- Feel Good
- 9th Jul 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Gift guide – for the friend who has everything
We all have that one friend who just seems to have everything.
If they mention they want to try a new makeup product or have been dreaming of a new piece of home decor for their place, it seems to magically appear in their life almost instantly leaving no time for you to thoughtfully take note and surprise them with it.
It makes gifting a bit trickier, yes, but don’t give up just yet. You don’t need to spoil the surprise or beat them to the checkout, you just need a different approach.
First though, we need to clarify one thing. When it comes to gifting, it can be hard to read between the lines. So when someone says ‘no gifts, I mean it!’ yet your parents taught you never to show up empty handed to a birthday or dinner party, here’s what you can do.
The ‘no gift’ gift.
If someone says they don’t need anything, this is your cue to implement the ‘no gift’ gift. Flowers, alcohol and food don’t count. Not technically.
You can ALWAYS show up with a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers or dessert without being over-the-top.
HLN top tip: if you’re bringing flowers make sure to bring them in their own vase! You don’t want the host running around trying to find a suitable vase to get those blooms in water, especially while they’re entertaining or you’ve met them out at a restaurant.
A new approach
Sometimes though, you really do need a gift and even the closest of friends can be hard to shop for. If you haven’t read Introducing our gift guides – how to find the perfect gift for anyone in your life, that’s the best place to start. But if you have read it and you still need some help, there’s three sure ways to go about this.
The ‘upgrade’ gift
This is a simple gifting approach that anyone would appreciate AND it’s easy to execute. All you need to do is dive into your friend’s interests or daily routine and pinpoint a moment that you can upgrade for them. Let’s say your friend is a coffee lover and they enjoy making a fresh cup every morning. Head to Pumphreys in Grainger Market or Local in Jesmond for the best of the best beans. Your friend will 100% appreciate the flavour and quality but never actually (or rarely) purchase it for themselves.
You can take this as far as you want even to upgrade their coffee cup (Sunday Coffee has some really cute ones) or a coffee machine from John Lewis (wow you’re a good friend)!
The ‘experience’
This gift doesn’t fit in a box and can’t be tied with a bow. It’s not about what you can give them, it’s about an experience you can both share.
You can keep it simple, like a bottomless brunch for the two of you or testing out a new matcha place for a wholesome morning. But you can also go above and beyond with concert tickets or a holiday.
The perfect middleground? Signing you both up to an artisan workshop for a paint and sip night or a day at the Pottery Experience. You both have fun AND get a keepsake from the day!
With an experience, you can treat them to a fun day or meal out and get to spend more quality time with them – it’s a win, win!
The ‘sentimental’ gift
This is your chance to let your creativity shine. A sentimental gift is always a good idea and doesn’t have to be cheesy.
Whether it’s getting a special photo framed or taking it one step further by bringing to life a prop from their favourite movie, recreating a meal from their favourite restaurant or getting something custom like a monogrammed makeup bag or t-shirt printed with a personalised design.
Sentimental gifts aren’t just a good idea – they’re priceless.
By now your mind is probably spinning with thoughts of how to create or where to search for the perfect gift but even the best gift givers need some new ideas.
That’s why I share a curated gift guide every month with spotlights on local shops, experiences and top tips like how to perfect your wrapping. Keep reading this month’s guide for real time inspo of great gift ideas and where to get them.
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