Everyone wants to surprise the people they care about with the perfect gift on a special occasion, but shopping can be difficult if you want to find something creative. Gift giving can be a lot of fun, but it can be easy to get overwhelmed if you’re the type of person who puts a lot of effort into buying presents for their friends. A good place to start is to find out what hobbies they enjoy or if there’s anything they’ve mentioned wanting recently, if you aren’t already aware, and then start the search with those ideas in mind. If you have someone to shop for but don’t know where to get started, read on for three great ideas to inspire anyone looking for a memorable, unique present.
1. Surprise them with new kitchen devices
Modern conveniences like finding a high-quality air fryer or the best countertop ice maker can be great ideas for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen. A portable ice maker is perfect for margaritas or help guarantee that you can fill an ice bucket and keep your drinks cool next time you have a party. Cotton candy makers and snow cone machines are also fun kitchen devices that can help your friend or family member create the perfect birthday treat for themselves. While ice cubes in your freezer are fine for when you need a cold drink, an ice tray won’t produce enough ice to make cocktails or to keep drinks cool during a party. If your friend likes to cook, bake, or play hostess, helping them outfit their kitchen properly is likely to be a welcome surprise.
2. Try some CBD products
If you aren’t familiar with CBD, it’s short for cannabidiol, and CBD products have been skyrocketing in popularity ever since the 2018 Farm Bill cleared the way for it to be sold legally in the United States. Cannabidiol is a compound found in the cannabis plant, but unlike marijuana, it doesn’t contain THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive high associated with smoking marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, is praised by users for its relaxing properties and the beneficial effects they say it has on everything from anxiety to chronic pain. While research is still ongoing to determine the precise medical applications of CBD, many enjoy it for relaxation and recreation.
There are a wide variety of CBD products, so you’ll have plenty of options when you start shopping. Edibles like CBD lollipops are a lot of fun, in addition to being more discreet than CBD products that emit smoke or vapor. If your friend does like smoking, CBD is also sold as flower. You can even find oils, topical lotions, and beauty products that contain CBD. As with anything you ingest, make sure your friend talks to their doctor to check if CBD is right for them.
3. Opt for an experience
When polled, most people say they prefer a gift that offers an enjoyable experience rather than a physical present. After a year spent largely in isolation due to the ongoing global pandemic, finding a way to do something together or give them a meaningful trip is an incredible way to make them feel special. It can be something you do together, whether it be a weekend trip or a spa day, or you can give them a gift certificate, so they can take some alone time and treat themselves.
Focusing on helping your friend deepen their enjoyment of a hobby they love, or helping them discover something they’ve never tried before, are perfect sources of inspiration when you’re shopping for a special occasion. After a stressful year, gifts that help your friend or family member relax can be extremely welcome. Given that the past year has also meant staying indoors much more often, an outdoor trip or adventure you can plan together might be the perfect way to help improve their mood. Whatever you decide to do, the most important thing is that you put time and effort into the process. Thinking outside the box and helping your friend try something new are always great ways to find inspiration for a memorable surprise.
