Giving gifts isn’t just for holidays — it’s a way to show love and appreciation for those you care about. Gift giving is actually one of the five love languages, which means it’s a very common way people show their love and expect love to be expressed. Those who consider gift giving their top love language usually don’t expect anything extravagant; it’s the thought that counts.
You might be used to spoiling your family members or your significant other. But when was the last time you gave a gift to a friend? If it’s been a while, it may be worth your while to get them something (for several reasons). Here are five ways gifts can strengthen friendships.
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1. They Show You Care During Tough Times
When you go through something difficult, you often see who really cares about you. Those who reach out to check on you or send sympathy gifts are the ones who really care. If a friend of yours is grieving the loss of a loved one, make sure you reach out. Maybe even send a meaningful gift. This helps to maintain the great friendship you already have, and strengthen it.
If you need sympathy gift ideas, gift baskets and handwritten cards are always a good idea. You can put together your own gift basket or buy a pre-packaged one. Either way, sending a gift after a friend has lost a loved one is a sweet gesture. You may not have the right words, but a gift basket is a great way to express condolences.
2. They Can Be Helpful in Times of Need
There are gifts that show someone you care during tough times, and then there are practical gifts. Oftentimes, if someone is going through a tough time, they are also in need of something. Someone who is grieving probably isn’t in the mood to cook or run to the store. They might even be experiencing financial difficulty from medical expenses.
Whatever the case may be, practical gifts can mean a lot. In addition to sympathy gifts, think about what your friend actually needs and will appreciate. How can you take something off their plate to relieve stress? Maybe cook them a homemade meal. Or, get them a gift card to a store where they can stock up on household essentials. Giving a friend what they actually need to survive a tough time can mean more than anything else.
3. They Serve as a Reminder of Great Memories
We all have that friend who’s impossible to buy gifts for. Either they already have everything they want or claim that there isn’t anything they need. If this is the case, you can always give them the gift of memories. Display your memories in a unique way and use them as a gift. It will remind you and your friend of all the great times you’ve had together.
Something as simple as your favorite picture of the two of you framed can work beautifully as a gift. You can also take the time to make a fun video to show your friend how much you care about them. Or, get crafty and make a collage of photos or a scrapbook. The possibilities are endless. If you aren’t the crafty type, online photo book services can be a great way to show off your memories. Let the technology do the heavy lifting!
4. Personalization Makes Gifts Extra Meaningful
The best part about giving gifts to those who you know best is that you can personalize the gift. Knowing someone on a deep level is advantageous because you can truly make their gift special. If someone is your friend, you probably know all of their favorite things. Their favorite color, favorite snacks, and most used products. This can come in handy when putting together a gift.
When giving a gift to a friend, add a touch of something that says “look how well I know you.” It could be their favorite candy, snack, or something that only the two of you would understand. We often make the mistake of thinking higher dollar value items will mean the most. But oftentimes, sentimental gifts that show how well you understand someone touch their hearts even more.
5. Gifts Can Be a Pleasant, Unexpected Surprise
Giving a “just because” gift spontaneously is never a bad idea. You don’t need a specific reason, maybe you just saw something that reminded you of your friend. Or, maybe you thought they could use a little pick-me-up. After all, a good friend does nice things for their friends because they want to, not because they have to.
Everyone feels a bit weighed down at times. Unexpected gifts can be the best gifts for this very reason. For example, if you see something related to your friend’s favorite singer or actor, surprise them with it. Or, you can do something simple like pick up their favorite coffee order. Again, it’s that thought that counts.
Gift-giving is one of the many ways to show love and appreciation for those you care about. And giving gifts to friends is special because you’re strengthening that special bond the two of you share. So, take a moment to think about the last time you gave a thoughtful gift to your dearest friends. If it’s been a while, you don’t need a reason. Get them something, big or small, just to put a smile on their face. You’ll be glad that you did.
