I believe there is a fine science regarding gifts that you bestow to your family and friends… and a very important one at that. To me, what you give to others is a reflection of not only your personality, but your thought process behind it and what they mean to you.
I know in this day and age, it’s very easy to pick up a simple gift card or pre-packaged gift, but I think when you take the time to make something original or give them a gift in a creative way, it allows your present to stand out from the rest and really lets them know you genuinely care…
For example, a few months ago I gave my friend Amber a collage wedding frame spelling out her new last name. When she opened it, I could tell she was really excited and I kept getting questions from friends and other guests asking where I got it, how they could get one, etc.
Or take for instance one of my best friend’s showers… the fabulous hostesses sent out recipe cards with the invitations and then bought the bride-to-be a monogrammed recipe box for all her recipes and a personalized apron to go with!
It’s all about creativity… I recently gave my friends Ryan and Rachel a housewarming gift for their new abode and bought them a cute Auburn orange flowerpot and then filled it with gardening gear… sorry, no pic for this one as I forgot!
For a little inspiration, here are some ideas that are sure to please any host/birthday girl/mom/friend/etc:
For the Entertainer… Monogrammed Napkins via All Things for All Parties
For the Entertainer… Monogrammed Napkins via All Things for All Parties
Have a friend with a green thumb?? Get her these uber:cute mini herb gardens, add a watering can with a few garden tools and call it a day
What about the ladies who love glamour and all things makeup?? Spoil her with this adorable Toss Designs cosmetic bag with a few fun eyeshadows and summer nail polishes inside and she’s good to go!
Did one of your pals recently get a new job?? Surprise them with a fun paperweight and a few school supplies–think freshly sharpened pencils, a small plant, or anything to brighten their work space! {paperweight via Iomoi}
Remember, have fun, think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to try something different!! Your loved one will appreciate the extra effort you put in and your kind-hearted gesture won’t go unnoticed!!
I love these ideas. Where did you find the pictures for the framed name? I really want one of those.
Love the recipe box and apron idea!! Too cute!
What great and creative ideas! You must make your family and friends feel very special – I know I would if I received any of these gifts! Thanks for sharing đ I love them all!
Too cute! I wish I had more creativity when giving gifts! these are wonderful!
No lie, I was looking at those collages to give to my bridesmaids with their first names on it…and then some sort of friendship quote beneath the collage or something!!
You always find such creative items, I love these!
You are so creative! These are all wondeful ideas…love the first one especially!
So very very true! Nothing is better than a thoughtful gift!
Loved all of these ideas!! I wish I had your creativity đ
Great ideas!!!
One of my bridesmaids "split" a gift with a 'friend' who never bothered showing up to my shower. That gift was a cookie sheet. Awesome. That's the only gift I ever got from her.
Long story short, people can def. tell who put thought into their gifts!!
Great ideas!
I'm actually working on my own frame like the one you gave your friend – except mine is spelling 'Tennessee' instead of my last name. đ
I totally called you being Mrs. Creative!
Very cute. I also love to personalize gifts.. and I'm the card queen. I send a card for almost any occassion! haha