But I’m here (as a difficult friend to buy for) to tell you it’s never about the gift itself so don’t worry, it really is more about the thought. I love receiving gifts but ONLY because it means my friend has thought about me ahead of time. ♥ But I’m sure you may want to get something that is well received, purposeful, or at least get some ideas (also hostess gifts) so here’s are some of mine!
I will say that as a hostess, if a friend (who is like family) brings food and helps with the meal like dessert, I LOVE that and prefer it over a gift!!!ย If you don’t know the hostess very well, it would be great if you have time to bring something even if small, it’s classy and just a nice gesture. But if you’re like family, ask if you can pick up ice or some food – that’s more than enough. Or if you’re super close, ask if you can come over early to help set up. Meagan is my girl who helps me with this every time, I feel like she’s my co-chair.
Edible
Food is always a good idea! My friend Lauren has gifted me a few times her homemade candy apples. I die every time. I will eat it, and enjoy it long after the company is gone. Trader Joe’s always has some delicious seasonal dessert items if you’d like to swing by and your talents aren’t kitchen related (like myself).
Candles
Who doesn’t love candles? But scents are so personal! Can I be bold and suggest buying from a boutique or any Anthropologie candle. The candles are going to be better quality, prettier jars, and if your friend is picky about candles (um, me sorry) then the throw of the candle and scents are very important. Go natural, as my friend Lory says, she prefers scents found in nature opposed to baked cookies, etc. I couldn’t agree more – actually another friend of mine who loves candles said she doesn’t like the sweet scent it makes her sick. Oh, and pick a candle that doesn’t have colored wax, white in a clear jar or pretty jar will match any decor, even your fancy friend.
Florals
They can be just Trader Joe’s fillers, or a decorated Christmas tree or plant – something that you won’t expect it to live beyond a few months – because pressure! I used to be so scared when people gifted me a house plant like I wish they gave me cut flowers instead because I had pressure to keep it alive – and often failed.
Beauty
Face masks, your favorite hand cream, face lotion, lip balm, your favorite dry shampoo you want to share, we all need more pampering in our lives. Bath bombs, sugar scrubs – but be aware if your friend is only into the natural stuff to make sure it will be used. ย If you have a friend who LOVES face products and uses fancy creams, why not a mini beauty fridge to keep in their bathroom?
Personalized anything
Did you know a person’s favorite word is their name? That’s what they say! So if you get anything, a necklace, something engraved, a barrette, they will love it! You can find a lot of these goodies on Etsy. Meagan has gotten me so many things every year with my name on it and I couldn’t care what it was, it has my name on it, I instantly love it!
The effort
This past birthday my girlfriend Sommer dropped off a piece of cake, and a “D” necklace for me with one of the most heartfelt cards I’ve read in a while. It meant so much to me just the effort – and also that she lives about 35+ minutes away from me. It really is the thought! Offer to take a friend out for coffee or a meal (if it’s their birthday) and treat them! That quality time is more than enough and if you have a busy friend, maybe just say dessert?
Photos by Kate Nelle
Diana Elizabeth lovesย shoppingย for gifts for her friends, she loves finding somethingย specialย for them that shows she took the time to think of them!
Mk says
Such great ideas! Iโm always ready to be your co-host bestie โฅ๏ธLove getting gifts for you..difficult just means get creative xo