There’s always that one person in life who’s impossible to buy for. The one with really niche interests, or who won’t be happy with a voucher or another pair of socks.
It’s time to get creative and think outside the gift box. There are lots of alternative ideas for presents that can either be homemade or won’t cost a lot of money. These are the sorts of presents that’ll offer real joy and inspiration – even to those hard-to-please friends and relatives.
Still in need of a little gift inspiration for a birthday or other celebration? Here’s a handy guide to 11 of the best creative gifts for adults.
Contents
1. Present them with paints
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Painting-by-Number-2.jpg)
Source: smilingcolors.com
Have some real fun and add a little creativity into the mix with fantastic ideas like adult paint by numbers kits. They’re a fun and inspiring way of getting creative – but with the help of a handy guide so that your finished artwork has a professional look.
These are a great option and might even instill a new found love of art and a desire to explore some of the great painters from history. Who knows, it could inspire the next world-famous artist to emerge from their shell!
2. Get some gin-spiration
There are some really interesting subscription boxes out there to try – and one of the most popular in recent years has been the various craft gin clubs on offer. They’re very good value and often come with delicious snacks and mixers. A great gift for someone who might just be starting a gin journey – or who wants to learn the science of mixology and creating their own cocktails to wow and impress.
3. Personalized photo blankets
Why not give a really different (but personalized) gift in the form of a photo blanket? A lovely, DIY idea that can be treasured on colder nights or be used to take out on picnics and family get-togethers. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a family photo that’s used either, anything personal or means something to the giftee will work well – like a picture of a beloved pet.
4. Meaningful jewelry
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/birthstone-bracelet.jpg)
Source: etsy.com
There’s a wealth of gemstone jewelry to choose from – but it’s easier than ever to make it more personal. Why not opt for a gift like a birthstone bracelet, or a charm pendant with a gemstone in it that represents something significant to the wearer? It could be their birth month or a stone that brings good luck to them in a color they love. And it needn’t be expensive – a keepsake is just as likely to be treasured and loved as much as an expensive piece set in precious metal.
5. Handmade potpourri
Perfumed with love – a gift of handmade potpourri, fragranced dried flowers, woods, and herbs in a delightful glass jar can be a beautiful, bespoke gift. Choose a scent that the receiver adores and that’ll invoke precious happy memories. Offer a bottle of fragrance oil alongside it so that they can top-up whenever a fresh boost of perfume is needed in the home.
6. Shop in reusable style!
These days being ecologically sound is very important to many of us. Why not create some personalized, reusable shopping totes to give away as gifts? They’re a great eco-conscious choice – often made from sustainable materials like bamboo, cotton or linen, and will bring joy every time they’re used in the grocery store.
7. Grow your own herb kits
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Grow-your-own-herb-kits.webp)
Source: etsy.com
A present that’ll bring joy to the kitchen every day. Buy seeds and planting materials – or source a kit online that contains everything needed to grow delicious herbs at home, to use in cooking.
These are a great idea for those who’d like a kitchen garden but might not have a lot of space in their own backyard – or for the foodie friend who wants to feel inspired to start producing more of their own food at home.
8. Art in map form
Simply cut some heart (or other shapes) from maps of important places that are loved by the person receiving the gift. They can be glued to a colorful background and framed, then wrapped and given to display. A perfect choice for someone who likes a gift that’s a bit out of the ordinary.
9. To infinity scarf and beyond…
Get creative and knit or sew an infinity scarf to give as a gift. They’re perfectly unisex and they can be worn at any time of the year. Knitted from wool, or sewn together from fabric off-cuts, they can also be personalized in color and tone – and made to match with a whole host of different outfits in a wardrobe. A great idea for someone who wants to look fashionable but needs to keep warm, too.
10. Pickle, preserve, and pot
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Pickle-preserve-1.jpg)
Source: today.com
Perfect for holiday season gifts – make some delicious hearty treats like preserved lemons, and limes or a batch of hot and spicy salsa to put into preserving jars for yummy homemade foodie presents.
Preserving fruits and vegetables is a way to not only make them go further and last longer but it also means there’s a vibrant palette of foods to eat all year round as they keep and store well in the refrigerator. They’re often received very well – and go wonderfully with cheese boards or charcuterie.
11. Terrific Terrariums
Why not give the gift of a homemade or store-bought Terrarium to a loved one? They can be highly personalized to include lovely messages on the jars they’re stored in, too. A great idea for someone who loves gardening or nature but doesn’t have much space in their home to do so and would love plants to tend to.
Conclusion
Getting some inspiration for completely different gift ideas isn’t difficult – and presents don’t need to cost a lot of money either. It really is the thought that counts! If a gift is given with love, it can mean more than any cash prize. Whether it’s a small token of appreciation to someone who has helped out, or a larger gift for a friend or family member, thinking outside the box a little bit can mean so much to the receiver.