You’ve all been there — standing in the middle of a store, or browsing on the internet, trying desperately to think of what to buy a friend for their birthday. It’s like a maze, with infinite paths. We will take a fun diversion off the beaten track and talk about much cooler ideas than just another set of socks or birthday presents for a girl.

You may remember the time when you were given a gift that was really boring, but you still had to put on a fake smile and tell everyone, “Oh I love it!” Have we all been in that situation? Let’s not fall into that trap. Why not explore the world of unique experiences? Consider a cooking lesson or gourmet pottery class. Or even a thrilling zip line adventure. You would be the hero in gift-giving and that’s something to cherish.

You may not have thought of it, but you should. You don’t even need to be Picasso. From the heart, glues and stitching can be transformed into beautiful treasures. Imagine: a scrapbook full of memories, a knitted scarlet in their favorite colours, or a mixed cassette (well, Spotify, since who still has a tape-recorder?) You can play songs that remind them of you.

Traditional gifts are still a good choice. Classics, like books, are timeless. Think about what the person likes to read. Science fiction or romance? Or even self-help. Grab them a bestseller, or a gem hidden in their favorite genre. You can add a unique bookmark or the autograph of an author to give it a little twist.

Have you ever heard of subscription box? These boxes are like gifts that keep on giving. Imagine the joy on their face every month as they open a box tailored to their preferences. There are endless possibilities, from monthly book clubs to gourmet snacks. Each delivery feels like a mini celebration, prolonging the happiness for much longer than one day.

Let’s take a moment to talk about tech. Gadgets are hard to mess up. Nobody will turn down the latest wireless headphones or sleek smartwatch. What matters is what best suits each person. Does she love to exercise? Try something like a Fitbit. Are you a budding amateur photographer? A cool gadget could enhance his photography abilities.

Remember the sentimental things. Think about something that will tug at your heartstrings. Personalized photo frames, customized jewelry, and even a sky star named after the recipient are all great ideas. Some of these ideas may seem corny, yet they are often the best.

Do you have a friend who is obsessed with self-care and pampering? Consider a luxury spa basket with soothing candles, high-end lotions and aromatherapy bath bombs. Combine it with an emotional note and you will be the friend for the year.

Remember the inside joke that you have been making for years now? Bring it to life! Perhaps it’s an iconic phrase on a custom T-shirt or a funny mug that represents your shared sense humor.

Here’s a fun story about me: Once, I gave a bonsai plant to a close friend. This sounds strange, right? The shtick is that they loved it. It was an eccentric, living reminder to our friendship. This little tree creeps into every conversation we have. Do not be afraid to try something new. It may be the gift you need to stay connected.

Last but not least, if your situation is still a problem, you can always ask for help! This is not taboo. It can be easier to ask someone what they would like than to think about it. They may surprise you by doing something you never would have thought of.

It’s not always about the price tag, but the thought behind it. Not always the price is important, but rather the thought that goes into it. The next time birthday blues strike because you have no idea what to buy for someone, think about these ideas. The journey to find the perfect gift can be half the fun.