Trying to come up with the ideal present can be a difficult task, even at the best of times. We don’t have to tell you straight out that these aren’t exactly the best of times, with global inequality rising and turmoil seemingly spreading across the globe.
It’s at times like these that you have to get creative, imaginative and inventive if you’re going to come up with gift ideas that are genuinely going to be warmly received. And if you can’t come up with them, then maybe we can; here are 8 meaningful gifts for the gal pals in your life.
A Food & Wine Hamper
Food tastes better when shared with friends, with the best stuff not only providing nourishment in the traditional sense, but also nourishment for the soul.
Indeed, food has the power to bring us together, so what better gift to give than a food and wine hamper? With combinations of food, sweet treats, wine or even champagne, you can treat your friend to a basket of goodies which, hopefully, she’ll choose to share with you; the perfect present, we think!
Choose from sweet or savoury treats depending on the glucose level of her tooth, and remember to consider her favourite tipple; the abundance of choice out there means you can tailor the hamper to her tastes perfectly.
Pen A Handwritten Thank You Note
In these modern times of ‘’collecting memories and not things’’, sometimes a big showy gift can actually be a little overwhelming and a lot unwelcome.
We should all be trying to cut down on our consumerism in the face of climate catastrophe, so why not keep things really simple yet personal and send a handwritten letter detailing your gratitude for your gal pal?
It’s both thoughtful and affordable to buy card-making supplies and write a heartfelt message, and let’s face it; handwritten letters are perhaps the most straightforward yet heartfelt way to show your appreciation for someone, representing a more meaningful gift than any showy splurge.
Receiving a letter in the post has a romantic and nostalgic vibe to it which is impossible to resist, with the words seemingly resonating so much more strongly than if they were written on a Whatsapp message. As a last minute gesture or as something planned in advance, a handwritten note can’t be topped.
A Personalised Photo Book
Or, go further… In an age where most of our photos live on our phones or in the cloud, a personalised photo book can be a deeply meaningful and tangible gift. Gather your favourite photos of shared memories, from spontaneous selfies to special occasions, and compile them into a beautifully crafted photo book.
You can add captions, quotes, and even little anecdotes to each page, making it a unique and heartfelt keepsake. This gift not only celebrates your friendship but also provides a physical reminder of all the wonderful times you’ve spent together. Plus, it’s a great way to reminisce and look forward to creating even more memories in the future.
Creating a photo book is easier than ever with various online services that offer customisable templates and high-quality printing. Whether it’s a small, intimate collection or a grand, elaborate album, a personalised photo book is a timeless gift that your gal pal will cherish forever.
A Dinner Date At Their Favourite Restaurant
When was the last time you and your gal pal went out, just the two of you? You don’t have to respond to that, we already know the answer; ‘’not recently enough’’, we’d wager.
But as we’re sure you’re aware, spending time with friends is good for mental and physical health. As Time explains, doing so “can lower stress levels; improve mood; encourage positive health behaviors and discourage damaging ones; boost cardiovascular health; improve illness recovery rates; and aid virtually everything in between’’.
We don’t think it’s a stretch to say that technically you’re also giving her so much more than a meal out at a restaurant, right? You’re giving an evening away from phones, an ear to lend, a laugh, a giggle, and a meaningful time. What better gift is there than that?
Or, Throw Them A Dinner Party
Food, drink, friends, conversation — a dinner party is the ideal gift for a friend who perhaps has it all, materially. So, when you’re doing that detective work we mentioned earlier, make an extra effort to note down any food or drink that your friend has spoken about, and then, cook those dishes for them!
Hey, you’re starting to sound like the kind of friend we’d love to have around…do you want to hang out sometime?
Read: 7 tips for throwing a gourmand’s dinner party
Their Favourite Flowers, Dried
Dried flowers are as stylish as they are sustainable, and make an excellent gift owing to their longevity and deliverability. Letterbox bunches are ideal if you can’t physically spend time with your friend and are sending your gift from a distance, with dried versions much more hardy than fresh when sent in the post.
Should you know what your gal pal or girlfriend’s favourite flowers are, sending a dried version of their favourite bouquet has a meaningful element; it symbolises the hardy, long-lasting nature of your relationship.
Something They’ve Spoken About
It’s crucial to remember that the most essential aspect of buying a present for someone is to make them feel as if you know them personally.
As the Huffington Post sagely suggests, it’s a smart move to pay particular attention to what your friend complains about. They posit that “gifts that solve a regular problem in someone’s life are highly underrated, and if you are the one solving their problems, then you’re basically their fairy godperson”. Doing so not only solves a problem for your friend, but it also shows what a great listener you are, too…result!
Alternatively, you could check out their socials to see what they’ve liked on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook; in a friendly rather than snoopy way, of course. This might give you an indication of where their current passions lie.
Or, as the thoughtful person you are, why not add to the notes section of your phone following everyday conversations with your gal pal, listing things that they’ve said they liked or would like? Maybe they’ve said how much they’d like to try washable makeup remover pads during a chat? Or, that they love a certain chef…might they love that chef’s cookbook?
A little diligent detective work, and you might well arrive at the most thoughtful present around.
Read: 8 environmentally friendly gift ideas, IDEAL for the eco-conscious loved one in your life
Plant A Tree
If flowers didn’t feel like enough of a gesture, then another thoughtful gift that can be given remotely is a tree. No, really; the National Trust is now offering the chance to plant a tree as a gift without you even having to get your hands dirty.
Instead, you simply donate a figure to plant one new tree sapling (a £5 minimum is suggested) and the charity will send you confirmation straight away. Five days later, you’ll receive a certificate confirming the planting of your tree. There’s even the option to plant ten new tree saplings for £50. Talk about showing someone your appreciation!
This is all part of the National Trust’s aim to plant 20 million trees by 2030. Wouldn’t you love to be a part of it?
Regardless of the gift you choose to send and in the spirit of sustainability, make sure you check out these 6 DIY eco-friendly gift packaging ideas. That’s the one!