How to Think Outside the Box When Giving Gifts to Friends

Remember when you were little, and going to the store to buy a toy for a friend’s birthday party was an exciting adventure? Browsing the aisles for the latest and greatest, choosing something on theme with their party, discovering new things to add to your own wishlist…it seemed like it was hard to choose the wrong thing back then! Granted, it probably ended in you wanting to get the same toy for yourself, but let’s be honest – doesn’t that still happen all the time?

In fact, maybe that’s the secret to choosing the perfect gift for your friend or loved one: finding something you’d be equally as excited to receive. Even if your friend has different interests than you, there are a few underlying qualities that go into any great gift. Next time you want to send a gift to your friend, here are a few unique angles to consider:

Look for a handmade version of something they’d love

No matter what hobbies and interests your friend has, there’s a good chance you can find something for them that was handmade rather than buying another gift from a big box store or giant online conglomerate.

For instance, if they have a favorite place or musician, head over to Etsy and see if any artists are selling handmade paintings or prints that they can hang in their room. In fact, Etsy is a great go-to place for one-of-a-kind handmade goods or funny knick-knacks you won’t find anywhere else. Even if they have a favorite movie quote, song lyric or inside joke, you can easily find someone on Etsy who can turn it into a mug, t-shirt or fun work of art.

Keep an eye out for unique handmade jewelry or accessories as well – not only on Etsy, but next time you’re out at a boutique, swap meet or pop-up shop. There’s something so special about finding and receiving a gift that wasn’t mass-produced and knowing how much intention went into finding it.

Head over to an antique store

Most people don’t think to check out antique stores when they want to send a gift to a friend – but what better way to make sure no one else gets them the same thing as you?

Antique stores are filled with extremely unique knick-knacks that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Plus, if your friend is a collector of something like coins, magazines, old silverware, salt & pepper shakers or figurines, you’re sure to find something up their alley at an antique store. Even if you’re not sure what kinds of things they’re interested in and are completely lost as to what to get them, an antique store can be a great place to find an interesting piece of home decor or wall art.

Thrift stores can also be a great place to find cool home decor or accessories, though it’s probably best to let them shop for clothes on their own.

Quality time is the greatest gift

As we get older, sometimes material gifts matter less than spending quality time with the people we care about. While it’s always fun to have a physical gift to open up on a birthday or holiday, there is something so sweet about being given the gift of time with a friend.

If you’re lost on what to give your friend, consider treating them to a fun night out, a nice dinner or a unique activity. “Paint and sip” events, spa days, concerts, cooking classes, art classes or even something active like kayaking or dance classes are great ways to celebrate your friend and allow the two of you to bond over a shared activity.

Try looking at Groupon for fun ideas (and sweet deals). Chances are, there are a lot more fun activities in your area than you even realize.

If that’s not up your alley, your friend will definitely appreciate a well-thought-out dinner or a trip to their favorite bar.

Find something that will make their life effortlessly sweeter or easier

Nowadays, subscription boxes are all the rage. Whether you want a bi-weekly delivery of wine, an entire meal plan, a box of pet toys or anything in between, you can bet there’s a subscription box for it.

If you want to send a gift that’s meaningful and adds value to your friend’s busy life, think about what type of subscription box they might like to receive. Do they have a super busy work schedule and limited time to cook or shop for groceries? A meal delivery service is a perfect idea. Do they love pampering themselves and trying new products? Find a box that sends them a monthly supply of new beauty products.

No matter what your friend loves or needs, subscription boxes are the gifts that keep on giving.

At the end of the day, sending a gift that shows you put time, care and effort into finding or initiating it is always your best bet. Goody makes it easy to find the perfect gift for anybody in your life – give it a shot!