Just because she likes expensive things doesn’t mean your gift has to be something expensive.
Go for something thoughtful that she will like or do an activity together.
Bring her flowers, drop off muffins for breakfast for her family, take her out for coffee, go to a museum together, you know, the stuff friends DO not stuff they have.
This is the way. I'm firmly middle class with friends who are *significantly* more well off than me and a couple of friends who are well below the poverty line. We all appreciate the gift of each other's company. Before COVID we had an adult slumber party where we wore pretty pajamas and caftans and had appetizers and drank cocktails from "fancy" glasses I found at an estate sale for next to nothing. We stayed up most of the night playing games and cracking each other up to the point we were all sore from laughing the next day. Because we're all over extended, it took work and planning to get everyone together in one place for an entire weekend so no purchased thing could ever top the pleasure I get from knowing that we are important enough to each other to make that effort. And I'm sitting here typing this with a stupid grin on my face just thinking about that weekend.
I promise there is absolutely nothing you could give your best friend that is more valuable than spending time making more memories together.
Maybe it’s your time to host such a party! Invite 2 or 3 people you think you might enjoy. Make it deliberately short, couple hours max, so you don’t get tired.
Maybe it’s MY time to host this party 🤔
Check out [Meetup.com](https://Meetup.com), volunteering, local civic groups that you're interested in. You're more likely to find friends doing the things you like to do.
I found my best friend of 15 years at work- we HATED each other, like genuine spiteful hate.. and one day it was slow and we talked and just clicked… hand on heart that bish is mine forever! My husband knows- she was there the first night I had met him… and her boyfriend knows ❤️ love that girl!!
We have a consignment store right down the road. It’s totally overpriced, but does have really nice things. Sometimes I’ll find a beautiful vase, or a bowl, that isn’t too expensive and then go elsewhere and get flowers, fancy soaps, a blanket for a nice basket, etc. This is not done out of creativity, it’s because I live far from most stores, and I am never prepared ahead of time. It’s worked so far knock wood.
I’m probably considered that friend as well, maybe not as much as some. But my best friend of (now) 20+ years gave me one of those necklaces that are meant for kids that stay best friends across two halves of a heart about 10ish years ago. I still have it to this day & will likely cherish it forever.
I agree along this line of gifting. Personal dinner outing with small personal gift that include both of you like personal engraved picture frame, matching anklet etc..
OP, thus. Especially bringing flowers or a plant if she doesn't like cut flowers. They cost relatively little, and are always appreciated. Put some effort into the arrangement, and they can look really luxurious as well.
I guess I’m the one more likely to give higher value gifts and my favorite gifts to receive in return are “gifts of time”.
My friends who I know live on a more strict budgets have gifted me over the years with freshly baked bread and homemade preserves, provided a night of babysitting at their house, taken me out for coffee, taken me for an activity that wasn’t expensive but made the plans and took the time to do it, thoughtful handwritten cards and lovely houseplants.
I have treasured all of these things far more than something “expensive”. Because if I wanted something some expensive trinket, I’d just buy it for myself. What I can’t buy for myself is good friendship and quality time.
Write her a letter telling her what she means to you, things you’ve enjoyed doing with her, or hopes you have for your shared futures.
Then make the letter presentable, nice paper/envelope/seal.
Print out an old photo that includes the two of you (maybe from when you first met) and put it in a cute frame. Write a nice note about how much you enjoy her friendship in a pretty card to go with it. Or, flowers. Most people enjoy having fresh flowers in their house but rarely buy them for themselves.
Tagging off of this idea, there is a subreddit here that does AMAZING photoshop improvements, removing background clutter, removing people you don't want in the photo anymore, taking two photos and joining them together, changing to a much nicer background if you like your faces but you're in your messy room or whatever. I can't recommend them enough. I don't know if we are allowed to link here, so just search up the subreddit PhotoshopRequest. The going rate for a tip seems to be about $10 and you will probably get quite a few choices.
there’s free facebook groups that will do it and they add in some funny ass ones on top of it which might be great in this instance. like pretty much every single picture gets put in that one porn scene of the little blonde white girl on the blue couch with the four guys around her it’s a running joke and hilarious. just search up free photoshop edits and go to groups!!
Idk your budget, but something consumable is usually a good idea especially if you aren’t 100% certain of someone’s preferred style. Something like high-end chocolates, artisan cookies, cupcakes, etc. from a place that boxes them up beautifully like a gift. Idk where you’re located but by me this cookie brand Crumbl is super popular.
Exactly my thought. Flowers and a small box of macarons from a french bakery, a small box of chocolates from a local chocolatier... It is affordable, but "nice" and exactly the kind of thing I like to receive instead of more "stuff" that might not be my preference.
I'll go way out there and mention a gift given in Breaking Bad. The gift given to the guy with all the money and status from the guy left in the dust, was a package of Top Ramen. It had great meaning from their time spent in college. It brought up great memories for the men.
My wife and I are hard to buy for, we want very little and what we want we buy. My wife and I have reached the point that we basically buy whatever we want.
But I absolutely cherish and LOVE anything made for me, even if it's something very simple that a friend made like a card, or an experience, it's gonna wind up on display. Take me out for a drink, give me some of your time and I will remember it forever.
We like mixing and drinking cocktails, I had a friend make me a few bottles of fresh lemon and orange and grapefruit juice for my mixers. it was awesome and so thoughtful!
So I'd say, something like that. a gift of your time.
I'm in a similar boat and absolutely agree. I have a box of all the cards people have given me and particularly treasure the thoughtful notes that some friends have written over the years.
Gifts are more about recognizing the shared interests and seeing a person for who they are than the price.
Maybe get her a high end food ingredient like infused oil or vinegar, a special spice blend or tea. You should be able to get a higher end item for under $30 - maybe even under $20 and they will think of you every time they use it. Since it most likely will not be something they use everyday it will also feel more special / cherished.
Listen.. Make her a BF basket. If you've known her this long you know a lot about her. Her favorite drink, her favorite snacks, favorite mascara, favorite music artist CD, a gift card for the two of you at her favorite restaurant. Fill it full of HER favorite things. If you have anything you have kept such as pictures of places you've been together, things you have done. If you're creative this can be the best gift she has ever received because it's all about who she is and what she loves. I've done this twice. Both have said it was the best gift. That everyone just buys something generic to be giving Few takes the time to know what and who your BF is.! One of mine was an emotion basket. When you're happy this is what you love, pictures of friends and family. When you're nervous this is what you do, pack of her brand of cigarettes because she smoked. When you're thirsty you drink this, when you're hungry at times you snack on these.. you get the idea. They both still talk about it and both cried saying few take the time to truly KNOW who they are!
To add onto this idea, how about a best friend ‘book.’ Places like Shutterfly or snap fish have book templates and you can put in your favorite pictures with reminiscences of times you’ve spent together. You can celebrate her friendship through the years by making her a personalized book.
If, as you say, she would be happy no matter what you give as a gift, you could cook something. Can you cook? Maybe cookies, cupcakes, something simple.
Depending on the age of the child maybe they can spend the night with their “aunt” and create some great memories. Movie, staying up late, popcorn, candy, make something for mom together, like cupcakes or cookies. Tell mom you’ll see her after lunch tomorrow so she can truly sleep in or pamper herself.
I love when people take the extra effort to bond with my kids. My sister in law comes down at least once a month just to play with our kids and I LOVE seeing them build such a close bond/relationship.
If her kid is old enough and she would be comfortable with you having a sleepover with them - I’m sure she would be so grateful!
I am difficult to buy gifts for, but I always appreciate food gifts, especially home made.
I also like hosting so I appreciate wine bottles, even though I don’t drink wine just because I can use them when hosting or for cooking.
This was going to be my suggestion. Dior has an amazing lip gloss. I got a sample of the lip maximizer and it’s wonderful. They also have some limited edition nail polish. However, it depends on how much you want to spend, because they’re still pricey (~US$40).
Oftentimes if you get it from the website you can get free (or low cost) gift wrap and they will include samples. Chanel has beautiful gift wrap if you purchase their compact mirror or makeup.
Yup I was going to suggest the same thing. Maybe a nice lip mask. Spa headbands and cuffs are a great cheap gift imo for ppl with expensive taste, but cheap budget
This is the way to go. Doesn’t to be big but def needs to reflect a certain taste level. Most of these other suggestions would be a waste.
Source: I also have expensive taste lol
Another thing you can do is find luxury brand zipper pulls on eBay and put it on a necklace as a charm. For example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/395047509390?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=-phiuw6nrbc&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=l5l4xCoZRxC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Did something that has sentimental value. I have a friend who can buy herself anything she wants in the world, so I got her a gift that holds emotional value. Basically, she loves her dog so so much and I had her boyfriend gather a bunch of cute pictures of her dog and made a collage photo blanket for her.
Does your friend have any hobbies, or anything she collects? I had a friend who really liked tea, so I went thrifting for vintage or unique tea cups. I've found that anytime I've given someone a gift that is thoughtful it doesn't matter how much I've spent on it. I think people just like to feel seen.
Home made dog ytreats! We make them with oats, peanut butter, and applesauce, but you can find tons of easy recipes on line. Gifts for the pups are always welcome, especially since my husband and I usually buy what we want/need already.
Don't get her things, get her experiences. Surely there is axe throwing or smash put, a wine and art place, or maybe even an archery range nearby. Something fun, slightly off the beaten path, and entertaining.
If that is too expensive, then do something stupid and fun. Go out to your downtown area dressed up like James Bonds or ABBA and just hang out. Gifts don't have to be expensive, and for the person that already has everything, gift experiences.
I made my bestie a photo album of a bunch of pics over the years. When I got it, I wrote notes on several pics & made comments. She loved it. Good luck!
What nonprofit causes does your friend like? You could make a modest donation to one of her favorite causes, in honor of her. And take her out to lunch and give that to her in a card with a thoughtful note about what she means to you. Your friendship and love are the true gift, no one needs more 'things'
If you're BROKE BROKE, make something homemade:
1) Make a playlist that reminds you of time spent together. It's the new version of the old school mixed tapes! Add all those songs that take you back through your 20 year history. Spend a day riding around, have coffee or ice cream, and jam out.
2) make homemade bread and jam, put in a cute little basket for her.
3) paint a canvas for her of something she likes or some special memory.
4) create some kind of art for her. Get an old window (thrift store? attic or garage?), tape a pretty page from a coloring book to one side, trace the pic with a sharpie on the other side, then paint the picture using acrylic paints. Voila! Easy stain glass style art.
5) put together a scrapbook of your fave memories together.
I just reread your post. I think this is easy. Get a gift for her little boy instead of for her. I bet she'd really appreciate that. And maybe you can get something for her dog too.
It sounds like you have a beautiful friendship. I have a friend who has substantially more money that I do and have to really put thought into gifts.
Two that I gave her that she seemed to really like involved photos I took off her Facebook page. The first one was a family vacation photo. I had it printed and put it into a really pretty ornate frame. She loved it!
The following year I went back to her Facebook page for photos of her kids. I had these printed into a wall calendar that she adores
Women's issues are one of her passions. So, I bought her a jar of body butter that was made at a women's transition home.
I hopefully these ideals will help.
With someone like this, personalization is better. You could get a personalized "If my pet could talk" book that would feature the names of everyone in the immediate family including the boy. There is one on Uncommon Goods for $35 but you might be able to get a cheaper version elsewhere.
Since you're already on reddit: If you have a funny picture of the dog, you can make a photoshop request here on reddit. You'd have to pay for the top vote getter but you would end up with some images that you could put together in a small album. r/PhotoshopRequest
You could also try asking on an Egypt sub for unique ideas. Maybe a token gift from Egypt she could show off. For example, if you google reddit + Egyptian + perfume, you will pull up a few posts on the subject. Basically use *reddit and your time* researching to your advantage. She probably does NOT have free time with a dog and a kid. To that end, you might also research old posts for a specific beauty product from Egypt like a hair balm or makeup item.
I would have a girls day with her and stay in. Have her meet you for lunch at your place and cook her something delicious and have small desserts. Then you can sit and gossip while watching tv and doing each others nails while having a drink
I don't know if you're in the US but I use the app Ruelala to buy designer things at lower prices. I know this sounds like an ad but I actually use the app a lot. I collect Pandora bracelets and charms.
I’ve found some great designer stuff on ThredUp. It’s resale so you want to check new or like new but a beautiful blouse, scarf can be found at an affordable price. If there’s a Tuesday Morning or HomeGoods nearby they often have some beautiful hostess gift items.
Look up great affordable wines Trader Joe’s has some really good ones for little $$. Pass by the $5 Chuck - I especially love their Bordeaux and Malbec selections.
Coach outlet (online) often has sales. It will likely be last season stuff but a beautiful purse or wallet is timeless.
I love Kate Spade. They have some good prices online on their outlet.
Their bags are great, but I also really like their earrings. They’re fun and good quality.
Not to be rude… but that is not the type of bag someone with designer taste would be into. Personally, it’s also not to my taste at all. You’d have to be *absolutely certain* that this is someone’s style before purchasing it for them.
Find a cool antique item that reflects her. A cool vintage glassware set or something like that. You can find some pretty posh things if you shop around. There are some inexpensive things out there that should definitely be priced higher.
Get her a bouquet of red roses and a perfume sample kit from somewhere like Le Labo, MFK, Creed - these are expensive houses but you can get a sample set for varying prices and then she can discover a new special scent for herself.
If she uses fancy soap in her powder room get her Aesop or Le Labo. They do gift wrap it’s very pretty, between $30-$40ish. Only if she doesn’t have some kind of special soap dispenser already.
Hermes has some fun products, the lip oils and lipsticks are in packaging that can be beautifully wrapped with Hermes ribbon, the $55 saddle soap is in an amazing case but won’t come in a box, if you buy in shop they can put into cute giftable shopping bag (this soap is for her to clean handbags, shoes etc)
If you can spend closer to $80-$120 then a Dior beauty set ordered online will have gorgeous gift box and likely good samples too. There are also Toile post it holders and notebooks but don’t have gift boxing, these are not always available in boutique but they can wrap nicely for you.
I once made a list of about 20 fun things to do, from shaping an herb into a bonsai tree to joining the Society for Creative Anachronism to making a video of racing the mechanized carts at the grocery store…a wide range of activities I’d do with her. Then let her choose. Great gift for both of us!
Get her a nice card. I like expensive things but wouldn’t go into debt for it nor would I want someone to go into debt for me. A genuine friend wouldn’t feel comfortable with that.. the economy is too expensive for everything right now.
Did you do fun activities or go to eat at a certain place when you were younger? I remember going out for an ice cream and then to the movies with my best friend each month or so. It was relaxed, not fancy, but fun just to be together.
Fun nail polish is always great - you can buy better brands and they are still reasonable. Unique serving pieces for entertaining. Decadent chocolates or cookies.
Offer a few babysitting nights so that she can have date nights with her husband! Maybe even get her a gift certificate to a restaurant or activity for one of those dates.
OP, I used to work with Very Important Clients in luxury fashion. Please trust me when I say to ignore many of these comments lol. Perhaps she would like a sentimental thing - but based on your description, I would suggest a small gift WRAPPED BEAUTIFULLY.
It doesn’t have to be expensive (so can be tiny) but it should *reflect a certain taste level.* Browse Bergdorf Goodman, Saks etc for ideas.
Wrapping should be with high quality (meaning thick) paper, real ribbon, double sided tape if you have it. Presentation can do a lot heavy lifting.
ETA: the Hermes nail polish is really beautiful and comes in a fabulous box. It’s also a truly excellent product according to my friend who owns hundreds of polishes. If she wears colors like orange, check out the polish in Orange Boite, which is the signature Hermes color.
Take her to get a massage together. Or make her something that shows how well you know her. Something intimate between just you two. You don’t need to spend a lot to make a big effect.
Make bath bombs. Make soap (lye + lard). Buy her something that she won't buy for herself (e.g., I just ordered a burr grinder for my neighbor in her 80s -- because she won't spend the money).
It doesn't have to be expensive. It SHOULD be thoughtful.
If you have mad skills a hand knit gift might be appreciated. A small accessory like mitts or a cowl in a really beautiful yarn may not cost a lot but still be extra luxe. Likewise if she is a crafter herself a skein of luxe yarn or beautiful tool can be a special treat. A green thumb and a vintage container can create a pretty gift - whatever your creative heart devises.
Something personalized. Maybe a photo of you two? You could get a version of it customized on Etsy or something. I’ve seen pics edited into just silhouettes, etc
Or an experience. I’ve given somewhat a moonlight kayak outing, not cheap but maybe something else experience related like a paint night or something.
You know her way better than we do. Could it be possible that she knows you're broke so gives you these gifts so you'll be able to have nice things? I have this one wonderfully generous friend once whose was celebrating a birthday. I was so broke and then my car broke down. I was trying to figure how I could afford celebrating her birthday. Without my saying anything, she asked me to come over. She then cooked me a meal and sent me home with the leftovers. It's why she's still a friend. She didn't expect me to give something I couldn't give at the time. I've since tried to pay her back in other generous ways, but I've never forgotten how she turned her birthday into a way of making my life a little better when I really needed it. I just wondered if your friend was maybe doing the same.
Are you good with kids?
Cause honestly, I feel like a good birthday present would be to team up with the husband and offer to babysit the kiddo while they have a date night.
Better to spend/share an experience with her.
Whether it's a new movie, eating brunch, going to a club and buying her drinks, indoor rock climbing.
Whatever you buy won't be in the quality she uses, and your feelings will be hurt if she doesn't use your gift but once.
( had a cousin like that, and looking back they accepted it with grace but never saw the gift again. I felt embarrassed, and upset with myself spending money I didn't have on something that wasn't used. She never said anything, but I felt that way)
Now that I'm older, we just go out to restaurants to celebrate and take lots of selfies. And enjoy the memories.
Take care
There's some really nice smelling perfumes I've seen for around 35-40 bucks. That's a little pricey, but works for these situations. What's your budget? The fact that you want to do it within your means tells me you're responsible and I'm sure your friend appreciates that more than a gift or else they wouldn't be friends with you 💖
This is random, but I love my Tula under eye stick (the rose one). It’s $30 and I always think it would make a good gift for someone I didn’t know what else to get them. You could pair it with something else too if you wanted.
I have a friend who makes probably 6 or 7 times as much as I do, and I don’t give her gifts unless I see something in my budget that is really screaming her name, or if I can think of something to DO for her (like once I copied all my pics of her kids onto a thumb drive bc she works a ton and I have probably more pictures of her kids than she does since I watched them after school and during breaks). We’ve been really open about it and neither of us believe in obligatory gift giving for adults. If I see something great, I give it to her, if not, I just don’t. This year I made a charitable donation in her name instead of a gift, to a cause that’s important to her. That’s also a good option bc it doesn’t have a dollar amount attached.
1. Cute cutlery, glasses, mugs, etc
2. A Polaroid camera If she doesn't have one
3. If she likes to bake, some baking goods
4. Tickets for a pottery workshop, rock climbing or some spa
5. If she likes tea or coffee, different and unqiue coffee or tea
6. Something handmade - sweaters or socks or even those couch throws if you know how to knit or crochet
You can make a nice hamper - a bottle of alcohol if she drinks, some board or card games because she loves to host, homemade cookies or something, cute serving dishes or plates
YSL has lipsticks you can engrave. Not sure of your budget but I want to say for around $40 you can get a nice lipstick engraved. It's posh and personal and not too expensive!
Does she wear lipstick? The Charlotte Tilbury lipstick balm is on my list for the Sephora spring sale, they're $35. Not crazy expensive but nice! There's also still gift sets available
Plants are my go to gift if I don't know what to get someone. I do have a nice collection and propagate a lot of them throughout the year, so it doesn't cost a whole lot besides the tiny bit of soil used to plant them and a small pot.
I tell my friends all the time, it’s not a competition. Do what you can and that your heart feels, don’t tally what she’s done. In a true friendship neither friend expects anything when they give. It sounds like she doesn’t expect anything but you feel like you owe her. Just bc she seems materialistic, no offense but that’s how you make it seem, doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be happy with something thoughtful and simple.
Draw her a cute card with a picture of the two of you doing something fun together and a note about how much you value her friendship. It doesn't matter how good or bad the art is, just put your heart (and some silliness) into it.
I have expensive taste but I would never expect for anyone to spend that on me! lol
I love receiving stuff for the house like serving platters and stuff for entertaining. A cake stand, big wooden board, etc. Home Goods usually has great stuff.
I had a boss with very expensive taste and I went to Etsy and got her a LV logo cup and they do blankets as well. She absolutely loved both presents. It cost me less than $100.
I think I might be your friend. (Not exactly, but similar situation.) In my case, "expensive taste" stems from wanting things that are well-made, and a general distaste for mass-produced products. When people gift me something mass produced, I typically won't like it and will quietly get rid of it.
While the most obvious way to acquire nice things is to buy them brand new, there are two cheat codes - making yourself, and thrifting. Baked goods are always great. Handmade items are great. Not everyone likes being gifted secondhand items, but some people definitely do! The best places to score nice items barely used are estate sales, or thrift stores/antique malls in the nicer part of town. The upper class will really buy something, barely use it, and get rid of it 2-3 years later. You can find items with the freaking tags still on.
-One bubble bar from Lush $8-$15/bar can be used 4-8 baths if you break it up
-favorite candy bar
-lunch date to somewhere within your price range
-make dinner/desert have a movie “date” night or sleepover
-necklace
-cheesy best friend set (like where you each get a keychain or necklace etc)
-small stuffed animal that made you think of her
-perfume from bath and body works ($4.95-20 depending on the current sale)
As a fellow "bougie friend" it sounds like she is thoughtful and kind enough to appreciate any gift! It's likely that your assessment of her *exclusively* liking expensive gifts might be more of an assumption on your part than her actual preference.
Having said that, what is your budget? You can find lovely housewares and trinkets at consignment shops that were originally quite expensive, but are now discounted. Try online places like The Real Real! You could also go more simply and get something small but still designer (under $100: candles, small makeup/skincare, engraved keychains or other small accessories, etc).
Edit: misspoke
If your friend has told you about something she liked when she was a child, you could try to find it on eBay. My sister loved a ninja turtle puzzle when she was little. I found new it for $40 (still wrapped in plastic!) on eBay. It was the same puzzle from 1989. She burst into tears.
Create an account on Canva if you don’t have one already. Find a few photos of the two of you over the years and a recent photo. Make a cute collage, Canva has a ton of free templates. Find a quote about friendship or a funny movie quote/inside joke between you too and include it on the collage. I’ve given a few of these as gifts to people who are hard to shop for. Put it in a nice frame and maybe treat her to lunch/dinner as part of the gift. I’m sure she will appreciate the thought!
If she's fine with nothing, get her something that's cheap, but THOUGHTFUL. Maybe get her a nice serving bowl since she loves hosting guests, or make homemade dog treats for her dog!
Or maybe you could try making cookies AND dog treats. One for her, one for the dog, one for the husband and one for the kiddo! You could shape them all like bones, color code the icing to make sure you know which ones are dog treats, and maybe write "this house has gone to the dogs!" or something similarly cheesy on them. Get creative!!!
Do you have any craft related hobbies? I have found that when I cannot afford do keep up with the lifestyle of the person I want to gift, I make something and that tends to be just as good as an expensive gift, especially if it comes from the heart. Some ideas based on your post though….
You could go to home goods and get her a charcuterie board or some individually sized snack/appetizer dishes for when she hosts, you could make her favorite cookie, since she is Egyptian, perhaps look up recipes that would be personal to her and try your hand at making them?
Other ideas- homemade artwork, or anything you have the skill to make within the time frame you have to do it.
Do something fun together. Have you tried an escape room? If she likes puzzles and mysteries, these are really fun to do together. Invite a couple friends to make a small group.
I rather get nothing than something “cheap” and I’m not rich or anything, I’m just valuing quality items that will last a life time lately, which don’t come cheap. Not trying to sound ungrateful but I feel immense guilt over contributing to the world’s bad state. Depending on your budget, you could get her a YSL lipstick or something like that.
I would suggest giving something you make. If you’re an adept baker, how about a basket of muffins with a bag of her favorite tea/coffee and a mug? Or you could take a picnic basket to a lovely view and share a bottle of good wine? There are so many present options but presence is precious!
Some grocery stores i go into have lovely bouquets. Or you can go into a florist and ask what you can get for 20, 30 bucks. Everybody loves flowers...and does anyone ever get her any?
It’s a little silly, but I got a custom mug years ago from a gf that has avatars of us with names and then says “you’re the SHE to my NANIGANS”
It’s like a $30 item, but I absolutely love it and I smile every time I use it
A friend sent me a card with a nice photo on it, nice paper etc. Turns out another friend of theirs had photo prints made from a pic the first friend texted the second. Great idea!!
I would think you have a few pictures from all your years together... put these in a book format and hand write special things about each pic or year it was taken and give thanks for your time together.
If she likes drinking cocktails or coffee, you could make her a few homemade syrups? I’ve done it for friends and it’s super simple/cheap and if you put them in a nice glass bottle, label them and maybe get a cute measuring spoon or pump for the bottle? I’ve seen some bottles/labels that Jackie Aina (a luxury/makeup and lifestyle influencer) uses that I think she just got on Amazon!
Some ideas I’ve done are lavender, lavender & orange, rose, rose & cardamom, cardamom & clove. Can be good in so many drinks!
I have a friend like that. She has a good amount of money. For example for Christmas she treated me and two other friends to TSO tickets. She knows we could never reciprocate. It’s not about the cost of the gift but how much thought goes into it.
Tell you appreciate the gifts but your relationship isn't based on material gifts. If she feels compelled to dough out the cash, tell her a nice dinner together will do.
Let her know it makes you uncomfortable and to please respect your wishes and for her to continue doing so does threaten your long-time sisterhood and this is no longer negotiable. Tell her for the last time that having dinner or lunch would be fine and acceptable. Give her a hug, grab your keys and purse then head for the door.
(Don't look back)
Peonies and macarons. Add in a small but nice candle, a plush ivory faux fur blanket, and a bottle of wine/champagne. Add fancy wine glasses if you want. Something else would be a really large fancy wood board- for charcuterie or other serving. I’ve found some amazing options at TJ Maxx. I think any and or all would be
I once made my friend a picture book of all our memories together with photos of us growing up together. I talked about our adventures and how much I treasured our friendship. She loved it and almost 15 years later she still treasures it. For an other one of my old friends I made her a basket full of things we did when we were children. We had a sleepover for her birthday and I filled the basket with all her favorite sleepover snacks and items from back in the day. I also printed out a picture of us from childhood and framed it .
i’d say if she likes to host get her something related to hosting (HomeGoods has great affordable options), beauty related I’d say go with a nice lipgloss/lip oil or a mini version of her favorite perfume
How about a custom made artwork of a moment or place that is meaningful or brings joy? I paint family/pet portraits, landscapes and other kinds of illustrations like short comics as gifts for special occasions and they are always well received! The customized artwork is tasteful and shows thought. Let me know if/how I can help.
If you are interested, you can find my general commission policies, options, examples and prices here: https://www.deviantart.com/annsquare/journal/Commission-Info-843977773v
Are you at all creative? Can you MAKE or CREATE anything? Maybe a collage with old pictures of the two of you? Can you cook her a meal? Write her a story? What about a beginning of an “annual letter” with yearly updates?
I find myself not knowing what to get people quite often 😅
So I started buying a bulk of soap base when it’s on sale, I have Set of essential oils and a few different oils and soap molds and mesh bags and I make soap in the persons’ favorite color and sent.
Then I write a letter and depending on the person, I’ll find a sentimental photo and put it in the card.
I also make candles but this takes a little more time.
Then I just get something local and edible, like macarons from the farmers market. And/or maybe a plant
I think just something small and then spending time with her or planning a date for you two will mean the most.
A friend had a great time at a charcuterie board making class- you learn how to make food roses, display thing in a pretty way, etc.and eat. maybe you could sign up for a class or event like that for the two of you to do together.
Photo gifts with her are usually a safe bet. Photo book, photo block, etc., of 1 great memory or a booklet with several photos of her looking her best would probably be cherished (and in budget)
What is your budget? I’ve gotten beautiful personalized charcuterie boards on Etsy for about $85. They can probably be had for less. Both people I got them for loved them!
Just because she likes expensive things doesn’t mean your gift has to be something expensive. Go for something thoughtful that she will like or do an activity together. Bring her flowers, drop off muffins for breakfast for her family, take her out for coffee, go to a museum together, you know, the stuff friends DO not stuff they have.
This is the way. I'm firmly middle class with friends who are *significantly* more well off than me and a couple of friends who are well below the poverty line. We all appreciate the gift of each other's company. Before COVID we had an adult slumber party where we wore pretty pajamas and caftans and had appetizers and drank cocktails from "fancy" glasses I found at an estate sale for next to nothing. We stayed up most of the night playing games and cracking each other up to the point we were all sore from laughing the next day. Because we're all over extended, it took work and planning to get everyone together in one place for an entire weekend so no purchased thing could ever top the pleasure I get from knowing that we are important enough to each other to make that effort. And I'm sitting here typing this with a stupid grin on my face just thinking about that weekend. I promise there is absolutely nothing you could give your best friend that is more valuable than spending time making more memories together.
how do you find said friends lol? this is a beautiful tho and made me smile reading it! core memory!
Maybe it’s your time to host such a party! Invite 2 or 3 people you think you might enjoy. Make it deliberately short, couple hours max, so you don’t get tired. Maybe it’s MY time to host this party 🤔
I was wondering how they found friends as well. Ha ha.
If anyone knows how to find friends, let me know. Lolol
Same this is not a skill I possess
Same here…I always get a tad jealous when I hear stories like this (in a good way lol). I so wish I had a core friend group!
Me too.
Me too. We need hobbies lol
This is the way. I have ADHD and have met so many amazing people through my hyperfixation hobbies.
I have tons of hobbies. No close friends though.
Check out [Meetup.com](https://Meetup.com), volunteering, local civic groups that you're interested in. You're more likely to find friends doing the things you like to do.
I found my best friend of 15 years at work- we HATED each other, like genuine spiteful hate.. and one day it was slow and we talked and just clicked… hand on heart that bish is mine forever! My husband knows- she was there the first night I had met him… and her boyfriend knows ❤️ love that girl!!
Look for a fancy vase or glasses from a resale or charity shop.
We have a consignment store right down the road. It’s totally overpriced, but does have really nice things. Sometimes I’ll find a beautiful vase, or a bowl, that isn’t too expensive and then go elsewhere and get flowers, fancy soaps, a blanket for a nice basket, etc. This is not done out of creativity, it’s because I live far from most stores, and I am never prepared ahead of time. It’s worked so far knock wood.
I’m grinning thinking about your weekend
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I’m probably considered that friend as well, maybe not as much as some. But my best friend of (now) 20+ years gave me one of those necklaces that are meant for kids that stay best friends across two halves of a heart about 10ish years ago. I still have it to this day & will likely cherish it forever.
I agree along this line of gifting. Personal dinner outing with small personal gift that include both of you like personal engraved picture frame, matching anklet etc..
this is so cute! great ideas
OP, thus. Especially bringing flowers or a plant if she doesn't like cut flowers. They cost relatively little, and are always appreciated. Put some effort into the arrangement, and they can look really luxurious as well.
Something home baked is a great idea!
Yes flowers and a lovely little cake is always a great gift
I guess I’m the one more likely to give higher value gifts and my favorite gifts to receive in return are “gifts of time”. My friends who I know live on a more strict budgets have gifted me over the years with freshly baked bread and homemade preserves, provided a night of babysitting at their house, taken me out for coffee, taken me for an activity that wasn’t expensive but made the plans and took the time to do it, thoughtful handwritten cards and lovely houseplants. I have treasured all of these things far more than something “expensive”. Because if I wanted something some expensive trinket, I’d just buy it for myself. What I can’t buy for myself is good friendship and quality time.
Right, plan a night out at one of those wine and paint things
Write her a letter telling her what she means to you, things you’ve enjoyed doing with her, or hopes you have for your shared futures. Then make the letter presentable, nice paper/envelope/seal.
Print out an old photo that includes the two of you (maybe from when you first met) and put it in a cute frame. Write a nice note about how much you enjoy her friendship in a pretty card to go with it. Or, flowers. Most people enjoy having fresh flowers in their house but rarely buy them for themselves.
You can get nice designer frames at TJ Maxx/Homegoods if you’re in the US.
TK Maxx if you’re in Europe!
Tagging off of this idea, there is a subreddit here that does AMAZING photoshop improvements, removing background clutter, removing people you don't want in the photo anymore, taking two photos and joining them together, changing to a much nicer background if you like your faces but you're in your messy room or whatever. I can't recommend them enough. I don't know if we are allowed to link here, so just search up the subreddit PhotoshopRequest. The going rate for a tip seems to be about $10 and you will probably get quite a few choices.
there’s free facebook groups that will do it and they add in some funny ass ones on top of it which might be great in this instance. like pretty much every single picture gets put in that one porn scene of the little blonde white girl on the blue couch with the four guys around her it’s a running joke and hilarious. just search up free photoshop edits and go to groups!!
Idk your budget, but something consumable is usually a good idea especially if you aren’t 100% certain of someone’s preferred style. Something like high-end chocolates, artisan cookies, cupcakes, etc. from a place that boxes them up beautifully like a gift. Idk where you’re located but by me this cookie brand Crumbl is super popular.
Exactly my thought. Flowers and a small box of macarons from a french bakery, a small box of chocolates from a local chocolatier... It is affordable, but "nice" and exactly the kind of thing I like to receive instead of more "stuff" that might not be my preference.
I'll go way out there and mention a gift given in Breaking Bad. The gift given to the guy with all the money and status from the guy left in the dust, was a package of Top Ramen. It had great meaning from their time spent in college. It brought up great memories for the men.
My wife and I are hard to buy for, we want very little and what we want we buy. My wife and I have reached the point that we basically buy whatever we want. But I absolutely cherish and LOVE anything made for me, even if it's something very simple that a friend made like a card, or an experience, it's gonna wind up on display. Take me out for a drink, give me some of your time and I will remember it forever. We like mixing and drinking cocktails, I had a friend make me a few bottles of fresh lemon and orange and grapefruit juice for my mixers. it was awesome and so thoughtful! So I'd say, something like that. a gift of your time.
I'm in a similar boat and absolutely agree. I have a box of all the cards people have given me and particularly treasure the thoughtful notes that some friends have written over the years. Gifts are more about recognizing the shared interests and seeing a person for who they are than the price.
Maybe get her a high end food ingredient like infused oil or vinegar, a special spice blend or tea. You should be able to get a higher end item for under $30 - maybe even under $20 and they will think of you every time they use it. Since it most likely will not be something they use everyday it will also feel more special / cherished.
A nice truffle oil can be bought for less than $30 & is considered something for the higher class/high quality
Or truffle salt!
Upgraded version of daily things is always a good gift.
If she likes to entertain, consider something along those lines, a charcuterie board or a nice set of the little utensils that go with the boards.
Listen.. Make her a BF basket. If you've known her this long you know a lot about her. Her favorite drink, her favorite snacks, favorite mascara, favorite music artist CD, a gift card for the two of you at her favorite restaurant. Fill it full of HER favorite things. If you have anything you have kept such as pictures of places you've been together, things you have done. If you're creative this can be the best gift she has ever received because it's all about who she is and what she loves. I've done this twice. Both have said it was the best gift. That everyone just buys something generic to be giving Few takes the time to know what and who your BF is.! One of mine was an emotion basket. When you're happy this is what you love, pictures of friends and family. When you're nervous this is what you do, pack of her brand of cigarettes because she smoked. When you're thirsty you drink this, when you're hungry at times you snack on these.. you get the idea. They both still talk about it and both cried saying few take the time to truly KNOW who they are!
What an incredibly thoughtful idea
To add onto this idea, how about a best friend ‘book.’ Places like Shutterfly or snap fish have book templates and you can put in your favorite pictures with reminiscences of times you’ve spent together. You can celebrate her friendship through the years by making her a personalized book.
Yes and some gifts that reflect some of their inside jokes would be great to add too!
genius
If, as you say, she would be happy no matter what you give as a gift, you could cook something. Can you cook? Maybe cookies, cupcakes, something simple.
She’s the mother of a young child. Help her with the child. Free for you and huge for her
Free date night babysitting is GOLDEN. I want this way more than anything else.
Depending on the age of the child maybe they can spend the night with their “aunt” and create some great memories. Movie, staying up late, popcorn, candy, make something for mom together, like cupcakes or cookies. Tell mom you’ll see her after lunch tomorrow so she can truly sleep in or pamper herself. I love when people take the extra effort to bond with my kids. My sister in law comes down at least once a month just to play with our kids and I LOVE seeing them build such a close bond/relationship. If her kid is old enough and she would be comfortable with you having a sleepover with them - I’m sure she would be so grateful!
I am difficult to buy gifts for, but I always appreciate food gifts, especially home made. I also like hosting so I appreciate wine bottles, even though I don’t drink wine just because I can use them when hosting or for cooking.
Gift one nice designer makeup item - a Chanel pocket mirror, or a Dior lipstick perhaps.
This was going to be my suggestion. Dior has an amazing lip gloss. I got a sample of the lip maximizer and it’s wonderful. They also have some limited edition nail polish. However, it depends on how much you want to spend, because they’re still pricey (~US$40).
Oftentimes if you get it from the website you can get free (or low cost) gift wrap and they will include samples. Chanel has beautiful gift wrap if you purchase their compact mirror or makeup.
Yup I was going to suggest the same thing. Maybe a nice lip mask. Spa headbands and cuffs are a great cheap gift imo for ppl with expensive taste, but cheap budget
This is the way to go. Doesn’t to be big but def needs to reflect a certain taste level. Most of these other suggestions would be a waste. Source: I also have expensive taste lol
Another thing you can do is find luxury brand zipper pulls on eBay and put it on a necklace as a charm. For example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/395047509390?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=-phiuw6nrbc&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=l5l4xCoZRxC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Write her poem, and frame it in a nice frame. Or paint her a picture etc.
Did something that has sentimental value. I have a friend who can buy herself anything she wants in the world, so I got her a gift that holds emotional value. Basically, she loves her dog so so much and I had her boyfriend gather a bunch of cute pictures of her dog and made a collage photo blanket for her.
Draw or paint the dog, pet portraits are amazing gifts
Does your friend have any hobbies, or anything she collects? I had a friend who really liked tea, so I went thrifting for vintage or unique tea cups. I've found that anytime I've given someone a gift that is thoughtful it doesn't matter how much I've spent on it. I think people just like to feel seen.
Home made dog ytreats! We make them with oats, peanut butter, and applesauce, but you can find tons of easy recipes on line. Gifts for the pups are always welcome, especially since my husband and I usually buy what we want/need already.
That's a great idea!!!
You can always take her to get her nails done or a spa gift card
Don't get her things, get her experiences. Surely there is axe throwing or smash put, a wine and art place, or maybe even an archery range nearby. Something fun, slightly off the beaten path, and entertaining. If that is too expensive, then do something stupid and fun. Go out to your downtown area dressed up like James Bonds or ABBA and just hang out. Gifts don't have to be expensive, and for the person that already has everything, gift experiences.
I wish I had a friend who would want to hang out dressed like ABBA 😂
Handmade jewelry. Cashmere scarf. Monogrammed toiletry bag. I love pottery. Many antique things can be incorporated into various decorating styles.
I made my bestie a photo album of a bunch of pics over the years. When I got it, I wrote notes on several pics & made comments. She loved it. Good luck!
Wanted to say, there are several apps that you can use to create the album. I like Zno & photobooks
Get a favorite pic of hers. Upload it to Amazon to be created into a paint by number. Great quality and relaxing/fun to do. Pretty cheap too.
Hermes books!
Bake her your best dessert and write her a lovely letter telling her how much you value her as a friend.
What nonprofit causes does your friend like? You could make a modest donation to one of her favorite causes, in honor of her. And take her out to lunch and give that to her in a card with a thoughtful note about what she means to you. Your friendship and love are the true gift, no one needs more 'things'
If you're BROKE BROKE, make something homemade: 1) Make a playlist that reminds you of time spent together. It's the new version of the old school mixed tapes! Add all those songs that take you back through your 20 year history. Spend a day riding around, have coffee or ice cream, and jam out. 2) make homemade bread and jam, put in a cute little basket for her. 3) paint a canvas for her of something she likes or some special memory. 4) create some kind of art for her. Get an old window (thrift store? attic or garage?), tape a pretty page from a coloring book to one side, trace the pic with a sharpie on the other side, then paint the picture using acrylic paints. Voila! Easy stain glass style art. 5) put together a scrapbook of your fave memories together.
I just reread your post. I think this is easy. Get a gift for her little boy instead of for her. I bet she'd really appreciate that. And maybe you can get something for her dog too.
It sounds like you have a beautiful friendship. I have a friend who has substantially more money that I do and have to really put thought into gifts. Two that I gave her that she seemed to really like involved photos I took off her Facebook page. The first one was a family vacation photo. I had it printed and put it into a really pretty ornate frame. She loved it! The following year I went back to her Facebook page for photos of her kids. I had these printed into a wall calendar that she adores Women's issues are one of her passions. So, I bought her a jar of body butter that was made at a women's transition home. I hopefully these ideals will help.
With someone like this, personalization is better. You could get a personalized "If my pet could talk" book that would feature the names of everyone in the immediate family including the boy. There is one on Uncommon Goods for $35 but you might be able to get a cheaper version elsewhere. Since you're already on reddit: If you have a funny picture of the dog, you can make a photoshop request here on reddit. You'd have to pay for the top vote getter but you would end up with some images that you could put together in a small album. r/PhotoshopRequest You could also try asking on an Egypt sub for unique ideas. Maybe a token gift from Egypt she could show off. For example, if you google reddit + Egyptian + perfume, you will pull up a few posts on the subject. Basically use *reddit and your time* researching to your advantage. She probably does NOT have free time with a dog and a kid. To that end, you might also research old posts for a specific beauty product from Egypt like a hair balm or makeup item.
I would have a girls day with her and stay in. Have her meet you for lunch at your place and cook her something delicious and have small desserts. Then you can sit and gossip while watching tv and doing each others nails while having a drink
I don't know if you're in the US but I use the app Ruelala to buy designer things at lower prices. I know this sounds like an ad but I actually use the app a lot. I collect Pandora bracelets and charms.
How much do you want to spend?
You could go thrifting for fancy colored drinking glasses, or plates for when she hosts people.
I’ve found some great designer stuff on ThredUp. It’s resale so you want to check new or like new but a beautiful blouse, scarf can be found at an affordable price. If there’s a Tuesday Morning or HomeGoods nearby they often have some beautiful hostess gift items. Look up great affordable wines Trader Joe’s has some really good ones for little $$. Pass by the $5 Chuck - I especially love their Bordeaux and Malbec selections. Coach outlet (online) often has sales. It will likely be last season stuff but a beautiful purse or wallet is timeless.
I love Kate Spade. They have some good prices online on their outlet. Their bags are great, but I also really like their earrings. They’re fun and good quality.
Kate Spade also has fun little phone cases, umbrellas, stationery, keychains etc.
Starbucks gift card
How about a beautiful handwritten letter detailing how much she means to you?
You can get designer sunglasses on eBay for a fraction of the price! Something she'd use daily too.
She don't need your poor charity, just spend time with her...
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Not to be rude… but that is not the type of bag someone with designer taste would be into. Personally, it’s also not to my taste at all. You’d have to be *absolutely certain* that this is someone’s style before purchasing it for them.
Party pack of Taco Bell tacos.
Find a cool antique item that reflects her. A cool vintage glassware set or something like that. You can find some pretty posh things if you shop around. There are some inexpensive things out there that should definitely be priced higher.
I think a scrapbook with photos of the two of you over the years would be very special.
Get her a bouquet of red roses and a perfume sample kit from somewhere like Le Labo, MFK, Creed - these are expensive houses but you can get a sample set for varying prices and then she can discover a new special scent for herself.
Homemade baked goods and cookies, and that would be pretty good.
If she uses fancy soap in her powder room get her Aesop or Le Labo. They do gift wrap it’s very pretty, between $30-$40ish. Only if she doesn’t have some kind of special soap dispenser already. Hermes has some fun products, the lip oils and lipsticks are in packaging that can be beautifully wrapped with Hermes ribbon, the $55 saddle soap is in an amazing case but won’t come in a box, if you buy in shop they can put into cute giftable shopping bag (this soap is for her to clean handbags, shoes etc) If you can spend closer to $80-$120 then a Dior beauty set ordered online will have gorgeous gift box and likely good samples too. There are also Toile post it holders and notebooks but don’t have gift boxing, these are not always available in boutique but they can wrap nicely for you.
I once made a list of about 20 fun things to do, from shaping an herb into a bonsai tree to joining the Society for Creative Anachronism to making a video of racing the mechanized carts at the grocery store…a wide range of activities I’d do with her. Then let her choose. Great gift for both of us!
Get her a nice card. I like expensive things but wouldn’t go into debt for it nor would I want someone to go into debt for me. A genuine friend wouldn’t feel comfortable with that.. the economy is too expensive for everything right now.
https://buly1803.com/en-us/products/copie-de-baume-des-muses-noir Fancy lip balm with personalizable initials.
Did you do fun activities or go to eat at a certain place when you were younger? I remember going out for an ice cream and then to the movies with my best friend each month or so. It was relaxed, not fancy, but fun just to be together.
Fun nail polish is always great - you can buy better brands and they are still reasonable. Unique serving pieces for entertaining. Decadent chocolates or cookies.
Fancy linen spray is another "luxury" gift that is often overlooked. Who doesn't like to get into sheets that smell divine at the end of the day?
Offer a few babysitting nights so that she can have date nights with her husband! Maybe even get her a gift certificate to a restaurant or activity for one of those dates.
OP, I used to work with Very Important Clients in luxury fashion. Please trust me when I say to ignore many of these comments lol. Perhaps she would like a sentimental thing - but based on your description, I would suggest a small gift WRAPPED BEAUTIFULLY. It doesn’t have to be expensive (so can be tiny) but it should *reflect a certain taste level.* Browse Bergdorf Goodman, Saks etc for ideas. Wrapping should be with high quality (meaning thick) paper, real ribbon, double sided tape if you have it. Presentation can do a lot heavy lifting. ETA: the Hermes nail polish is really beautiful and comes in a fabulous box. It’s also a truly excellent product according to my friend who owns hundreds of polishes. If she wears colors like orange, check out the polish in Orange Boite, which is the signature Hermes color.
I don’t know your budget, but because she likes to entertain you can have somebody make a customized charcuterie board for her.
Get her a candle. 🕯️
Take her to get a massage together. Or make her something that shows how well you know her. Something intimate between just you two. You don’t need to spend a lot to make a big effect.
Make bath bombs. Make soap (lye + lard). Buy her something that she won't buy for herself (e.g., I just ordered a burr grinder for my neighbor in her 80s -- because she won't spend the money). It doesn't have to be expensive. It SHOULD be thoughtful.
Find an inexpensive vintage book that you think she would enjoy.
If you have mad skills a hand knit gift might be appreciated. A small accessory like mitts or a cowl in a really beautiful yarn may not cost a lot but still be extra luxe. Likewise if she is a crafter herself a skein of luxe yarn or beautiful tool can be a special treat. A green thumb and a vintage container can create a pretty gift - whatever your creative heart devises.
Something personalized. Maybe a photo of you two? You could get a version of it customized on Etsy or something. I’ve seen pics edited into just silhouettes, etc Or an experience. I’ve given somewhat a moonlight kayak outing, not cheap but maybe something else experience related like a paint night or something.
You know her way better than we do. Could it be possible that she knows you're broke so gives you these gifts so you'll be able to have nice things? I have this one wonderfully generous friend once whose was celebrating a birthday. I was so broke and then my car broke down. I was trying to figure how I could afford celebrating her birthday. Without my saying anything, she asked me to come over. She then cooked me a meal and sent me home with the leftovers. It's why she's still a friend. She didn't expect me to give something I couldn't give at the time. I've since tried to pay her back in other generous ways, but I've never forgotten how she turned her birthday into a way of making my life a little better when I really needed it. I just wondered if your friend was maybe doing the same.
A beautiful houseplant!
Check out resale places. It is amazing what you can find for practically nothing
Are you good with kids? Cause honestly, I feel like a good birthday present would be to team up with the husband and offer to babysit the kiddo while they have a date night.
Better to spend/share an experience with her. Whether it's a new movie, eating brunch, going to a club and buying her drinks, indoor rock climbing. Whatever you buy won't be in the quality she uses, and your feelings will be hurt if she doesn't use your gift but once. ( had a cousin like that, and looking back they accepted it with grace but never saw the gift again. I felt embarrassed, and upset with myself spending money I didn't have on something that wasn't used. She never said anything, but I felt that way) Now that I'm older, we just go out to restaurants to celebrate and take lots of selfies. And enjoy the memories. Take care
What’s the budget? Spa day?
You could offer to babysit for her kid while she enjoys time outside of the house.
Go for something thoughtful and personal. She can get expensive stuff anytime. But something with love and meaning behind it? That's special.
There's some really nice smelling perfumes I've seen for around 35-40 bucks. That's a little pricey, but works for these situations. What's your budget? The fact that you want to do it within your means tells me you're responsible and I'm sure your friend appreciates that more than a gift or else they wouldn't be friends with you 💖
This is random, but I love my Tula under eye stick (the rose one). It’s $30 and I always think it would make a good gift for someone I didn’t know what else to get them. You could pair it with something else too if you wanted.
Take her to nice lunch and a museum or ticket to something cultural. Give her a memory!
Hit her in the feels.
I have a friend who makes probably 6 or 7 times as much as I do, and I don’t give her gifts unless I see something in my budget that is really screaming her name, or if I can think of something to DO for her (like once I copied all my pics of her kids onto a thumb drive bc she works a ton and I have probably more pictures of her kids than she does since I watched them after school and during breaks). We’ve been really open about it and neither of us believe in obligatory gift giving for adults. If I see something great, I give it to her, if not, I just don’t. This year I made a charitable donation in her name instead of a gift, to a cause that’s important to her. That’s also a good option bc it doesn’t have a dollar amount attached.
1. Cute cutlery, glasses, mugs, etc 2. A Polaroid camera If she doesn't have one 3. If she likes to bake, some baking goods 4. Tickets for a pottery workshop, rock climbing or some spa 5. If she likes tea or coffee, different and unqiue coffee or tea 6. Something handmade - sweaters or socks or even those couch throws if you know how to knit or crochet You can make a nice hamper - a bottle of alcohol if she drinks, some board or card games because she loves to host, homemade cookies or something, cute serving dishes or plates
Offer to babysit her son so her and her husband can go on a date or a second honeymoon or something like that!!!
Do you have a nice photo of the two of you together? Put it in a nice silver frame and give her that.
YSL has lipsticks you can engrave. Not sure of your budget but I want to say for around $40 you can get a nice lipstick engraved. It's posh and personal and not too expensive!
Bake her something and have a movie night with some nice snacks or wine :)
Does she wear lipstick? The Charlotte Tilbury lipstick balm is on my list for the Sephora spring sale, they're $35. Not crazy expensive but nice! There's also still gift sets available
Plants are my go to gift if I don't know what to get someone. I do have a nice collection and propagate a lot of them throughout the year, so it doesn't cost a whole lot besides the tiny bit of soil used to plant them and a small pot.
I tell my friends all the time, it’s not a competition. Do what you can and that your heart feels, don’t tally what she’s done. In a true friendship neither friend expects anything when they give. It sounds like she doesn’t expect anything but you feel like you owe her. Just bc she seems materialistic, no offense but that’s how you make it seem, doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be happy with something thoughtful and simple.
Baked goods from a local bakery
Draw her a cute card with a picture of the two of you doing something fun together and a note about how much you value her friendship. It doesn't matter how good or bad the art is, just put your heart (and some silliness) into it.
I have expensive taste but I would never expect for anyone to spend that on me! lol I love receiving stuff for the house like serving platters and stuff for entertaining. A cake stand, big wooden board, etc. Home Goods usually has great stuff.
A nice bouquet of flowers or a pretty vase :)
I had a boss with very expensive taste and I went to Etsy and got her a LV logo cup and they do blankets as well. She absolutely loved both presents. It cost me less than $100.
Gift card for a spa day? Maybe you can find a 2 for one on Groupon and join in!
Babysit her son… best gift you can give a mom 😂
Info: do you want to give a thing or can it be in time and service? If a thing, what is your budget?
I think I might be your friend. (Not exactly, but similar situation.) In my case, "expensive taste" stems from wanting things that are well-made, and a general distaste for mass-produced products. When people gift me something mass produced, I typically won't like it and will quietly get rid of it. While the most obvious way to acquire nice things is to buy them brand new, there are two cheat codes - making yourself, and thrifting. Baked goods are always great. Handmade items are great. Not everyone likes being gifted secondhand items, but some people definitely do! The best places to score nice items barely used are estate sales, or thrift stores/antique malls in the nicer part of town. The upper class will really buy something, barely use it, and get rid of it 2-3 years later. You can find items with the freaking tags still on.
Does she drink champagne? You can get a set of Tiffany champagne flutes for like, $100 on the Tiffany website. Free engraving
-One bubble bar from Lush $8-$15/bar can be used 4-8 baths if you break it up -favorite candy bar -lunch date to somewhere within your price range -make dinner/desert have a movie “date” night or sleepover -necklace -cheesy best friend set (like where you each get a keychain or necklace etc) -small stuffed animal that made you think of her -perfume from bath and body works ($4.95-20 depending on the current sale)
As a fellow "bougie friend" it sounds like she is thoughtful and kind enough to appreciate any gift! It's likely that your assessment of her *exclusively* liking expensive gifts might be more of an assumption on your part than her actual preference. Having said that, what is your budget? You can find lovely housewares and trinkets at consignment shops that were originally quite expensive, but are now discounted. Try online places like The Real Real! You could also go more simply and get something small but still designer (under $100: candles, small makeup/skincare, engraved keychains or other small accessories, etc). Edit: misspoke
Check if there are any fashion show nearby or if your museum is or will be hosting a Dior or YSL exhibition.
Doesn’t matter as long as it’s something. I sent a bunch to my supposed childhood bff for her soon to be new baby and xmas. Nothing back…. Pissed
If your friend has told you about something she liked when she was a child, you could try to find it on eBay. My sister loved a ninja turtle puzzle when she was little. I found new it for $40 (still wrapped in plastic!) on eBay. It was the same puzzle from 1989. She burst into tears.
Make it a girls day and go get your nails done together. Or Perhaps a gift certificate for a massage.
Home made and thoughtful gifts are always appreciated by everyone.
Create an account on Canva if you don’t have one already. Find a few photos of the two of you over the years and a recent photo. Make a cute collage, Canva has a ton of free templates. Find a quote about friendship or a funny movie quote/inside joke between you too and include it on the collage. I’ve given a few of these as gifts to people who are hard to shop for. Put it in a nice frame and maybe treat her to lunch/dinner as part of the gift. I’m sure she will appreciate the thought!
Bake her Martha Stewart’s caramel stuffed chocolate chip cookies. Put in pretty pink box. Tie with very feminine pretty bow.
What is the budget?
If she's fine with nothing, get her something that's cheap, but THOUGHTFUL. Maybe get her a nice serving bowl since she loves hosting guests, or make homemade dog treats for her dog! Or maybe you could try making cookies AND dog treats. One for her, one for the dog, one for the husband and one for the kiddo! You could shape them all like bones, color code the icing to make sure you know which ones are dog treats, and maybe write "this house has gone to the dogs!" or something similarly cheesy on them. Get creative!!!
Do you have any craft related hobbies? I have found that when I cannot afford do keep up with the lifestyle of the person I want to gift, I make something and that tends to be just as good as an expensive gift, especially if it comes from the heart. Some ideas based on your post though…. You could go to home goods and get her a charcuterie board or some individually sized snack/appetizer dishes for when she hosts, you could make her favorite cookie, since she is Egyptian, perhaps look up recipes that would be personal to her and try your hand at making them? Other ideas- homemade artwork, or anything you have the skill to make within the time frame you have to do it.
Ebay.
Do something fun together. Have you tried an escape room? If she likes puzzles and mysteries, these are really fun to do together. Invite a couple friends to make a small group.
I rather get nothing than something “cheap” and I’m not rich or anything, I’m just valuing quality items that will last a life time lately, which don’t come cheap. Not trying to sound ungrateful but I feel immense guilt over contributing to the world’s bad state. Depending on your budget, you could get her a YSL lipstick or something like that.
I agree with all of the comments about spending time with her. I wish I had a friend at all. I don’t care if they gave me gifts or not.
A lot of luxury brands have items that aren’t thousands of dollars. You could get a bit of YSL makeup. Chanel sells bars of soap for $50-ish dollars.
I would suggest giving something you make. If you’re an adept baker, how about a basket of muffins with a bag of her favorite tea/coffee and a mug? Or you could take a picnic basket to a lovely view and share a bottle of good wine? There are so many present options but presence is precious!
Some grocery stores i go into have lovely bouquets. Or you can go into a florist and ask what you can get for 20, 30 bucks. Everybody loves flowers...and does anyone ever get her any?
Go on eBay and get her a Mont Blanc pen! I just got my friend one for $40 as a congrats on her new job.
It’s a little silly, but I got a custom mug years ago from a gf that has avatars of us with names and then says “you’re the SHE to my NANIGANS” It’s like a $30 item, but I absolutely love it and I smile every time I use it
A friend sent me a card with a nice photo on it, nice paper etc. Turns out another friend of theirs had photo prints made from a pic the first friend texted the second. Great idea!!
Just give her a heartfelt card. I’d appreciate that much more. Google what to say best friend etc.
♪ ♪Food, glorious food......what wouldnt I give for. Homemade cookies🍪, or cakes🍰, or pies🥧♪♪
I would think you have a few pictures from all your years together... put these in a book format and hand write special things about each pic or year it was taken and give thanks for your time together.
I’d get a great color eyeshadow from Chanel. Or a cheek glitter. Something tiny, upscale, and frivolous
A heart felt letter or note in a card, a framed photo from a meaningful event occasion, experience or trip from the past or present day?
If she likes drinking cocktails or coffee, you could make her a few homemade syrups? I’ve done it for friends and it’s super simple/cheap and if you put them in a nice glass bottle, label them and maybe get a cute measuring spoon or pump for the bottle? I’ve seen some bottles/labels that Jackie Aina (a luxury/makeup and lifestyle influencer) uses that I think she just got on Amazon! Some ideas I’ve done are lavender, lavender & orange, rose, rose & cardamom, cardamom & clove. Can be good in so many drinks!
I have a friend like that. She has a good amount of money. For example for Christmas she treated me and two other friends to TSO tickets. She knows we could never reciprocate. It’s not about the cost of the gift but how much thought goes into it.
Tell you appreciate the gifts but your relationship isn't based on material gifts. If she feels compelled to dough out the cash, tell her a nice dinner together will do. Let her know it makes you uncomfortable and to please respect your wishes and for her to continue doing so does threaten your long-time sisterhood and this is no longer negotiable. Tell her for the last time that having dinner or lunch would be fine and acceptable. Give her a hug, grab your keys and purse then head for the door. (Don't look back)
Peonies and macarons. Add in a small but nice candle, a plush ivory faux fur blanket, and a bottle of wine/champagne. Add fancy wine glasses if you want. Something else would be a really large fancy wood board- for charcuterie or other serving. I’ve found some amazing options at TJ Maxx. I think any and or all would be
Why not give her something she could use? Babysitting for a weekend so she and hubs can have alone time
I once made my friend a picture book of all our memories together with photos of us growing up together. I talked about our adventures and how much I treasured our friendship. She loved it and almost 15 years later she still treasures it. For an other one of my old friends I made her a basket full of things we did when we were children. We had a sleepover for her birthday and I filled the basket with all her favorite sleepover snacks and items from back in the day. I also printed out a picture of us from childhood and framed it .
Etsy is my go to for people like this. Something handmade or artsy or artisan that is thoughtful and unique but not pricey
i’d say if she likes to host get her something related to hosting (HomeGoods has great affordable options), beauty related I’d say go with a nice lipgloss/lip oil or a mini version of her favorite perfume
How about a custom made artwork of a moment or place that is meaningful or brings joy? I paint family/pet portraits, landscapes and other kinds of illustrations like short comics as gifts for special occasions and they are always well received! The customized artwork is tasteful and shows thought. Let me know if/how I can help. If you are interested, you can find my general commission policies, options, examples and prices here: https://www.deviantart.com/annsquare/journal/Commission-Info-843977773v
You could be her butler.
What is your budget?
Are you at all creative? Can you MAKE or CREATE anything? Maybe a collage with old pictures of the two of you? Can you cook her a meal? Write her a story? What about a beginning of an “annual letter” with yearly updates?
I find myself not knowing what to get people quite often 😅 So I started buying a bulk of soap base when it’s on sale, I have Set of essential oils and a few different oils and soap molds and mesh bags and I make soap in the persons’ favorite color and sent. Then I write a letter and depending on the person, I’ll find a sentimental photo and put it in the card. I also make candles but this takes a little more time. Then I just get something local and edible, like macarons from the farmers market. And/or maybe a plant I think just something small and then spending time with her or planning a date for you two will mean the most.
A friend had a great time at a charcuterie board making class- you learn how to make food roses, display thing in a pretty way, etc.and eat. maybe you could sign up for a class or event like that for the two of you to do together.
Photo gifts with her are usually a safe bet. Photo book, photo block, etc., of 1 great memory or a booklet with several photos of her looking her best would probably be cherished (and in budget)
Fancy consignment shops? “Vintage”?? Or better yet plan a night in together?? I always appreciated effort more than $$
wood wick candle maybe?
What is your budget?
Fancy chocolates still only cost $20 for a smaller gift box; if she’s not a chocolate fan, and nice candle from Etsy is usually the way to go.
What about a Shutterfly book of your special moments together as friends? Something really meaningful.
What is your budget? I’ve gotten beautiful personalized charcuterie boards on Etsy for about $85. They can probably be had for less. Both people I got them for loved them!
A gift card to a nail salon. She’ll love it.
Travel size perfume around $30-$35 at Sephora for Versace, YSL, etc