If you’re anything like me, you’re not the best at gift-giving. Heck, I don’t even know what to say when someone asks me what I would like for my birthday. It gets even worse when you’re buying a present for someone you don’t know well. It can be tempting to reach for that basic gift card or wad of cash; sometimes, that is the best option. But if you have a little extra time and want to put just a bit more thought into a gift, here are some basic ideas that might work.
- Puzzles
Very random, I know – but stay with me. Puzzles are relatively cheap – like 10 or 20 dollars. They’re fun for all ages above 3, and if you’re shopping in a department store – they’re usually themed around the coming holiday.
Puzzles are chill. No one’s going to get offended by a puzzle. The worst thing that’ll happen is the box will sit around and gather dust. But that’s also the best part – puzzles don’t expire. Years later, the person can get bored, pull it out of the cupboard, and start playing.
If you want to sweeten the gift, give a picture frame so the recipient can hang the puzzle once they complete it.
- Homemade Food
If you consider yourself a semi-good chef, creating a bit of food for the person in question is a no-brainer. Homemade food adds a nice sentimental touch to the gift-giving experience, making the whole thing seem more personal. Whip up some peanut butter cookies, a casserole, or chocolate-covered anything. Just be sure to get their dietary restrictions first.
- Mugs
Funny mug, cool mug, basic mug. Mug from the dollar tree or mug from the fancy boutique. Mugs are a great gift because, one, everybody drinks some kind of liquid, and two, you can put things in the mug as a second gift. You can fill the mug up with tiny trinkets or food (again) or nice smelling erasers – literally anything that can fit, you can gift. If you want to elevate your gift-giving game, make sure the mug is dishwasher-safe and microwavable.
- Empty Journals or Notebooks
The most underrated gift is the gift of ~potential~. What can you put in these notebooks? Only the recipient knows! A diary, an art sketchbook, a planner – the sky’s the limit. Even if you don’t know the person that well, you can still write a little note on the first page for them – raising the sentimental value of the gift. I, for one, absolutely love notebooks and hoard them like nobody’s business. However, this also means that I have the perfect gift ready for my friends and family at a moment’s notice.
Still have no idea what to give? Take this simple formula: container + thing. Mason jar + M&M’s. Water bottle + powdered drink mix packets. Bowl + hand cream tubes. Jewelry box + artisanal hand soap.
Go crazy and have fun.