Need to buy a gift for a friend?
A birthday, anniversary, farewell party, housewarming, graduation or other such celebration is coming up, and you need to buy a gift for a friend or some friends. However, the usual ideas won't do; you want something more creative than a gift card, a spa day or two tickets to a sporting event. If you want to make this gift memorable, try giving something that will always make the recipient think of you.
A Friend-Specific Gift
If you and your friend have a favorite saying, have it put on a coffee cup, cross-stitched and framed to make decorative plaque or carved into a small block of wood. If you met in college, give items in your school colors or give your stuffed college mascot. Do you hang out at the same restaurant, pub or bar every payday Friday? Create a gift package with the establishment's t-shirt, mugs, matchbooks, menu, recipe book and shot glasses. If you always get together to watch a certain TV program, buy the calendar or book or try to find autographed memorabilia.
By Hand
Making a gift not only gives it special sentimental value but also allows you to customize it for the recipient. Make a decorative pillow, a basket, a pair of matching lampshades or a photo collage displaying your favorite snapshots. Make a quilt using your friend's favorite sundress or sweatshirt or t-shirt or jeans that are too tattered to be worn any longer. Make some jewelry such as a pair of earrings, a necklace or a bracelet. If you're handy with wood, build a jewelry box or a piece of furniture such as a step stool, rocking chair or even a decorative folding screen.
Living Gift
Another creative idea is a plant. Plants make great gifts, and the selection is endless. Give a rosebush or a pot of flowers to a friend who loves to garden; a windowsill herb garden to a friend who loves to cook; or a potted ornamental shrub to sit on a patio, deck or porch to a friend who loves to relax outdoors. You can also give a seedlings tree to be planted in the yard. This last option is good for friends who don't have very green thumbs: just plant and water occasionally. Research what trees grow naturally in the area and then visit plant nurseries to purchase seedlings.
Tags: friend loves, gift friend, your friend