Gift ideas are hard, especially when you’ve got to purchase one for a friend that already has everything, or one who is a bit of a hipster and prefers the more unusual, quirky presents. Whoever you’re buying a gift for, the reality is that nobody wants to receive another Amazon gift card for their special day! Continue reading as I outline a selection of unique gift ideas to suit any occasion.
Experience days
These days, you can find experience day vouchers for just about anything, allowing you to find the perfect individual gift for someone special. These types of gift are especially great for people who prefer to have life experiences, rather than material things. From cheese and wine tastings or cocktail-making classes, to supercar driving or hot air balloon rides – there really is something for everyone, whether they’re a thrill-seeker, someone who likes to indulge, or anything else in between.
Bespoke cakes
Let’s be real – who doesn’t enjoy eating cake? Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, most of us are partial to a slice every now and again, which makes it a great alternative gift. Thankfully, there are many companies that specialise in creating custom-made cakes and other baked goods, perfect for any event or occasion. All you have to do is order online and get it delivered to your loved one’s address. A personal favourite of mine is Beverly Hills Bakery, which offers bespoke cakes, brownies and cupcake delivery in London, the rest of the UK and Europe. Their cakes always come wrapped in gorgeous boxes with ribbons and can be personalised as you wish.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are gifts that continue to keep giving, as the person will receive whatever it is you’ve chosen for them each week or month until the subscription is over. Again, these cover a whole range of things nowadays, such as food items, beer, plants or books. Got a friend who enjoys collecting succulents or cacti? There’s a subscription for that! Or perhaps your loved one has a bit of a cheese obsession? Well, good thing you can get a different cheese delivered to their door each week! Wherever their interests lie, I’m positive there’s a gift box for it.
City Escapes
If you know the person you’re getting a gift for loves to explore, then getting them a city escape is the best way to go. Sometimes, city escapes are overlooked because of the heavy price tag, but there are a few different approaches that you can do to keep within budget constraints. For example, you can grab a pass by Go City, which lets you visit all the best attractions in over 20 cities around the world with one single digital pass.
Treat the senses
One gift that can stick with people for a long time is a perfume. Perfumes can be a very personal thing, because everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the type of scent they like. By buying perfume for someone, you show how well you know them, especially if you get something special. Pay attention to the different notes of the perfume. For example, if someone enjoys something with notes of spices, as well as a hint of nutty and floral notes, then a scent like Lattafa Khamrah might be ideal for them.
Homeware
If your friend is into interior design, then you might consider purchasing something that will help them in their quest to beautify their home. Another favourite of mine is GZ Premium. Although I can’t always afford everything on my wish-list, I still love going to their website for inspiration and checking out the latest pieces of luxury furniture, candles and other home accessories. Alternatively, on the cheaper end of the scale, Etsy is always a good shout when looking for truly unique and often one-of-a-kind interior gifts. Items are typically handmade by independent shops and artists, so you’re helping smaller creatives get the recognition they deserve when you make a purchase through the Etsy marketplace – it’s a win-win for everyone.
Do you have any other ideas for alternative gifts? I’d love to hear about them!
