Today as I was browsing the web looking for gift ideas for my best friend, I saw an ad for gift baskets for women from women. At first I ignored the ad. Then I went back to that page just out of curiosity. You see, I have a best friend who is better than any loving relative or next door neighbor. In fact, I know she would do anything for me, so I decided to buy her a “Just Because I Appreciate Her” gift.
My best friend is not a good receiver. By that I mean that whenever I tried to buy her a girly considered gift when we were shopping together in the past, she would always tell me to save my money. But today she wanted to order a gift online and have it delivered to her door to surprise her. After browsing various gift basket sites and seeing all the possible options, I decided she needed to focus on her uniqueness and what she would really love to receive and wear. Yes, I have a practical side and I tell myself it’s okay to give gifts that make someone cry with joy and that they can actually use.
I thought of his passions. Then I thought about how busy his lifestyle was. Finally, I thought of all those things that he would be surprised to receive, but what did he want my gift to say? I thought of one of the gifts she had given him last year for her birthday…a bouquet of colorful tropical flowers to remind him of Hawaii. She had always admired the flower arrangements when we went shopping together at the supermarket and saw the big windows at the entrance. But when I brought her the flowers, she just thanked me and left the package on the kitchen counter. Well, that was not the impact she expected.
Then for Christmas one of the gifts I bought her was this expensive earthy looking water fountain that I was sure she would love because she had always told me she would love to fall asleep to the soft sound of water in the background. Did you love the gift? Let me say that it is still in the box.
If you give your bff (best friend forever) a gift and she thanks you and says it’s the thought that counts, don’t be offended. Most likely, she is still your best friend. But what about this? How about you surprise her with a gift basket like I did? So maybe you too get that phone call with your friend sobbing on the other end of the phone proclaiming how much she loves you for your consideration and loves the gift.
In the last six months, I have sent these three gift baskets to my best friend and she loved them:
- Girly-girl Survival Kit (all the things girls want but don’t ask for)
- Breakfast pack with portable Munchies (tea or coffee, delicious chocolate wafers)
- Hobby-specific treats, gadgets, and tools (think gardening or golf)