way mom doesn’t endure too much Dad-rock—and she still gets her dose of folk (bonus if Pops ends up liking your Tegan and Sara track).

For your best friend: No one knows your BFF like you do, which is why you’re the perfect person to give ’em a set of new tunes. Start with an artist you know they’ll like, then dig deeper into your library. The secret here is keeping things upbeat. Choose songs wisely (think Tweedy’s Sukierae or The New Pornographers’ Bill Bruisers) and your pal will thank you.

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