It’s the season for giving and high expectations. Friends might easily offer up or hint at what they want during these holidays, but it can still be difficult to find thoughtful gifts that don’t break the bank.
For the friend that’s the Fashionista, accessories like a scarf, necklace, or headband can be a cheap way to get unique pieces they’ll appreciate. Pay attention to the pieces they like to wear or what they point out at the mall. Attention to detail will definitely pay off in making them feel special. If they lean towards being a Fanatic Trendster, quirky items involving bacon or mustaches are sure to please as well.
The friend you tend to lazy about and pig out with, a.k.a the Couch Potato, might appreciate gift cards to either a movie theater or a restaurant they like. However, getting tickets to a movie they’d want to see with you or taking the time to make them some grub certainly takes it up a notch. Puppy chow and rice krispe treats are two good examples of easy and taste snacks to make.
That friend who’s “Always Active,” either by being energetic or athletic, probably needs to hydrate as often as possible. Buy a plain water bottle and get creative with stickers and colorful sharpies. Another option could be to buy white sweatbands to decorate with sharpies as well. Fun phrases and inside jokes are sure to make your friend smile over either personalized present.
Some of the people who can be hard to get gifts for tend to be the “Practical Anne” of the group. Get them something they’d appreciate by getting something they’d likely use often. Have they recently lost their headphones? Grab a pair along with some colored floss. You can find some at Michaels sold for making friendship bracelets. Use techniques for making friendship bracelets on the headphone’s cords to get a colorful end result. Another option for this chilly season would be to either buy or make them gloves, a hat, or a scarf. Fuzzy socks could also be a fun option. If they love hot chocolate, tea, or have to have their daily coffee, get them an insulated mug to use.
The best way to deal with a friend who’s a Grinch or a “Don’t Get Me Anything” is to get them gag gifts that’ll at least get them to crack a smile. Chocolate coal, or anything that refers to an inside joke, could do the trick.
Then there’s the Simply Acquaintances. You may find yourself getting them a gift because you either picked their name for Secret Santa or because, although you two aren’t particularly close, they’re still in your group of friends. Either way, a fail-safe option would be holiday related sweets such as gelt, candy canes, or holiday cookies.
Finally, there’s your closest friends. There’s high expectations for a truly thoughtful gift, but you know them well enough to know what they’d appreciate the most. Depending on the friend, good gift ideas could range from gag gifts to practical presents. You could get them that expensive jacket or game system they’ve been wanting. You could make them their favorite treat or a friendship bracelet. No matter what direction you choose to take, a thoughtful letter is key. The letter could be a mixture of inside jokes, compliments, and appreciation for what you’ve done or go through together. No matter what gift you decide on, the letter will be the aspect that’s most likely treasured the most.
Have Fun Gifting Giving!