We all know one of those people. When their birthday comes around, you dread having to try and buy something for them, as they already have everything. You’ve got no idea what to buy them and end up falling back on the classics of posh toiletries or a bottle of wine. If you have one of these people in your life and you want to get them something more interesting, then try one of these ideas.
- An instant film camera. If your friend is someone who likes to socialize, then they might like a way to record those memories. Instant film cameras became trendy a little while ago, as people like the old-school feel and being able to instantly hold a photo in their hands. Your friend might feel the same way, and they’ll have lots of photos to put up around their home and show off their fun memories.
- Subscription box. There are subscription boxes for everything now, including coffee, socks, and even a smoking subscription box. Choose a subscription box for something that you know your friend likes, and gift them with a few little treats every month. This is sure to go down well and show that you’ve chosen something thoughtful. When the box arrives each month, they’ll think of you too.
- A scratch-off world map. If your friend loves to travel, then buy a scratch-off world map. As they visit more places, they scratch them off the map. This creates a great art piece, a conversation starter, and a great way to keep track of everywhere they’ve been. They can also use it to get inspiration for where they might want to travel next and complete their map.
- Make a photo collage. A collage of photos of great memories makes for a great gift that is thoughtful and shows some care. Choose your favorite photos of you and your friend, and arrange them in a nice frame. You could also include other things with your pictures if you’ve saved them, like tickets from things you’ve done together.
- A giant bag of candy. Does your friend have a favorite candy? Then why not buy them a giant bag of it? If you know where to look online, then can you find massive packs of most candy. This is the kind of gift that is bound to make them laugh, and they’ll think of you as they work their way through the bag of treats over the next few weeks.
- A virtual assistant. The person who has everything always seems to be the busiest person around as well. A virtual assistant gives the gift of time. A VA can pick up time-consuming tasks like travel planning, making admin tasks, calling customer service departments, answering emails, and all the life admin that takes up a lot of time. With a VA to help for a short time, your friend can use their new free time however they like.
- Experience gifts. Instead of trying to buy something, give the gift of a new experience. There are lots of services out there that let you buy vouchers for experiences for everything from theatre and concert tickets to skydiving and a flying lesson. These gifts are always well received as your friend will have a great excuse to try something new or something they’ve always wanted to try, but wouldn’t have paid for themselves.
- Gift vouchers. Some people think buying vouchers is a bit lazy, but if you’re shopping for someone who is impossible to buy for, then you give them the gift of choice. Give vouchers for somewhere useful to them, such as a furniture shop if you know they’re decorating their house, or a sports shop if they’ve taken up a fitness kick. This way you’re giving a voucher they’ll be pleased to receive, but they’ll be able to choose something they want or need for themselves.
- A night out. Instead of buying a present, take your friend for a night out. Buy them a delicious dinner, and then head to a bar and treat them to a few drinks. This saves you from struggling to find the ideal gift but makes sure you can spend some quality time together and do something fun. If a bar isn’t their thing, treat them to a night at the theatre, at a sporting event, or a concert. Take them for a night on the town they’ll love.
- Babysitting. If you friend has kids, hire them a babysitter for the day of their birthday or offer to take their kids yourself. Without needing to worry about arranging childcare, they’ll be able to plan whatever they want for their birthday and head out with no worries. Offering to babysit is a good way for you to give something thoughtful if your own funds are low at the moment.
- A cleaner. If you know your friend is planning a birthday party at the house, book them a cleaner for the day after so their house can be put right again after the celebrations without them having to lift a finger. This is bound to be gratefully received, as nobody likes to tidy up after a party.
- A meal kit delivery service. There are lots of great companies who will deliver fresh ingredients to your door with an easy to follow recipe so you can cook something delicious, and more complicated than you might usually tackle. If your friend enjoys food or likes to cook, then this would be a very thoughtful gift. Whether you order a one-off or a subscription box, you could find options to suit any diet, whether you think your friend would like food from a particular cuisine, healthy food, or treat meals.
- Classes. You could book a class together or just for them, and send your friend off to learn about something they’re interested in. You could book a cooking class, a language class, a dance class, or anything else you think they’d like to know more about.
- A bobblehead that looks like the person. Custom gifts are indeed, ideal picks for a friend who seem to own every fancy item you could think of. A custom bobblehead belongs to a new wave of personalized presents only a few people have heard about. Surprisingly, you can order a bobblehead that look like your special someone and further customize it to match what you have in mind such as accessories, make the figure strike a pose, costume, a thoughtful message, and more. Here’s how to order a custom bobblehead.
