How to buy gifts?
 

Anyone have any suggestions for gifts? I'm terrible at buying gifts. My friend's birthday is coming up, and I'd like to get a good gift. I know I should try to get gifts that appeal to hobbies or whatever, but my friend doesn't have any hobbies that are gift friendly.

Thanks for any help in advance!

PKoi, if the things he's into are too expensive, you can go the gift certificate route, or even just cash in a card. those are my favorite gifts since hte things i want are generally upwards of 80 bucks.

Be creative and go into specific present shops that sell humourous things. I remember getting one of my mates penis shaped pasta just for a laugh, he actually laughed at it too.

I guess I should've been more specific, my friend is a woman. A woman whom I like very much, but we're just friends. I was thinking flowers, but isn't that a bit cliche?

For the ladies, possibly a soft toy with a glass of perfume.

i gift doesn't always have to be a "thing" it can be an event. is that your friend really likes to do? you can go and do it with them. whether its rock climbing or going to dinner. think of something enjoyable that they don't get to do very often and do it with them.

I would recommend a gift card to a fine restaurant, like the Olive Garden.

That way, she may ask you to join her (especially if you gave it to her), but there is no obligation for her to.

It kind of puts the ball in her court.

Go to www.redenvelope.com. They have great ideas there.

Go shopping with her before you buy it...see what she likes that way...it's always worked for me.

I think that Binder has the right idea......plan a day or evening for her. Go see a show, try a new restaraunt or club, etc...

If you want to be more creative go with a theme. Not knowing your age/interests, this example may seem off, but the concept applies. As a wedding present, my wife and I took out a recently married couple in NYC. We bought tickets for the four of us to see the opera at the Met. The opera, Carmen, takes place in Spain, so we made reservations to go to a wonderful Spanish restaurant after the show. While pricey, it was a fantastic evening for all. You know what your friend likes, so do her the favor of organizing (and paying for) something fun. She'll love it.

If she was born before 1957, then, sure!

Most girls these days would, however, think of this kind of gift as a silly cliche and a poor gesture.

Being creative and really knowing the person who will be receiving the gift; these are key.

Best to be open to everyone's ideas..... soft toys and perfume are a fine idea for many women.

Where I think Dorian_S is right on target is with the points about being creative and using your knowledge of the recipient to taylor something to her likes and dislikes.

If you think she will like something, you are probably right.