When it comes to finding a gift for friends, the key is to keep in mind their personality and interests. However, you don’t want to go overboard with gifts that are too expensive or personal.
To avoid this, start by making a list of their hobbies and interests. This will give you some great ideas for what to get them.
Think About Their Personality and Interests
The best gift ideas for friends often stem from the person’s personality and interests. For example, if your friends enjoy watching anime or manga, you can opt to give anime swords. This is why it is so important to do your research before you start shopping. You can do this by taking cues from the person’s actions or simply asking for their input.
It is also helpful to take note of what gifts they have already received and how they have reacted to them. This can help you avoid a repeat and instead find something new that is more tailored to their needs and wants.
A great place to start is by thinking about the things that define them as individuals, including hobbies, passions and interests. This will help you zero in on a specific type of gift for friends that is both useful and meaningful to them. For example, a custom iPhone case can be a much more special present than a generic one they could buy at any store. The same goes for a cheese board that can be engraved with their name or a photo of the two of you together, compared to a regular one they could pick up at any supermarket.
Another way to determine the perfect gift for a friend is to take a look at their social media feeds or their online shopping history to see what types of products and brands they like. This will give you a good idea of what kinds of items they might enjoy and also provide you with some inspiration for finding the right gift.
Finally, if you still aren’t sure what to get for your friend, you can always ask for help from mutual friends. They might be able to give you some ideas or even offer some advice on what they have given to other people in the past that has gone over well and what didn’t.
If your friend really does have everything, consider a more charitable option. Donating to a charity in their name can be a great way to show your appreciation for them and is especially meaningful if it’s related to their interests. For example, if they are passionate about animal welfare, you can donate to a shelter in their name.
Don’t Go Overboard with Spending
Whether you’re buying your best friend something for their birthday, holiday, or another special occasion, it’s important to avoid going over budget. A 2021 survey by lending platform Affirm found that seven in 10 Americans admit they typically overspend during the holidays. And while it may seem tempting to buy your bestie a gift they’ll love, you’ll probably regret it later if it causes you to overspend or put you in debt.
Instead, try to find a thoughtful present that will actually improve their life. For example, if your friend constantly complains about having sore neck muscles, consider getting them a physical therapy session or Alexander Technique lessons. Similarly, if they always bring up their lack of cooking skills, you can get them a cookbook or a reusable stainless steel slow cooker.
Other gifts that will solve a problem or make their lives easier include a portable charging cord for their phone, a stylish faux leather jewelry box, or a mug that keeps their coffee warm (or cold) for up to 1.5 hours.
To help prevent impulse buying, make a list of what you need to buy before heading to the store. This can be as simple as an app or as detailed as a spreadsheet, and it will help you stay on track and stick to your budget. And if you’re worried about spending too much, it’s also a good idea to set a cap on how much you can spend on each individual gift. This way, you can prevent yourself from feeling like you’re comparing yourself to the Joneses.
Keep It Personal
There are many reasons you might be buying a gift for your best friend, but no matter what the occasion is it is important to keep in mind their personality and interests. Having a clear idea of what they enjoy doing in their spare time, their favorite colors and styles, and even their hobbies can help you find the perfect gift for them. But, if you really want to make your gift for them stand out, include something personal in the box. This can be anything from a custom photo bracelet to a book written by their favorite author.
Personalized gifts are always a great way to show your friend how much you care about them, but it is especially meaningful when the item has sentimental value. If your friend is a big reader, for example, consider getting them a new kindle or a bookcase to hold their collection of books they love. Or, if your friend is a huge fan of the ocean, a custom-engraved jewelry box could be the perfect place to store all their seashells.
Another great way to add sentimental value to your gift for your best friend is to choose an item that reflects how long you’ve been friends. This might be a special coffee table book about your favorite memories together or a set of matching jewelry that celebrates your friendship.
It’s also a good idea to try and pick out a gift that will solve a problem your friend might be having. For example, if your friend is always complaining about their sore neck, a neck pillow might be just the thing to give them some relief. Or, if your friend is constantly running around, a sherpa belt bag might be just the thing to help them stay organized on their busy days.
Remember that a gift should never be too expensive, but it should also not be too impersonal or generic. Overly expensive items may come across as snobby, while overly generic gifts might not be very exciting for your friend to open. Instead, try to balance the scales by choosing a slightly more expensive but highly thoughtful and unique gift for your best friend.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New
When it comes to buying gifts for friends, sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to find a unique and special present. Don’t be afraid to try something new – it can lead to some amazing surprises and help you build a strong bond with your friends.
When choosing a gift, think about their personal style and interests. What types of activities do they like to engage in in their spare time? What kinds of items are they collectors of? Do they have any hobbies? What kind of items do they use on a day-to-day basis? You can also take note of their fashion preferences or favorite brands. This will give you a better idea of what type of gifts to purchase.
For example, if your friend loves to read, consider getting them a new book. Books are a great way to expand their knowledge and broaden their worldview, as well as help reduce stress. They can also be a fun way to pass the time and get lost in a good story.
Other fun and creative options for gifts include jewelry, stationary, and food items. You can also choose a piece of jewelry that has meaning or symbolism behind it, such as a birthstone necklace or a charm permanent bracelet with symbols representing their hobbies or significant life moments. You can even make your gift extra special by adding a personal touch, such as writing a message or their name on a bracelet.
Aside from being a great way to express your friendship, giving gifts is a beautiful act of generosity. It shows that you care about your friends and want to show them how much you value them in the ways that are most meaningful to them. And while the process of finding the perfect gift for a friend can seem daunting at times, with some pointers and a little intuition, you can find the perfect gift for even your most difficult friends.
Remember to always keep in mind their personality and interests when choosing a gift for them. Doing so will ensure that you’re giving them a gift that they’ll love and enjoy. And don’t be afraid to try something new — it could end up being the best gift of all!