Gift Ideas For Friends
10 Things To Keep in Mind when Buying Gifts for Friends
1. Don’t get them a gift they’ve gotten you
There aren’t too many bad mistakes when shopping for friends, but this is a big one.
This will come across in a bad way and make your friend feel like you don’t care, or worse, that you’re just regifting the same item they got you!
2. Make them laugh
You can never go wrong with getting something that will make a friend laugh. If you are unsure of a category of gifts, a humorous one will always be a hit.
3. Think of your best memories
Your old memories can help inspire a new gift idea. For example, think of your favorite memory or trip from college, and get them something that reminds you of that.
Or, maybe you have an inside joke or other special memory with your friend. Let that inspire you and guide you towards the perfect present!
4. Ask without asking
You can get help from your friend without bluntly asking them what they want as a gift.
Point things out the next time you’re out shopping and see how they respond or bring up some ideas in conversation.
Phrase it like you’re interested in the item for yourself so they don’t get suspicious.
5. Consider what your friend is interested in
Take some time to sit down and think about what your friend is most interested in.
What is their favorite hobby, for example? What did they study in school? What is their favorite holiday (Thanksgiving? Halloween?)
It’s common to think about an item you would want to get, but always remember you are getting the gift for another person. Get into their frame of mind by considering their interests.
6. Purchase a bunch of small gifts
Not one big one! Sometimes, smaller items can be more fun and more meaningful than one big expensive gift that feels impersonal.
This isn’t about spending a lot of money (or even deciding not to spend a lot of money), but rather about spending the time to think of a bunch of things that remind you of your friend.
7. It’s the thought that counts
A true friend will honestly appreciate that you took the time to get them something.
Oftentimes friends stop giving each other gifts as they get older, so you taking the time to get them something will mean a lot.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive item, but rather just something to show you do appreciate and love your friend.
8. Don’t compete with other friends
It can be stressful buying a gift for a friend, but even more so if you’re worried that another friend of yours will get something “better” or more expensive.
Don’t think that way! You should only focus on what you think your friend will love, and you know what amount of money you have to spend (even is is as little as 10 bucks!)
Again, a true friend will appreciate the effort and won’t be comparing the costs of items.
9. It doesn’t have to match what they got you
You shouldn’t approach buying a birthday gift for a friend by remembering what they got you on your last birthday.
People think this means you have to get a similar gift that’s worth a similar dollar value, but that isn’t true!
Instead, approach each holiday or event as a unique opportunity to get your friend a unique option.
10. Ask their family for help
Finally, if all else fails, go to their family and ask if they have any ideas.
They likely know your friend just as well, if not better, than you do, so they might give you just the tip you need to lead you in the right direction.
Not Your Usual Gift Ideas for Friends
What would life be like without friends? A whole lot less fun or meaningful, to say the least. Friends bring such joy to our lives, and giving them a unique or perhaps quirky gift is a great way to show your appreciation for how much better they make your life!
What Does Your Friend Enjoy?
‘Friend’ is a broad term. What is your friend like? Maybe he enjoys cooking, or she enjoys painting. No matter your friends’ interests, you can find the perfect gift for a friend that they are sure to love.
You might have run out of ideas, but with just a little knowledge of what they like, you can use our gift guides to find the perfect item.
Our guides have a wide range of items so that you can find just what you are looking for. Find something that will make your friend laugh, smile, think, or even cry (in a good way!).
If it is their birthday coming up, a big holiday, or any other special moment, get them a memorable gift that they will remember forever.
Let us help you so that you don’t have to stress about finding the perfect item.
Our List Of 10 Practical Gift Ideas For Friends
1. A Gorgeously Looking Planner
Give the gift of organization! Not only is this an incredibly practical choice, but it can also be equally gorgeous. Planners today are not just your boring week to week calendar, they come in a variety of designs and with numerous organization options.
Perfect for the friend who is always forgetting things, or for the one who is always on schedule - this will help them stay that way! Best of all, it will make a gorgeous accessory they can place at their desk.
2. Face Masks
Who doesn’t love a good face mask? These have become all the rage, and are perfect for the friend who loves a good night in with friends.
Apply a face mask, pour a glass of wine, put on your favorite movie, and you have the perfect girls' night.
Best of all, these will help improve your friend’s skin’s texture and appearance - something that anyone will appreciate.
3. Headphones
Life is hectic- we can all agree on that one. Sometimes, you need to drown out the world around you and listen to your favorite music or audiobook. Headphones are a great gift that is practical without being boring.
Perfect for working out, the subway ride into work, or while at the coffee shop, headphones always come in handy.
Often times, the standard headphones you get with the purchase of your smartphone just don’t cut it.
Upgrade your friends to the greatest new tech that are comfortable and have amazing sound quality- you can’t go wrong with that.
4. Wine Opener
Did someone say wine? Wine’s perfect mate, the wine opener. Pretty much an essential item for most people, a wine opener is a perfect gift that will get plenty of great usages.
It is also worth noting that someone can never have too many wine openers. Imagine sitting down with friends, ready to open a bottle of wine, just to realize your wine opener is broken.
Yikes! Whether your friend already has one or is desperately in need of one, this is a great gift idea that won’t disappoint.
5. Oil Diffuser
For those who are in serious need of relaxation, an oil diffuser is a perfect gift. The relaxing aroma of common essential oils are powerful enough to relax even the most stressed out, busy person, you know.
Perfect to use in the bedroom, bathroom (or any room in the house, really) this is an excellent gift choice that can work wonders on those who need to take a minute to just sit back and breathe.
6. Phone Case
Just about everyone has a smartphone, making a phone case a perfect idea. Phone cases don’t just protect your phone, they are an excellent way to show off your individual style.
Channel your friend’s taste, remember which type of phone they have, and find the perfect case.
7. Clothing
Simply put: clothing is always a possible gift option. You can never have too many clothes, so this idea is always on the table.
Perfect for the fashionista friend you have in your life, or for when you can’t think of anything else to get someone.
Shop the latest fashion trends and pick something unique out, or find the perfect practical item that your friend is in need of (more work attire? Workout gear? Clothes for their next getaway?)
8. Beverage Container
What is it that your friend drinks a lot? Coffee? Water? Wine? Why not get them a new mug, water bottle, or wine glass?
This is a perfect practical item that will get a lot of usages. Even better, you can still have fun when picking the perfect idea.
Don’t go for the plain mug - go for the one with the hilarious saying. The same goes for wine glasses - you can have a lot of fun finding the perfect one. Trust us!
9. Concert Tickets
If you are in search of the perfect gift for your friend that you can get in on, why not get concert tickets for a band or musician they love? Not only is this a gift they are sure to use, but you also get to use it too!
This is even better if you both share a love of an artist that is coming to your town.
10. Guidance Books
Life is tough. Even the most put-together person is sure to struggle with something. Thankfully, there are plenty of “guidance books” out there to choose from!
This could be a cookbook, or a guide to life post-grad, starting a new job, retiring, getting married, and a whole lot more.
Consider what stage of life your friend is in, and get them the perfect helpful book to help them out. You might just benefit from some of the tips too!
