Whether it’s to mark a special occasion or for no reason at all, most people love receiving gifts that feel like they were picked out just for them. Here are some of the top trends in thoughtful gift-giving, from high-end swank to personalized perfection.
Give Something Swanky
For the people on your gift list who deserve to be spoiled, there’s a raft of luxurious treats that are likely to please. Presents that come in little velvet boxes are almost always appreciated and can quite literally put a sparkle in the eyes of their recipients. If buying your boo a bit of bling that won’t require breaking into Fort Knox is in order, consider gifting him or her with diamond stud earrings, a sparkling bracelet, or a quality timepiece. To up the swankiness ante even further, purses, messenger bags, or statement wardrobe items from famous fashion houses will fit the bill and are likely to be treasured for years to come. If the people on your gift list favor function over fashion, you can still wow them with posh-yet-practical items like a leather computer keyboard, a crocodile skin umbrella, or a solid gold toilet seat.
Give Something Fun
While something ritzy is likely to be appreciated by a wide range of folks, fun gifts can be just as treasured. A present that is unusual and quirky is sometimes the most memorable, and giving something out of the ordinary can reflect the time and care with which you choose the gift. Some of the more intriguing gift items out there are silly in style but useful in nature, like an electric knife made to look like a chainsaw, crew socks with pockets for stashing cash or keys, and a felt organizer that slides into a purse to create multiple pockets and compartments. For some folks on your gift list the goofier the goody the better, so for those recipients you might consider a combination lock for ice cream pints, a chia pet designed to look like Baby Yoda or Bob Ross, or a book that provides crafting ideas for cat hair shed by their furry friends.
Give Something Sustainable
Even if the person you’re buying for isn’t a god or goddess of green living, chances are he or she will still appreciate a gift that’s eco-friendly. All sorts of unique items have been upcycled, meaning they’ve been repurposed from their original use into a brand new piece to avoid simply being thrown on the rubbish heap. Upcycled goodies that make for good presents include CDs that have been made into coasters, bicycle tire-rim wall clocks, and even belts made of pop can tabs. Gifts that replace disposable items with those that are reusable can also be popular choices; consider gifting canvas shopping bags, steel coffee filters, or bamboo makeup remover pads. You can even carry sustainability through to the presentation of your present, by using gift wrap that’s been made from recycled paper.
Give Something Personal
If you want your gift to let your loved ones know that you “get them,” then make selections that are tailored to something they’re passionate about. Cookware and specialized knives for budding chefs, a laser level or shop vacuum for woodworkers, or a limited-edition controller for gaming fans can all reflect your thoughtfulness. Personalizing your thoughtful gifts can take them one step further up the awesomeness chart: think monogrammed dumbbells for fitness buffs, a customized map for world travelers, or a set of engraved lures for fishing enthusiasts. There’s almost nothing that can’t be turned into a one-of-a-kind bespoke token of your affection.
No matter who you’re shopping for, putting a little thought into picking out the perfect gift is sure to be appreciated. Whether you favor giving presents that are swanky, fun, personal, or sustainable, chances are that going with one of these thoughtful gift ideas will be a wonderful way to make someone’s day.