We’ve all been there. You suddenly remember that you need a gift. And your brain freezes. Maybe it’s for a friend who basically has everything under the sun. Maybe it’s for someone you don’t know that well. Either way, you don’t want to just choose the first thing that comes to hand and cross your fingers.
The best part of it is, there are some gifts that almost always pay off. You don’t need to know someone’s dress size, their exact taste or whatever’s hot this week. They’re safe, but they can be thoughtful and personal as well.
Below are my top five choices for those “help, I’m stumped” moments.
- A gift card
Gift cards are boring. until you dress them up a bit. Pick one:
For others, somewhere they may be going — a bustling bookstore, an acceptable chain coffeehouse, or some huge bazaar where they can find nearly anything. Dress it up. Send it in a nice card, send it with a piece of chocolate, or include a little note like, “This is for your next lazy Sunday brunch”, or “Go go get yourself something goofy.”
Just check for expiration dates and make sure it’s something that can easily be spent without leftover money.
- An experience instead of just things
The ideal gift at times takes up no space on the shelf — it leaves an impression. A night out at the movies, a ceramics painting evening class, an outing to the zoo with tickets, or a coffee-tasting day out can be the answer. If they won’t know until they have an available day, purchase an open-dated ticket so they can select the day.
If you’d like to make it more personal, make it something you can enjoy together. A card with, “This is for popcorn and a movie, my treat — pick the day” is more enjoyable to give than a voucher.
- Hard-to-dislike food
If you just have no idea, then food is always a solution. The simplest thing to do is keep it easy and people always appreciate it more if you give them something you made. Think in terms of good chocolate, gourmet popcorn which you can buy, or a jar of nice homemade jam. Steer clear of something too allergy-prone, like nuts or strong cheeses, unless you know it will be fine.
If you would prefer it to be a “real gift” rather than snacks, make a little theme. Pancake mix, maple syrup and a spatula as a “Sunday breakfast kit” or tea, honey and biscuits as an “afternoon tea break.” It’s thoughtful without being privy to the innermost segments of their lives.
- Flowers that anyone can enjoy
A bouquet will warm a room instantaneously. Avoid the overkill approach to do a vignette of modern flowers in brown paper will be more than sufficient as a gaudy show arrangement. In case you can’t even have a go at guessing what their favourites are, safer choices are roses, lilies, or carnations in pale colours. If you want to send someone flowers who likes maximalist style, you should use 100 roses delivery to surprise them in the best way possible.
Adding a simple vase makes it feel more complete (and means they’re not hunting for something to put the flowers in). If you’re worried they travel a lot or have pets that chew on plants, dried flowers are a beautiful low-maintenance option that lasts for months.
- A plant that’s hard to kill
And if flowers are the “wow” gift of the day, plants are the gift that keeps on giving. And not a full-time employment for the recipient but a pretty yet easy houseplant is the best idea.. Choose plants like pothos, snake plants or ZZ plants — those that will forgive you if you forget to water them for three weeks.
Put it in a simple pot that will fit most homes, and maybe add a small handwritten note on its upkeep. Be über cautious and use an animal-friendly plant like parlour palm or Boston fern.
Making any gift feel personal
Even the smallest gift can be made special if you put a little bit of heart into it. A sincere, scribbled note that says, “I didn’t know what to get, so I got something that I thought you’d like in your own way” does more than impeccable wrapping ever could.
When you’re amidst it, you don’t have to go hunting for “the one magnificent thing.” You just require something that works, is easy to operate, and conveys that you thought about them. A gift card, a doing, a decent meal, fresh flowers, or a plain and easy plant will almost always leave you off the hook. Put creativity and thought into wrapping, and you’re done — no guessing involved.