Looking for an excuse to spoil your best friend, partner, mom, or dad? It might not be your best friend’s birthday or a major holiday, but any time of the year is the right time to show our friends and family that we love them. Besides, who would say no to a thoughtful, hand-picked gift? Even so, you will inevitably get the question, “What is this for?” Here are six perfect excuses to have at the ready so you can send a gift to your loved ones whenever you want.
If you can never remember anything on your wishlist when someone asks you what you want for your birthday, you may also struggle to decide what to buy for your friends and family when their birthdays are just around the corner. Once you do find that perfect gift, even if it’s three months after your friend’s birthday has already passed, why not send it to them anyway? Better late than never, and if you’re half a year late (or early, depending on how you look at it), you can send it for their half birthday. Even if you did remember a gift for your loved one’s actual birthday and just need an excuse to spoil them again, this is the perfect way to do it.
If you want to avoid buying gifts last minute for a friend or partner’s birthday, a great recommendation is to make a list of their favorite hobbies and must-haves— and start stocking up! If you buy gifts throughout the year, you can pull from the carefully curated selection that you already have without scrambling last minute. Whenever something catches your eye that you think a friend or family member might like, buy it and stash it away. This will save you both money and time so that you’re ready to give a gift on your loved one’s special day. It’s always exciting to receive a gift that you know someone has set aside just for you.
This excuse for sending a gift doubles as a very generous compliment. This not only says, “I wanted to spend my time and money on a beautiful gift for you,” but also, “You’re always on my mind and I’m regularly looking for items that you might like.” Even a small gift, such as a candle, mug, or other product related to your loved one’s favorite hobby, book, or TV show shows how much you care and pay attention to the things that matter most to them.
The five love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, and—yes, giving and receiving gifts. If your partner prefers to show their love for you by performing acts of service and you need the perfect excuse to give back, you can send a gift and explain that gift-giving is your love language. This excuse says, “Don’t feel bad that I’m getting you a gift. I can’t help it because I love you so much.” By giving a gift, you’re showing your appreciation for everything that your partner, friend, or family member has done in the way that best speaks to you. If your loved one is usually reluctant to receive gifts without a special occasion, they will understand that this expression of love is also gratifying for you.
Sometimes, the best time to send a gift to your friend, family member, or partner is when they have been working extra hard and feeling stressed. This excuse is also a great affirmation, reminding your loved ones that they are indeed loved and that you’re willing to support them through a tough period. The more you say, “You deserve it,” the more your loved ones will believe it. If your loved one is feeling extra stressed, a spa or skincare-themed gift could be a great idea. Show them that it’s okay to relax and indulge in some self-care. Because you say so.
A great way to combine both quality time and gift-giving love languages is to choose a gift that you and your loved one can both enjoy. Maybe you decide to gift your friend a massage, acupuncture session, pottery class, indoor skydiving experience, concert ticket, or a Skillshare class that you can both attend. Some say that the most memorable gifts are experiences rather than material items. If you love your friend or family member enough to give them a gift “just because,” they’ll likely appreciate it even more if quality time with you is part of the package!
Most importantly, the number one reason you want to send a gift to your loved one is because you love them. If you tell them that, they’re sure to be grateful no matter what gift you choose.
