A Different Twist on Giving Gifts

It's your best friend's birthday and you can't think of anything new to give. Your friends recently bought their first home and you just received an invitation from them for a housewarming party! You need a gift for bosses' day and you don't want to give anything too personal or too "different." There are so many options available when deciding what to give as a gift! What in the world will your give your friends that won't be a duplicate gift or one that will soon be forgotten and never used?

The tried and true ideas sometimes seem easier than using our imagination and really taking the time to think about the personality of the gift recipient(s). It is possible to give a housewarming, birthday, anniversary, or other gift that will let your friend(s) know you had them in mind when you made your gift selection, and one they'll remember for years to come.

A basket full of snack items, gourmet goodies, teas or other drink mixes is a great, albeit a fairly commonplace, gift. Still, a gift basket full of someone's favorite stack foods and beverages certainly makes a statement about how well you know them. This gift also stocks them up for the next time they entertain or have guests stop by unexpectedly!

A different twist on a gift for homeowners and renters alike is to give disposable, decorative guest towels. They can be purchased at most home decor stores and a holder can be purchased separately or as part of a set. Add some nice guest soaps and a bag of potpourri or a couple of scented votive candles and you've got a thoughtful gift that will be remembered every time your friend prepares for house guests.

A classic housewarming gift or gift to a friend or neighbor is a bottle of wine. Add some attractive, fun or funky bottle stoppers and good-quality corkscrew for a gift that will be much appreciated and remembered every time a bottle of wine is served. A nice set of wine glasses could be given either with the bottle of wine alone. Add some wine glass charms and a set of disposable coasters for a practical, thoughtful touch.

If your friend has moved into a home with a yard, you can make up a yard work kit with work gloves, kneepads, flower or vegetable seeds, and a gardening book. You could even include a gift card to a local garden supply store.

For relaxing on the sofa in the evenings, a fleece throw is a great gift. If your friend has a fire place, include a bag of scented pine cone fire starters and a box of tall fireplace matches for starting a fire. If the gift if for a close friend, you can add a note offering an evening of popcorn and conversation in front of the fire.

A handy-man (or handy-woman) kit is a great idea even if your friend isn't handy! (and especially if they are). Include a picture hanging kit, an aim-n-flame, a flashlight, masking tape, duct tape, scotch tape, a tube of crazy glue and other small items that you can never find when you need them!

If all else fails, give your friend a gift card to a local home improvement or department store and put inside a card that indicates you'll come over to help them with a home improvement or home decorating project of their choice and then treat them to dinner out.

Yes, these gifts are great suggestions for birthday celebrations, Christmas or holiday presents, or a gift for any other occasion! The most important gift you can give your friend is the gift of your presence and friendship as you celebrate their special occasion with them. Anything you give beyond that will be a bonus!