Birthday gifts
- Recommendations for choosing a gift
- DIY birthday surprise for a friend
- The best gift is emotions!
A best friend is a family member who will support you in difficult times, rejoice at good news and help you in any situation. When a friend’s significant date , the goal is to find an original and special gift. After all, it is with this person that some of the best moments of life pass, full of happiness and joy.
How to choose a suitable gift for a friend: general rules
The perfect gift requires careful thought. It can lift your spirits or improve your relationship, make amends for a wrongdoing, or simply remind your loved one that you care about them.
It is no coincidence that psychologists pay a lot of attention to the topic of gifts. By shedding light on important human qualities, it helps to understand:
- how we see and feel other people;
- how we evaluate things;
- how we make decisions;
- how capable of empathy.
“Humans are an incredibly social species, but what sets us apart is forming and maintaining relationships. Giving gifts on a birthday is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with loved ones.”
, says Daniel Farrelly, a psychologist at the University of Worcester.
5 expert tips: how to choose the right gifts
Psychologists have compiled a general guide to choosing gifts. It will help you navigate when solving a difficult problem - what to give to your friend?
#1. Do not add small gifts to a large gift.
Is it difficult to resist the temptation to buy jewelry as an addition to the main gift - an evening dress? Would you like to add a small bouquet of flowers to a bottle of expensive Grand Cru champagne? In no case! When receiving a set of gifts, a person unknowingly averages out their cost. Therefore, a small present added to a substantial gift will harm the impression of the latter.
This is called the “Giver Paradox,” first identified in a 2012 study of the same name. Some participants in the experiment were offered an iPod with a free download of one song, while others were given just an iPod. When subjects were asked how much their gift was worth, opinions were divided: those who received an iPod without downloading valued it as 20% more expensive. Participants were then asked: Which option would they like to give to a friend? The vast majority chose the one that included downloading. The experiment demonstrated one of the paradoxes of human thinking: when it comes to gifts, we don't understand that (often) less is more.
“Imagine that you are given a bottle of luxury wine with several plastic cups in addition. Plastic cups will allow you to immediately taste the gift, but will devalue it. People don't usually think rationally and economically in situations like this,” Farrelly argues.
#2. An impressive experience is often worth more than a valuable item
The new iPhone will become obsolete over time. But a dream vacation or attending a concert of your favorite artist will give you an unforgettable experience for a long time. “Experiences often create more vivid memories. We will remember a tablet given by a friend, but not as much and for a long time as a two-week relaxation on the ocean. Memories and emotional attachment to an event are sometimes stronger than the joyful feeling of owning a physical object,” Farrelly explains.
This idea is supported by psychologist Thomas Gilovich, whose research shows that money spent on things to do produces more lasting happiness than money spent on things to have. And remember how incredibly pleasant the days or weeks leading up to a long-awaited event are and spent in anticipation of it.
#3. Gift cards are not a bad idea
Giving gifts can be wasteful. “Many people spend far less on themselves than on gifts,” says economist Joel Waldfogel.
At the same time, a gift that cost the giver a round sum may mean nothing to the recipient.
The only thing that has the same value for everyone is cash. Although there is a catch here for the donor: the recipient may interpret the envelope with large bills as a sign of laziness or even a personal insult.
An easy way out is gift cards. “Lately, they are becoming more and more acceptable to both givers and recipients,” says Waldfogel.
Gift cards aren't perfect. Such a gift is sometimes perceived as a dismissive gesture towards the recipient, and often remains unused. Still, a gift card is preferable to a hastily or randomly chosen gift.
#4. Think like the recipient
Let's be very clear: try to give things that your recipient would like to buy themselves. A simple rule, but people do not always follow it. Many people tend to make gifts funny or use them as an opportunity to say something about themselves. Such donors care the least about the benefits of their gifts.
Therefore, the best way to give your friend the right birthday gift is to ask a direct question: “What would you like to receive?”
According to Waldfogel, "Today, many relatives and friends are coming to an agreement to give gifts that the hero of the occasion wants to receive, and not to make blind purchases."
#5. Spend more on others than on yourself
Research has shown that spending money on others makes the giver happy. The pleasant feelings that you will experience when presenting a valuable (in every sense of the word) gift to your friend on her birthday will last longer than the impressions of the money spent on yourself.
Remember: your generosity towards others will pay off handsomely. But keep in mind: it’s not the gift that’s important, but the attention. “Most people don't expect a lot of money to be spent on them - they just want to be remembered. And this can be done in many simple ways,” says Farrelly.
Please at any cost
The years do not stand still; with age, there is less and less time to communicate with dear people. It becomes more difficult to choose a gift for a friend. Nobody wants to present consumer goods. If work and life in your current life have moved you a little away from loved ones, you need to be smart and take decisive action.
If you have known her for a long time, it is impossible to forget those moments when you were happy or sad, which helped you gain a positive attitude and continue to enjoy life.
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The easiest way out of the situation would be to use cool gifts with accompanying explanations. A long time of separation will be a thing of the past, and when two dear people meet, it doesn’t matter what kind of thing is in their hands, strong handshakes and hugs are the most appropriate action at the moment.
Inexpensive gift ideas for a friend's birthday
The symbolic price will not reduce the value of a personalized birthday gift for a friend. The main principle of choosing a budget gift is to take only what you would buy for yourself.
Here are examples of affordable yet unique gifts that will last long after your friend's birthday.
#1. Mug with print
Having received such a gift on her birthday, your friend will certainly appreciate the message addressed to her. A mug with the inscription “Priceless”, no matter what it is filled with - tea, coffee, juice or just water - will help you get through a difficult day and feel the support of a loved one.
#2. Coloring book
Meditative coloring can brighten up an adult’s everyday life, lift their spirits, relieve stress and inspire creativity. If you have a creative friend, then it’s hard to think of a better birthday gift.
#3. Scarf
What girl wouldn't love such a soft, warm and stylish gift?
#4. Personalized cosmetic bag
An exquisite handbag organizer is a great gift at a reasonable price. What makes it exclusive is the photo of the owner included inside. It will remind your close friend every day of how amazing she is.
#5. Rosebud cosmetic set
Rosebud is a great set of hygiene cosmetics. Exuding the delicate scent of rosebuds, it leaves lips, elbows and cuticles soft and smooth. One jar will last for years.
As you can see, the low cost of an item does not always indicate its low quality and consumer goods. The main thing is that the modest gift is given from the heart. And this is worth a lot!
Consider age
Young girls are very sensitive to such dates; for them this event is especially important, because this happens only once a year. If your friend is 12 years old and she gathers all her loved ones at home or in a cafe, you need to urgently think about preparing for the event.
You can easily stand out among a crowd of peers. If you put in maximum effort and imagination, if successful, your chances of getting into a narrow circle of friends will increase dramatically. Funny games and all kinds of congratulations cannot be compared with a well-prepared souvenir. Great ideas include:
- A friendly pendant with a joint photo in the shape of a heart will always remind you of warm feelings.
- A gift to a friend in the form of a handmade bead bracelet will tell her about the reverent attitude of the person who made the craft.
- Young fashionistas love all sorts of decorations for their hair, so before handing it over, you should pack the item beautifully.
- Hair chalks are suitable if the birthday girl likes to experiment with her appearance.
There are many more options including:
- a photo frame where two friends are relaxing together in a park or in nature;
- board game with an interesting plot;
- publication on the theme of exciting adventures.
Ideas for original, unusual birthday gifts for a friend
Buying gifts for your friend that she's expecting is great. But 10 points to the donor who manages to please the birthday girl with something completely unexpected.
#1. Amorem Phalanx Rings
Phalanx rings made of silver or gold will definitely appeal to a friend who loves to dress stylishly and express herself through her appearance. Plus, knuckle rings are a trend for 2021!
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Publication from AMOREM - JEWELRY WITH MEANING (@amoremru)
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Publication from AMOREM - JEWELRY WITH MEANING (@amoremru)
See the catalog of rings at the link >>
#2.Fun photo shoot
Invite a professional photographer and take a dozen artistic photographs of the birthday girl. The birthday will pass, but the exclusive photographic material will remain for life. There will be something to show your children and grandchildren!
#3. Unusual candles
Candles in whimsical configurations are the perfect gift for the partygoer. And if your friend is also a bibliophile, complement the set with aromatherapy candles that exude the scent of new books with notes of amber, fresh ink and cedar wood.
#4. Silver zodiac sign from Amorem
Does your friend believe in the horoscope and is interested in astrology? She will definitely appreciate such a personalized gift as her zodiac sign in the form of a pendant or pendant made of silver or gold. See the full catalog of zodiac signs at the link >>
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Publication from AMOREM - JEWELRY WITH MEANING (@amoremru)
#5. Sending happiness
What foodie can say no to delicious treats? Amuse your friend with a selection of your favorite delicacies - and her birthday will turn into a name day of the heart.
#6. Gift Certificate
Knowing the tastes and preferences of your shopaholic friend, give her a Gift Certificate. With him, she will receive a sea of positive emotions in her favorite supermarket.
#7. Day of impressions
Everyone needs to unwind from time to time, so why not treat your girlfriend to a day of excitement? Give her a massage package with a bath complex, a spa, Thai massage and aroma relaxation. Your friend will be in seventh heaven!
The secret to the most winning gifts lies in the out-of-the-box thinking of the giver. Once you turn on your imagination, a swarm of incredible ideas will swirl in your head. The main thing is not to get carried away and maintain a sense of proportion)
Creativity doesn't hurt
If a person was born in the 80s, you can use the option with an archival copy of a newspaper that was in demand at that time. Enter information into it in the form of a title page congratulating the birthday person, and leave the rest of the events of the day on which the person was born unchanged.
Such a personalized gift for LP will be quite original and very interesting. All the work and worries at the development stage will be fully rewarded with sincere emotions from a person dear to the heart at the time of presentation of a symbolic souvenir.
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DIY gift ideas for a friend's birthday
If you have enough time and talent for handicrafts, you don’t have to look for a gift in stores, but make it at home from available materials. A gift created with one’s own hand is a particularly valuable, one-of-a-kind item.
#1. Knitted socks-slippers
Give your friend real comfort for her birthday. Knit some lacy white slipper socks that you'll probably "borrow" right away.
#2. Fun sleep mask
A night owl girl will be delighted with a creative sleep mask. And yes, by giving such a gift to your friend for her birthday, you will be doing a service to everyone who should not see her in the morning without makeup.
#3. Bathrobe
Agree, a large terry towel is a so-so gift. But it’s worth transforming it a little by making a couple of loops, and you’ll get a stylish robe. In such attire you can not only show off at home in front of guests, but also parade along the beach.
#4. Decorative bottle
A bottle of homemade wine or liqueur can be presented in a festive “outfit”. Jewelry made from dense fabric gathered into folds or a stretched elastic bandage looks impressive. Particularly impressive is the decoupage decor created from an ordinary napkin coated with varnish.
#5. Scented pillows
Knowing your friend's favorite scents, you can make a set of scented pillows. Use your imagination a little to give each product a whimsical shape. Fragrant sofa pillows will create comfort in the home and help the hostess experience amazing dreams.
An author's gift is not a banality that can be neglected, re-gifted, or thrown away as unnecessary. There is a special attitude towards him: a piece of the soul of the giver lives in him.
For the expectant mother
There comes a crucial moment in every girl’s life; during pregnancy, creative gifts are not entirely appropriate; a woman leads a calm, measured life, trying to preserve the developing fetus. It is better to present something useful for the future upbringing or care of a child; such actions can give confidence in the future to the expectant mother and beloved friend.
Important! Some purchases are best made after information about the absence of prejudices has been fully confirmed; some women sincerely believe in the evil eye and damage.
What to give a birthday gift to a friend who has everything
It's not easy to find a gift for a lady whose wardrobe is bursting at the seams with accessories and clothes, whose jewelry box is full of jewelry, and whose collection of gadgets would be the envy of Bill Gates. But don't rush to give up. There are many things in the world that can pleasantly surprise your wealthy friend.
#1. Chocolate chess game
Even a girl who takes a chocolate bath every day is unlikely to refuse to play chess made from Italian dark and white chocolate. The pleasure of a chocolate party is incomparable, because the winning figures are immediately eaten. Regardless of the outcome of the game, heavenly pleasure is guaranteed for both opponents.
#2. Bala Bangles
The production of the extremely popular Bala weighted bracelets is invested in by Maria Sharapova herself. Weighing from 500 to 900 g, the sports accessories are available in limited editions and come in a stunning range of colours. The bracelets are worn on the ankles and wrists, increasing the effectiveness of fitness training or yoga classes.
#3. Home pedicure set
With this set, pedicure at home will not be a problem. Safety is ensured by professional nail files, brushes and cosmetics, and wedge-shaped footrests are responsible for comfort.
#4. Light alarm clock
The delicate Philips Wake-Up Light alarm clock is a godsend for gentle people.
The smart device gradually brightens as you approach your set wake-up time and dims as you approach sleep. Plus, it has a speaker and a beep function in case your friend wants to be woken up the old-fashioned way.
#5. Transparent socks
What could be more glamorous than sheer socks with glitter? Weightless elastic products allow women's legs to completely relax without preventing their fans from enjoying a stylish pedicure
What to do if none of the gift ideas for a wealthy friend suits you? Take advice from experts:
1. Try to get accessories for things that your friend already has or that she likes.
Let's say she recently bought a new smart watch, then give her a fashionable strap. Ask an avid gamer what kind of new game she dreams of. If your friend loves to travel, treat her to a travel bag or travel gift card. Look for gifts that will help her indulge her hobbies.
2. Look for unusual things or updated versions of devices your friend has.
Does she like to bake? Give the gift of an extraordinary set of bakeware. Passionate about technology? Update her smartphone or smartwatch to the latest model.
3. Hand over a magic wand
If you've looked through all your gift options and haven't made a decision, consider purchasing a generic gift card. This is a magic wand for making any desire come true. Give it to your friend on her birthday and let her buy herself whatever her heart desires.
What to give a pregnant friend for her birthday
Women in an interesting position most of all need peace of mind, complete care and healthy products. Keep this in mind when choosing a birthday gift for your pregnant friend.
#1. Bracelet “Lada Star”
A souvenir-amulet purchased from the Amorem online store will ward off evil and envy from the expectant mother. The patroness of women, Lada, will take care of her health, and the red thread will protect her from unnecessary problems. Four symbolic flames will not allow the family hearth to grow cold while expecting a child.
In the photo: Lada Star bracelet, silver 925, 1400 rub.
#2. Tea assortment
A set of 15 balls of high-grade Chinese shu-puer tea will add health, strength and mood. A gift made from defermented medicinal herbs is the best immunomodulator for a pregnant woman.
#3. Pregnancy Diary
A diary, divided into trimesters, will allow a woman to capture every moment of the 9-month wait for a child. A pregnant friend will be able to record all her observations and feelings, trusting the diary with her innermost thoughts and feelings.
#4. Cosmetic set for pregnant women
Your friend will be eternally grateful to you for this gift. The unique formula of natural cosmetics - cream, oil, lotion - will protect the skin from dryness, stretch marks and scars.
#5. Baby monitor
An ultra-modern gadget will allow a young mother not to be separated from her newborn, even moving away from him at a distance of 330 m (outside) or 50 m (in the house). Such a gift will be especially useful for an overly suspicious and restless friend.
Don’t forget to give your pregnant friend your warmth and attention along with useful gifts. These priceless human qualities cannot be replaced by any purchase.
Gifts for your husband without cost or hassle
It’s easy to come up with a gift for your husband without investment:
- Wishes in the checkbook. To create it you will need a thin notepad or a pack of stickers. On each piece of paper you must indicate a desire - a delicious lunch, beer for dinner, a plate of crayfish and watching an action movie, or a passionate wife in red lingerie. Brave wives can leave the pages blank so that the husband can show his imagination on his own.
- Subscription for certain activities.
To create it, you need to take a landscape sheet and draw a table with the number of days for which the certificate will be awarded. Such a gift is guaranteed to give the husband permission to indulge in his favorite hobbies, while the wife will remain patient and not become indignant. Here are the most popular options: 10 visits to bowling with friends, watching TV with a bottle of beer, 5 nights of playing “Tanks”, 7 fishing trips at any time of the year, 3 meetings with colleagues in the apartment (“glade” with the wife). - Erotic dance – a few weeks before the holiday you can watch lessons on the Internet.
What to give to a sporty girl
A gift for a girl athlete should meet her interests, encourage her hobbies and motivate her to achieve new results.
#1. Bracelet “Tennis”
A red thread in tandem with silver is a powerful talisman for attracting good luck. The jewelry worn on the right hand will activate the sports potential of a friend and give strength in training and competitions.
In the photo: Tennis bracelet, silver 925, 2200 rub.
#2. Fitness bracelet
This multifunctional accessory is indispensable in the active life of a sports friend. He will become her personal trainer, friend, adviser. Among other things, this useful gadget looks stylish on a strong, tanned female hand.
#3. Set of fruit bars
No girl athlete will remain indifferent to such a gift. After all, fruit bars are not just tasty treats, they are the basis of sports nutrition. A healthy dessert will add strength during a hike, restore you after a workout, and support you on the eve of a competition.
#4. Thermal underwear
Special underwear with a thermoregulation effect will prevent a girl leading an active lifestyle from freezing or sweating. In it, your friend is not afraid of either the sweltering heat, the piercing wind, or the cold rain.
#5. Hiking in the mountains
For a friend who is into rock climbing, the best gift would be a trip to the mountains. The main thing is to first find out which peak she wants to conquer.
You shouldn’t assume that female athletes are rude and unpretentious people. Many of these courageous girls value not only practical, but also romantic gifts. Take note!
Unwanted things
The most interesting and unusual gifts for a friend, which at first glance seemed very suitable, may be associated with bad omens. There are quite a lot of superstitious people, and you don’t have to guess about their attitude to certain events. It is customary to keep frank emotions inside and not spray them out into the public over trifles.
