Getting someone a gift for their birthday or another special occasion is a wonderful way to show how much you appreciate them, but it isn’t always about how much you spend. The best gifts don’t necessarily come with a big price tag, but instead, show the recipient how well you know them. Some of these gifts won’t have to cost you a dime but can instead be handmade, which shows not only how well you know them but also how much effort you’re willing to make for them as well. If you want to give someone special to you a truly personal gift, here are some ideas for inspiration.

• A Quilt

Patchwork quilts can help to add some color to your home’s décor and help to keep you warm during cold nights, which makes them a practical gift as well as a pretty one. They can also be incredibly personal if you make the quilt yourself, each patch representing something about the person you’re giving it to, or a moment in your friendship. If you don’t have a lot of spare time or aren’t confident in your quilting skills, there are places you can turn to that will create a quilt or blanket for you. For example, there is a company that can create a t-shirt quilt for you, using old shirts you no longer want. This would be ideal if you had college t-shirts, sports team shirts, bands, movie logos, or whatever t-shirts would mean something to you and the person you’re getting the gift for.

• Photo Album

Another great personal gift is putting together a photo album of snapshots of you and them throughout the years. A trip down memory lane can help to bring a smile to your face, particularly when you focus on the happiest moments of your life. Although many people might store the photos on their phones, computers, and share them on social media these days, there is still something special about having a physical photo album that you can flick through. There are many services available where you can upload your digital photos to have them printed into a stunning album and delivered straight to your door. 

• Experience Day

Gifts don’t always have to be physical items that take up space in someone’s home, and experience days are brilliant alternatives. For those who already seem to have everything they need or want at home, paying for them to do something exciting and fun for a day is a great present. There is a huge variety of experiences to choose from too, whether it’s a cooking masterclass, bungee jumping, a spa day, or even extending their experience to a weekend trip somewhere. Whether you take part in this experience with them or pay for them and their partner or another friend to do this, it’s a great way to show them how well you know them by picking the perfect activity that you know they will love.

If you want to give someone special a truly personal gift, consider the suggestions above and think about how much they will love unwrapping these presents on their special day.