It was my birthday recently, and, as I had a party, I received presents. It was interesting to see what my friends thought to get me, and I thought back to their birthdays and what I got them. So often I hear my friends complain, “Oh, I don’t know what to get him, he’s so hard to buy for!” and, “She won’t tell me what she wants!” The truth is, it can be really hard to get presents for your friends.
#1 Tip: Keep a list going (I find my iPod Note app is good for this) of present ideas.
Ie: Mom: framed family photo, facial gift certificate, recipes
Tyler: Motorcycle calenders, Lazer pointer, poster of his favourite band (Kiss)
Sarah: Chocolate-covered things, lava lamp, book of monologues for her acting, etc. etc. etc.
#2 Tip: Know where your friends like to shop, because, in the end, everyone likes gift cards.
However, for close friends, it is nice to be thoughtful, so be careful. If you do get them a gift card, get a thoughtful gift card, such as a gift card to Starbucks if the two of you go there to chat over coffee often.
#3 Tip: Don’t Leave the Shopping ’till the Last Minute
I’m notorious for this; most teenagers are, I feel. But Christmases are a lot more fun if you’re not panicking because you feel bad about your last-minute gifts. So, start early. If it’s June and you see something your sister would LOVE, buy it, and save it ’till Christmas, or her birthday, or whatever. It’ll pay off.
#4 Tip: Know Their Interests
My teacher is well-known as a Beatles fan, so every year-end there’s a stack of Beatles-related merchandise on his desk. Beyond that, he’s very into sports, and receives tickets to Stampeders’ Games. My friend Josh is a huge Bob Dylan fan, which opens up a huge realm of Bob Dylan-related presents. My friend Lauren plays the guitar and loved getting a tuner for her birthday. Not only do people like gifts related to their interests, it shows that you pay attention to them.
#5 Tip: Play on Inside Jokes and Common Experiences
My friend Janelle was constantly late last year, so for her birthday, I bought her an alarm clock as a joke. For my birthday, my friends Anna and Vitalik got me a compilation of the New York Times Comics to get hyped for our trip to New York this spring. I got my dad a cook book for Father’s Day after he got a new BBQ.
Creative Ideas to Get You Started:
–Make them a personalized T-shirt
–Make them a photo gift.
–Take them out.
Comment Question:
What kind of presents do you like to get?