Searching for gifts becomes harder the older you get. In an era of trying to juggle between minimalism and consumerism, gift buying also means making sure what you’re getting will not add to the collection of clutter, but rather serve as a useful tool to fuel creativity and overall well-being.
Here’s a well-curated list of ideas for your creative friend, loved one, or anyone who’s company deserves to be appreciated!
Memory jar
Fill a jar with meaningful items and notes, such as quotes, pictures, and small mementos. Sharing and reliving memories can be one of the most precious gifts for anyone who has a creative soul.
Sketchbook
A space for raw and many times half-finished ideas, growth, and experimentation. If your friend is a doodler, a sketchbook may just be their thing.
Paint set
Every creative person, regardless of their painting skills loves a quality paint set. Period.
Canvas
And to pair a paint set with a blank canvas is *chef kiss*! A blank canvas is a great way to remind your friend they are always the artist to their life and ambitions. A bit corny, but I think we all need that reminder sometimes.
Vintage Journal
Growing up, vintage journals were my go-to, and continue to be. For individuals who have a love for writing and journaling their thoughts away, a vintage journal really elevates the experience. My go-to vintage journals have always been Peter Pauper Press for their intricate designs and variety.
Art prints
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little wall art to spice their space? When I think of art, I always look for work that can bring greater meaning into any home and nurture life into a space. Etsy is a great place to search for various types of artwork. I have found Hanan’s Corner to be very unique, with art prints and more that represent culture and belonging. And of course, Dash of Gold, Islamic art and calligraphy created by me with the hopes of bringing healing to the mind and soul.
Personalized accessories
Think of personalized items or souvenirs like T-shirts, mugs, key chains, a postcard. If they like a specific thing (i.e. cats, coffee, traveling, etc.), it can simply be a representation of that thing.
Handmade bodycare
Honestly, anything handmade skincare will always be a treat. This can be anything from soaps, lotions, butters, lip balms, bath balms, the sea is plenty! And if you enjoy my blogs enough to support me, you’d check out my handcrafted skincare business at Boundless Mind of Ours 😉 I assure you, you won’t be disappointed!
Jewelry
I speak to all the girls when I say this. Earrings, bracelets, rings, you name it. Statement pieces are always a staple in every lady’s wardrobe. My favorite way to search for jewelry is going to flea markets, and if you happen to be traveling to a new place, you can never go wrong with finding unique items to gift your special peson.
Home design decor
When I think of home design decor, I think of things like, candles, diffusers, plants, a throw blanket – something you think would enhance a space.
DIY projects, puzzles & card games
Whenever I find unique exceptional games/projects, I will never hold back on sharing!
Here are a couple great options for DIY projects, games, and puzzles:
- Ready. Faith. Quiz – I personally met the individual who created this Islamic trivia card game, and purchased a set. It is a great game for all ages, and one that’ll allow you to refreshen your Islamic knowledge of topics like creation and natural world, Prophets, and women in Islam.
- DIY Miniature House Kit – These DIY house kits are the cutest! I’ve purchased 2 as gifts for my loved ones, and they were definitely adored.
- Laila Luxury Puzzles – These puzzles are beautiful and very unique, with a meaningful story behind them!
Cookbook
I love a good scroll on Pinterest for recipe inspirations, although having a physical copy of a cookbook will always hit different. If your friend has officially reached the age where they’ve developed a love for experimenting with food, a cookbook may just be a special something to add to their kitchen.
Here are a couple wonderful cookbooks created by individuals with a creative palate and skill!
- The Ramadan Kitchen by Ilham Mohamed Abdi – nourishing recipes from fast to feast
- I Sleep in my Kitchen by Mariam Daud – comfort food recipes from a Palestinian American home
- Peaceful Kitchen by Catherine Perez, a cookbook devoted to plant-based recipes
- The Element of Baking by Katarina Cermelj, a cookbook on making any recipe gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free or vegan
Baked goods
Who doesn’t enjoy a box of baked goods? Especially when it’s packaged pretty. You can never go wrong with gifting someone baked goods. It is indeed a love language.
Personalized photo book
Growing up, scrapbooking was an activity my sisters and I would do for one another, and for our parents. It was a beautiful way to create a custom photobook to celebrate our memories and to house many of the photos that would otherwise be unorganized in a large bag or box.
Experiences
This can be anything! From tea tasting, a picnic at the park, a fitness class to a glass-blowing class. The choices are limitless, but to make it extra special and personalized, make sure you have an idea of their personal interests.
If you’ve found this list of gift ideas for your creative friend helpful, let me know!
What other gift ideas would you add to the list?
