Is there a special person in your life? Someone you can’t stop thinking about? Perhaps there’s a person who you know could do with a pick-me-up, in the form of a sign that someone out there cares? Such a person needn’t be your significant other; it might just be a friend or family member who makes a difference in your life.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to inspire you. In fact, some of the best-appreciated moments in life are the unexpected ones, and some of the best gifts are those which no-one was obliged, by custom or by nagging, to buy.
But what makes the best way to thank that special someone in your life? Let’s look at a few candidates.
Pick up the Phone
Sometimes, the best gift is the sound of someone’s voice. While that sounds like a schmaltzy marketing line for a telephone company, it’s also true. If you’re thinking of someone you haven’t heard from in a while, then give them a call. This goes especially for older relatives who aren’t on social media, with whom you might not make regular contact.
Cook a Meal
For people you’re cohabiting with, making the gesture of a home-cooked meal can remove some of the stress of having to prepare food. If you aren’t all that talented in the kitchen, you’ll find plenty of easy recipes online. Alternatively, you might go in a slightly different direction and take them out for a meal.
Go for a Visit
When you have friends or family you haven’t seen in a while, the best way to catch up might be face-to-face. To do this, you’ll need to jump in the car (or onto the train) and go and stay with them. If this feels like an imposition, then you can extend the invitation in the other direction, and ask them to come and visit you.
Buy a Gift
Just about everyone loves chocolates, even if they rarely indulge in them. Since this is a gift, you should be aiming for something that’s a cut above the usual petrol-station display. Consider their tastes, too. If they’re looking for dark, then go for something dark.
If you’re buying for one of those people who don’t like chocolates, then there are still plenty of gift-worthy edible items out there. Account for any allergies and ethical eating habits, and pick out something truly unique.
If you don’t want to go for food, then you can always buy a gift for the kitchen or the workplace. You don’t need to spend a massive amount: a simple mug can provide a lasting reminder that you’re thinking of the person you’ve bought it for!