For example, if the person is your best friend, perhaps you’d like them to know that you think of them as the smartest, funniest person in all the galaxy. If the person is a coworker, you might want them to know that you appreciate their hard work and companionship in your shared office space. If the person is your significant other, you might want to let them know how much you love and appreciate all that they do.
For example, you might choose a coffee mug for your coffee-loving best friend with a witty message about how intelligent and awesome they are. For a coworker, you might give them a gift card to their favorite sub shop so they can go out to lunch. You can send an indoor plant as gift, if your friend loves gardening. Your significant other might enjoy being pampered with a spa package, and this would let them know you think they deserve some rest and relaxation for all their hard work.
For example, you could ask your best friend’s mom if she has any suggestions. Talk with other coworkers to see if they’ve noticed anything the person likes or could use. Question your significant other’s best friend or sibling to see if they’ve dropped any hints.
For example, if the person posted about a favorite coffee shop on their social media account, get them a gift card for that coffee shop. If they pinned an image of a sweater onto a Pinterest board, see if there is a link you can follow and buy them that sweater.
For example, the person might have added a specific type of blender to their wish list. If so, you can purchase it from the website. Be sure to indicate that you bought the item if you are selecting something from a registry. This will help to ensure that no one else gets the person the same gift.
Try saying something like, “Have you given any thought to what you’d like for your birthday?” Or say, “I’m working on my Christmas list. What’s at the top of your list this year?”
If the person’s favorite band is coming to town, buy them a ticket to go see the show. Look into theater productions that the person might enjoy and get them a ticket to see a performance. Check for other ticketed events the person might enjoy as well, such as a special exhibition at a museum, a comic convention, or escape room.
If the person loves bowling, get them a gift certificate for the local bowling alley. If they enjoy reading, get them a gift card for a local book store or to buy ebooks. If they love to cook, get them a gift card for a kitchen supply store or grocery store. If there is a restaurant the person has been wanting to try, get them a gift card for the restaurant.
For example, if you get the person a blanket, you might include in the note that you hope they enjoy lots of cozy evenings reading or watching movies under the blanket. If you give the person a new backpack, then include a note that describes all the items the person can keep in their new backpack and how you hope it will enhance their commute to school or work.
Purchase the person 2 hours of cleaning services from a local cleaning company. Make the person a week’s worth of freezer meals that they can heat and eat when they are short on time. Offer to run errands for the person, babysit, or walk the person’s dog.
For example, if the person told you they really want a new toaster because their toaster is broken, then get them a new toaster. If they said they only want gift cards to buy video games, give them a gift card to a video game store or to download games on a device.
If the person requests donations on their behalf, then that is what you should get them. However, be careful about assuming this is something they would like.
For example, if you have 3 friends on your list and you find a really cool looking lamp that you think they’d all enjoy, buy 3 of those lamps and give 1 to each of your friends.
For example, if you have a friend who recently lost their cell phone and cannot afford a new one, then you and a few friends could pool your money and buy them a new phone. If your parent is in need of a new TV, then you and your siblings could share the cost of a new one for them.
