Picking the perfect gifts for your friends and family can be difficult. It’s easy to buy a random gift just because you feel like you have to, but it’s a lot more challenging to take a moment to think about what the recipient would truly like to receive.
You want to give them something unique that will surprise them. Something they need and want. Something they will use and cherish. Something that relates to your relationship with them. Something meaningful.
Do you need meaningful gift ideas for friends and family? These ten ideas serve as inspiration and help you find something unique for your loved ones.
Idea #1: Personalized wall decor
You have many options if you would like to give some personalized wall decor to a friend or a member of your family. For example, you can get a cherished photo framed or printed on a canvas.
You could give them a framed map of a place they dream of visiting or a place they love. You could also pay an artist to paint a portrait of their family or beloved pet.
Idea #2: A personalized calendar
A personalized calendar is always fun to receive. You can customize it with photos of a wonderful family vacation, photos of your children or pet, or an image that evokes beautiful memories.
This is a great way to celebrate your relationship with the recipient and give them a new reason to smile each month when they discover a new page of their unique calendar.
Idea #3: A book
If you know the recipient loves to read, a book could be a great gift. You can either buy them a book you know they want or take some time to search for a book you think they will love.
Your gesture could allow them to discover something new, whether it’s an author they didn’t know or a topic they have always been curious about.
Idea #4: A donation in their name
If the recipient seems to have everything, you could donate in their name instead of giving them more stuff they don’t need. For instance, you can make a donation to the United Church of Canada mission and service fund on their behalf.
Donations to a cause close to the recipient’s heart, hospital donations and church donations will always be meaningful gifts that make a positive difference. You have to find out which cause or organization they are passionate about.
Idea #5: Concert tickets
If the recipient loves music, you could buy them tickets to an upcoming concert by their favourite band in a venue close to their home.
If you know they enjoy discovering new artists, you could buy them tickets to an artist you would like to introduce them to or to a music festival where they will be able to live memorable adventures.
Idea #6: A personalized gift box
Whether the recipient loves chocolate, candy, tea, coffee, cookies, or ingredients that allow them to cook delicious meals, you can offer them a personalized gift box that will delight their senses.
You could create your gift box or basket, but many companies allow you to customize a gift box easily and send it to the recipient with a thoughtful note.
Idea #7: An engraved watch
You can gift an engraved watch to a loved one for a thoughtful and useful gift they can keep with them every single day for years to come. You can customize a quality watch with the message of your choice, a meaningful quote, or a significant date.
This timeless gift will remind the recipient how much you love them whenever they look at it.
Idea #8: An online course
If the recipient is passionate about learning new things, you could gift them an online course. Online courses allow us to learn pretty much anything, from speaking a new language to playing a musical instrument, so they can make great gifts for people of all ages.
It’s also possible to offer a gift card to an online gift platform, so the recipient can choose which class interests them the most.
Idea #9: A plant or succulent
Buying a pet to someone as a gift is not good unless the recipient specifically asks for a pet. Similarly, it might not be good to buy a house plant for someone unless you know they love plants and will be happy to care for a new one.
Succulents and other house plants can brighten up any home or office space, and they are a unique and meaningful gift for plant lovers. Plus, they often come in stylish pots that complement their natural beauty.
Idea #10: A gift card
Finally, if you are unsure which type of gift the recipient would like, you can give them a gift card. It could simply be a gift card to buy gas or groceries, but it could also allow them to purchase their favourite music, book a hotel room, or enjoy dining out at a great restaurant.