Isn’t it lovely to receive the perfect gift from a friend? It doesn’t matter if it is a special occasion, or a just-like-that gift—we all enjoy the ideal gift, especially if it is something from our wishlist, or something that makes life better. Great gifts feel like a reflection of the beautiful bond we have with the giver—we cherish them all our lives.
When I think back on some of the best gifts I’ve got from my closest friends, I feel blessed. We went to great lengths to make sure we picked the perfect item, and later, reveled in the joy it brought. Good times!
So, after a really enjoyable discussion with my besties, we came up with 7 gift ideas that rock. You can totally steal them—what with it being the holiday season and all!
Jewelry
My friends love their jewelry. Not necessarily precious jewelry—because we enjoy wearing ethnic stuff, the gorgeous stuff made by artisans. But every once in a while, we like to get that special piece. Doesn’t have to cost a bomb. It can be that simple elegant something engraved with the date or year in which you met, or something else special. I remember, almost three decades ago, I had collected a box full of 20 paise coins. I had them melted and made into two anklets—one for me, one for my friend. When I met her three years ago, the first thing we did was show each other our ankles—and feel excited that we were still wearing those! Of course, we’ve gifted each other loads of jewelry since then, but this one is so special.
A day at the spa
If anyone deserves a day off to pamper herself and relax, it is that special friend. A relaxing day at the spa is the perfect gift for that friend who refuses to take time off and recharge! You know how she’ll do everything for everyone, but when it comes to herself, uh uh! How about a gift certificate for a day of pampering at your favorite local spa? I am sure she’ll be thrilled! Because, you see, sometimes you just gotta take charge! Go the whole hog and give them the full princess treatment, or pick a list of services you know your friend will prefer to make the spa experience completely blissful and perfect.
An e-reader
All my friends are voracious readers and books are always a winning gift option. But it is sometimes inconvenient to leave that 400 page novel behind when you travel, especially if you’re just getting warmed up with the plot! So how about an ereader? Several libraries allow you to download electronic books straight to the E-reader, which is a boon for avid book readers. With the price of the E-reader going down it has become easy to present this wonderful gift to your book loving friends.
Gift of health
Yes, gifting needn’t be all fun stuff! A gift for good health like an air filter for home is a gift almost everyone seems to love getting in today’s highly polluted environment. Consider gifting a portable purifier to keep their home circulating with clean air, particularly if they are prone to respiratory problems or have little ones around. For instance, Kent Ozone Table Top Air Purifier is a convenient appliance that can be used anywhere around the house. If your friends have little children, they will love this gift.
With the weather turning cold outside, we naturally prefer to bundle up at home and stay cozy, making it more important than ever to breathe clean home air. A home air purifier, besides removing household pollutants and germs from the air, has many benefits—and it makes the perfect gift. It will help your friends stay healthier and less stressed, which also means a calmer mind and better relationships. Win-win!
A diary or a journal
Ah, remember the days when we enjoyed writing in a journal and hiding that diary from prying eyes? I still feel excited about that gorgeous diary. I am already all set for 2017 with two desk planners, and a couple of 5-subject notebooks, because I love to write. Many people remember and cherish a beautiful and well-decorated diary given to them by their friends. I’ve seen some unique ones with a small lock, so your friend can keep it private. Writing is so therapeutic! We all have special moments in life we enjoy reflecting upon. So go ahead and choose a fabulous diary or journal for your friend, and make her think of you! She will appreciate the thoughtfulness of this gift, each time she uses it!
A holiday
What better gift than the gift of travel? If your friend enjoys seeing places, simply gift her a weekend getaway—solo or with a partner. Better still, buddy up and plan an adventure together—maybe a wildlife safari, or a lazy beach resort trip—or a trek. I am sure your friend will cherish it forever!
A scrapbook or a photo album
Have you ever received an album from your friend with all the funny and amazing moments of togetherness, compiled in a single book? I have! And it is amazing. Pick a few of your favorite photos together and make a special scrapbook for your friend to love and cherish! Celebrate your friendship! An even better idea is to create a collage and have it framed, so she can place it where she can enjoy seeing it!
Gifting needn’t be a chore. Of course, the greatest gift is wrapped in love!
So which one of these is your favorite?
What’s the best gift you’ve received this year?
Tell me in the comments!
16 comments
Hi Vidya – a holiday is my choice – I love experiences over things every time and I love travel. It’s the best way to find out first hand how amazing people are the world over.
And the best gift I received this year was a birthday card from Laura – the message inside was worth a million gifts.
Ahh the e-reader would be my favourite. Anything to do with reading actually 🙂
This year S got me the Kindle paperwhite and it is his best gift to me so far. I love it and never go anywhere without it 🙂
Nabanita Dhar recently posted…#BestLondonTrip | UK For Less This Season
Wow, that’s lovely Naba! It is on my wishlist!
Oh I would love all of these.
Remember, August 8th is my birthday 😀
Soumya recently posted…When Sharing Is Not Caring
I’d love to buddy up and go some place with you – travel, Soumya! Maybe next birthday? 😀
This is an amazing assortment of gift ideas to receive:)
My personal fav is …scrapbook or a photo album…
Thanks Sunita!
Vidya Sury recently posted…A Special Mamaearth Gift for Your Baby #Giveaway #MamaKnowsBest
Listed here is a thoughtful collection of gifts and ideas thereof, Vidya. Items like Air-purifier, photo-album, e-reader, holiday or spa packages are spot-on. I have been a proud recipient of a kindle, holiday packages etc from my son and an equally proud giver of gifts to my parents and parents-in-law. What matters is not the goody but the thought behind it; wrapped in love, as you put it so appositely. With my greetings of the season and best wishes…
Rajagopal recently posted…Do I Mind or Do I Matter…
Thank you Raj! I am coveting a Kindle e reader this year! You’re right about the thought being the most important thing! 🙂 Wishing you a great 2017!
Vidya Sury recently posted…A Special Mamaearth Gift for Your Baby #Giveaway #MamaKnowsBest
The best gift ideas .We’ve searched far and wide for unique and cool gifts that fit any budget.
🙂 Thanks for coming by Ramya! When we take a moment to think about the person we’re gifting to, what fun it is to explore ideas!
Vidya Sury recently posted…A Special Mamaearth Gift for Your Baby #Giveaway #MamaKnowsBest
The gift ideas are lovely. I especialy loved the spa one 🙂 Good compilation!
MALINY recently posted…AUTHOR TALK – A Guest Post By Preethi Venugopala
Thank you, Maliny! I’ve never been to one, but would never say no! 🙂
Vidya Sury recently posted…Practising Gratitude #GratitudeCircle
These are great ideas! I actually blogged about a gift received long ago and still cherished today. What fun irony. Best wishes to you and yours!
Darla M Sands recently posted…The Gift of Love
Thank you, Darla! I remember the post! 🙂 Hugs! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
What a good collection of gift ideas! Will be sharing your post – maybe one of my friends gets the hint and….
Danny recently posted…The Most Addictive Video Games For Kids Revealed (Plus Our Top Non-Addictive Game Picks For 2022)