Choosing the perfect birthday gift can be both an art and a challenge, especially when you want the recipient to feel truly valued and appreciated. A thoughtful gift can strengthen your bond with friends and loved ones, creating meaningful connections and cherished memories. Nonetheless, lots of people feel overwhelmed or uncertain when trying to find a present that will resonate and leave a lasting impact.

To avoid such difficulties, this article provides seven useful tips for choosing birthday gifts that will delight and deeply resonate with your best friends and loved ones. Keep on reading to learn more!

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How to choose perfect gifts for a birthday

Today, 90.1% of Americans say that "receiving birthday gifts makes me feel valued and loved." And in order to make your family and friends feel this way, you must know how to correctly choose gifts for birthdays. Let's learn how to do that with the following tips:

1. Consider creative gift ideas inspired by their favorite things

Think about what a person enjoys doing in their free time. Maybe they love painting, so you can give them high-quality brushes or sketchpads. Or maybe they're into sports—in this case, you can consider gifting them accessories or gear related to their favorite activity, e.g., yoga mat, running shoes, tennis racket, golf club, or gym bag.

Maybe they don't have a specific hobby but still enjoy something deeply, for instance, music or arts. In this case, you can give them something relevant to their passion, be it concert tickets or a new book. 

2. Listen for hints

Sometimes, you don't even have to do the research yourself. Many people tend to drop subtle hints about things they like, especially when their birthday is approaching. By simply paying attention to casual conversations where they might mention something they want or need, you'll be able to figure out the optimal gift. For instance, they might talk about wanting to try a new restaurant or mention that their headphones are broken. These small comments can help you choose something meaningful.

You can also ask their close friends or family if they've been focusing on something specific recently. Maybe you'll find out that they've been saving for a particular item, so you can contribute or get it for them.

3. Present memorable experiences 

Physical gifts are undeniably great, but experiences can be even more memorable. They are deeply connected with a person's satisfaction and long-lasting happiness, so instead of gifting a certain object, consider planning an experience that aligns with the person's interests or creates lasting memories.

This can be: 

• Concert or event tickets if they love music or sports;

• Luxury spa day to relax and pamper themselves;

• Adventure or travel if they love exploring new places;

• Creative classes that allow them to try something they might not typically experience.

The key point here is to tailor such an experience to the person's preferences and ensure they'll truly enjoy it.

4. Think about a person's needs

Practical gifts can also be thoughtful and appreciated, especially when a person has specific needs that can make their daily life easier or more enjoyable. 

They may need a new laptop bag for work; in this case, upgrading their current one with a stylish or ergonomic option would be a great choice. They may have recently moved, so home decor or kitchen items could be a perfect gift option.

5. Add a personal touch 

Even when your gift isn't very original, you can add some customization. This shows that you've gone the extra mile and made the gift feel special and unique to the recipient.

Examples of such gifts can be:

• A photo album with your favorite pictures together or a scrapbook dedicated to your friendship or relationship;

• A custom-made piece of art, such as a portrait or illustration, reflecting a meaningful moment;

• Personalized stationery, such as journals or pens.

6. Think about a gift relevant to their stage of life

Another option is to consider where the person is in life and choose a gift that reflects their current needs, interests, and life stage.

Here are some examples:

• Kids can enjoy toys, games, or crafts when they are younger and tech gadgets or books when they are older;

• Teenagers or young adults can appreciate trendy items like tech gadgets, stylish clothes, and experiences, or practical gifts like dorm decor or useful gadgets if they are going off to college;

• Adults can also enjoy different things, depending on their career or personal life. For instance, new parents might be grateful for baby gear or items that help them relax, such as a cozy blanket or a gift card for a meal delivery service. CEOs can appreciate some affordable luxury gifts like a leather-bound planner or a stylish desk accessory. Retirees might enjoy gifts related to hobbies they now have more time to explore, e.g., gardening tools or travel books.

7. Ask for a wishlist

If you aren't sure what to give and at the same time don't want to risk getting something they won't like, it's totally fine to ask for a wishlist. What's more, doing so can help you avoid duplicates or unwanted items, as many wish lists have the option of booking a gift.

Many online retailers, such as Amazon or Etsy, offer wishlist features where the person can add items they're interested in. You can ask them to share it with you, or if you want to make a surprise, you can ask a close friend or family member if they know about any items on their wishlist.

5 birthday gift ideas for a best friend 

Are you looking for something to give to your best friend? Here are some simple yet thoughtful gift ideas to consider:

1. A day together filled with activities you both love; this can be a spa day, a hike, or an adventure like a hot air balloon ride or pottery class.

2. A gift basket filled with their favorite snacks, drinks, books, skincare products, games, or anything else they love.

3. A yearly subscription box/delivery tailored to their interests, e.g., books, beauty products, clothes, jewelry, snacks, fitness gear, or flowers.

4. A star map that captures the alignment of the stars on a particular day—like the day you met or another important milestone.

5. A personalized piece of jewelry with sentimental value, such as a necklace, bracelet, or watch engraved with their name, initials, or a meaningful date.

Summing up

Choosing a birthday gift doesn't have to be difficult as long as you keep the recipient's preferences, lifestyle, and needs in mind. Follow this article's guidelines and ideas to select a perfect birthday gift for a best friend or loved one. Make them feel cherished and appreciated on their special day.