Five Unexpected Gifts That Make a Powerful Statement

It’s an age-old predicament, and we’re faced with it even when it comes to those who are the closest to us. It seems that in today’s digital age, when almost anyone can hop online, find something they way, and have it at their doorstep in two days, there are very little novelty items left to give as gifts. As such, we’ve resorted to delivering gift cards as a last-minute attempt at generosity, handing them over, along with the sentiment that now the person can buy whatever they want.

While modern gift card statistics would reveal that this is a popular and well-received gift-giving route, it’s not your only option. There are still plenty of gifts that reveal a depth of sentiment, a well of gratitude and a meaningful message all at the same time. Are they as quick and convenient as picking up a gift card at the grocery store checkout line? No. Yet, the return you’ll get on your investment is well worth it. After all, it really is better to give than receive and these five gifts prove that’s true.

1. Books on Interests

Yes, your gardener neighbor might have every book about plants and flowers under the sun. That doesn’t mean that he or she won’t still appreciate a gorgeously bound coffee table book filled with glossy images of succulents and floral arrangements. A book is a gift that never goes out of style and instantly becomes a collector’s item if it’s thoughtful enough.

Rather than pick up this year’s best-seller, think a little about what your recipient likes to do. What are his or her interests? Use that knowledge as a guide and head toward that section of the bookstore. You’re certain to find something new that interests them. If you can, ask a close friend or family member what they already have to avoid getting a duplicate.

2. Homemade Spa Essentials

Nothing says love like a DIY present that obviously took some time to create and assemble. Take it a step further by making a DIY spa gift that also pampers the recipient while you’re at it. Some well-loved favorites include shower scrubs, bath salts, soaps, or even loofahs. You don’t have to be a creative genius to pull this one off, as there are plenty of tutorials on the web. Moreover, most materials can be secured rather inexpensively from your local hobby store and you can usually make a couple of these gifts at a time, making them ideal for instances where you need more than one present to share. Think of going this route, then, for teachers’ gifts, bridal party presents, group birthday parties and more.

3. A Gift Subscription

If you know what your recipient likes to do in his or her spare time, you can also give a gift subscription that ensures they never go too long without a sweet indulgence. From wine-of-the-month clubs to razor sets and beauty boxes, there are scores of options to pick from when it comes to monthly gift subscription deliveries. They can also be customized to fit the gender and age of the recipient, so you can ensure the gift is always appropriate. This way, you can pay once for the whole year and the other person is reminded of your thoughtfulness and generosity every single month!

4. Plants and Flowers

It’s a given fact that plants and flowers instantly liven up a home, whether they’re inside decorating the kitchen table or outside hanging in a basket from the porch. They’re cheery, happy and great for the air and they also make an ideal present. The beautiful thing about giving greenery as a gift is you can go as small-scale or large-scale as you want. For instance, a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers delivered to the hospital is a perfect way to send congratulations to a friend who just delivered a baby. Or, you could bring in a fiddle-leaf fig plant to help a family member christen a new home.

Whether you choose to source these plants from your own home or go through a vendor is totally up to you, as both routes are simple and inexpensive to navigate. If you opt to go it alone, just chop a few stems from your garden and assemble them in a pretty vase for a sweet gift in a snap. Or, learn more about online options that take care of the legwork for you.

5. “My Favorite Things” Gift

Still in a pickle and unsure what to give as a gift? Why not share a little about yourself and treat your friend or family member to a package of goodies in the process? Consider assembling a gift box full of five of your favorite things, with a note attached to each explaining why you adore it. Anyone who’s seen the famed “Oprah’s Favorite Things” segment knows that this can be a great way to spread cheer and generosity. From your favorite candle to your favorite book or electronic gadget, the sky’s the limit with this one, so have fun and be creative.

The act of gift-giving doesn’t have to be complicated, and in the age of the ever-popular gift card, it doesn’t have to dwindle. Before you take the path of least resistance, think twice about the kind of present you would like to receive and use that as your navigation tool moving forward. The result? You’ll prepare a more thoughtful, meaningful gift that will be well-received and remembered long after it’s opened.