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22 BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR ADULT FRIEND

Growing up, gift buying was a highlight for me, especially during the holiday times. I would often create personalized care packages that wouldn’t cost me too much and even wouldn’t shy away from finding some of the items from the Dollar Store. When you’re a student you know it’s all about budgeting.

Nonetheless, they were gifts that I knew would be frequently used and appreciated. It’s not always about how much you spend in many cases, but the sentiment it’ll bring long term.

Fast forward to my adult years, I’ve learned that adults really appreciate things that’ll be useful. No other way to put it. Some may enjoy all the nik-naks, but at the end of the day, those nik-naks may end up stored away in a forgotten drawer and eventually lead to clutter.

To make life easier, whether you choose to spend the big bucks or not, here’s a list of adult gift ideas that can be catered to any individual’s interests and needs, and your budget.


Humidifier

A humidifier will always be a household essential.

Perfume

I don’t think I’ve ever met a person not like perfume unless they’re sensitive to scents. Even then, you can cater to their needs and find something light and non-irritable.

Some of my favorite scents are Bad Girl by Carolina Herrera, Bright Crystal by Versace, and nice masculine, musky ouds.

Home Fragrance

Candles, incense, and essential oils. Everyone loves to come home to a beautiful smell.

Travel Bag

Created by an international traveler, Imani Bashir herself. Here’s a recommendation to alleviate you from the stressful process of searching for a deserving travel bag. The link for the bag is in the image caption.

Body care

Lotions and body oils. If your friend is an all-natural body care junkie, I’d say take the time to find quality products. Body care is something that is used daily, so you can never go wrong with this choice.

A quick Etsy search will give you all kinds of options or hit me up and I could probably stir you something special.

Heated Blanket

For the colder seasons. Your body and bed stay warm – killing 2 birds with 1 stone.

Plants

If your friend is a plant parent, gifting them unique plants to add to their collection will never be a miss.

Tea or Coffee

If they love a good cup of tea and/or coffee, why not add to their cabinet of choices.

Delicacies

  • Chocolate
  • Cheese
  • Olives
  • Olive oil
  • Prepared cultural dishes (Yes honey!)

Give your friend something to savor and love!

Spice Jar

If they love to cook, you know a spice jar will be wonderful. It’s an everyday kitchen essential so you know it’ll be highly useful.

Snack Box

Adults are just big kids who enjoy their snacks just as much or even more. Whether they’re health conscious or love their sweeties, make it personal and give them a little bit of everything.

Silverware or Dishes

I hit a certain age and all of a sudden I’m obsessed with buying nice dishes, hosting, and all the house items my parents would buy. Household items are always a reliable gift for any adult.

Selfcare Products

Think of self-care products that’ll give anyone an extra glow and revitalization to their busy life. Something like face, foot, and hand masks, serums, etc.

Spa Treatment

More self-care. Honestly, who doesn’t like a good spa treatment? Find out what their preferences for treatment are and they’ll appreciate you forever! You can even book it for 2, and make it a date.

Winter Essentials

Everything from gloves, scarves, hats, thermal wear, and fuzzy socks. The list is endless when it comes to winter essentials.

Books

Books are plentiful and so is the information they come with. When I think of great book ideas for a gift I think of…

  • Self-help
  • Cookbooks
  • Holistic Health
  • Collection of their favorite book series or 1
  • Comics
  • History books
  • STEM books
  • Travel/Culture books
  • And the list goes on!

Be creative!

Thermal Bottle

A quality thermal water bottle can change any person’s life. Whether they use it for tea, coffee, water, etc., it’s always nice to have a reusable bottle to store your drinks.

1-Day Workshop Class

Chocolate Making Workshop | Brussels, Belgium

Interactive workshops are always a winner. A quick Groupon search for anything specific you have in mind will do the trick.

Another website option you can find wonderful experiences is Get Your Guide, with everything from guided tours, workshops, destination guides, and more.

Tools

There’s always a need for tools. They don’t have to be the most intricate, sometimes the most basic household tools can be the handiest for anyone to appreciate.

Gift Card

Everyone loves a little money. It can be a gift card to their favorite store or a Visa card to grant them the choice to shop wherever.

Day Trip & Picnic

Long drives to a new place and having a picnic. There’s something about planning a unique itinerary as a gift that makes the time and effort a whole lot more special and worthwhile.

City Outing & Food

No differently, planning a day out in the city with a well-thought-through itinerary will always make anyone feel special. It’s everything from the time you spent planning the day, getting dressed up, and eating good food that makes it all *chefs kiss*.


What other gift ideas would you add to the list?

About Author

I'm Mariam Addish, the founder of the Boundless Mind of Mine blog, where I share my experiences as a solo Muslim female traveler. I document everything from travel, living abroad, culture, wellness, and all things life. Follow my journey for more!