One of the nicest thing you can do for someone you care about is point them to an idea, a book, a talk or a tool that will amplify their work and help them get to where they’re going.
It’s not easy. It means you understand their goals, see them for who they are and care enough about their work to amplify it.
That’s why filling in the missing piece with a complement is worth much more than an empty platitude or compliment.