25 Simple, Thoughtful Gift Ideas That Anyone Will Love

Inside: A guide to 25 simple thoughtful gifts that show appreciation to loved ones and friends.

You want to show your friends, teachers, and neighbors a token of appreciation but maybe don’t have the time or resources to shop for something “big.”

Even when your heart is in the right place, with all the holidays, birthdays, etc it can be overwhelming to know what to give someone. The truth is it is the thought that counts and simple, thoughtful gifts can be just what the person wants.

Do you love bringing joy to a friend or loved one with a little something special? Gift giving can have a profound affect on our own well-being. The great news is that gifts don’t need to be extravagant or overdone.

In fact, simple, less expensive gifts are often the ones most appreciated. Although coming up with meaningful ideas can be exhausting so let me help!

Avoid stressful gift shopping and focus on simple thoughtful gifts from the ideas below. Below is a gift guide for when you want to celebrate someone special.

25 Simple, Thoughtful Gifts to Show You Care

Gratitude and Daily Intention Journal

It may not be January, a traditional time of year for New Year’s Goals, but reflecting on your day and looking to tomorrow is beneficial year-round.  This daily ritual does wonders for our mindset and emotional health.  My favorite journal for this practice is Calm the Chaos. There’s no pressure to fill it in daily as it is undated, so the recipient can go at their own pace.

Long Lasting Orchid or Indoor Plant

Brighten up someone’s day with color and something fresh. Instead of the usual floral bouquet which is pretty but doesn’t last very long, go for a more sustainable plant like an orchid or indoor fern. 

This simple, thoughtful gift is well priced, looks great and even with a “black thumb” (like mine) is known to last. Trader Joe’s orchids are budget-friendly and last forever.

Framed Photo

Nothing is more thoughtful than a personalized gift. Typically people, especially moms, have literally thousands of pictures in our phone of everyone but themselves. Scroll through phone pics or your Instagram to dig up one of you and your bestie, print and frame in a simple, inexpensive frame.

Small, Curated Beauty Set

Give the gift of self care with a small collection of beauty products. A set of travel or trial size items by the same brand or a curated box of your own choosing will be a simple, thoughtful way for a friend to test out something new.

Single Wick Candle + Tool Kit

If you read this blog you know I love candles! I burn on them on the regular as aromatherapy for an easy form of self-care and lowering stress. A single wick candle is the perfect size. Enhance the gift with a tool kit that includes a snuffer, wick trimmer and wick dipper. These tools keep candles safe and clean.

Cozy Winter Hat

Beanies or pom-pom hats are the best way to stay warm (and cover bad hair days). This functional gift is a stylish fashion accessory as well as one-size-fits-all, so no worries about fit.

Cleaning Inspo

Inspire the love of a clean, organized home with Marie Kondo’s graphic novel-style book, “The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up”. This adorably illustrated book offers easy-to-follow advice on how to declutter and live life with more joy.

A Premium Spirit

Clean, organic spirits are the better way to drink these days. If someone could use a cocktail, give the gift of a high-end, premium sipping tequila or their favorite liquor of choice. Opt for lower sugar and less processed alcohol to lower risk of hangover. Make it a set with a cocktail glass and cute napkins.

Tea Collection

For tea lovers, a set of quality, assorted tea flavors is so special because it’s not something they may buy for themselves. Pair it with a monogrammed or seasonal-themed mug.

Small Vases Trio

A small trio of vases to use as home decor is such a simple but thoughtful gift. Especially for designer-types who love decorating their home and adding special touches.

Cozy Throw Blanket

Who doesn’t love curling up on the sofa with a cozy, warm blanket? We have so many throw blankets in our house I can barely keep count but they are loved and used by everyone. Any age or gender will enjoy a comfy blanket for their living room.

Colorful Stationery

Stationery or a set of colorful notecards always come in handy. Give a set of these to someone who loves to stay-in-touch or has lots of friends.

Set of Notebooks + Pens

Even non-writers can appreciate a set of pretty notebooks and pens because everybody has thoughts and ideas to keep track of! For jotting down to-dos, planning a birthday party or brainstorming their next big idea; there is always a reason to have pen and paper on hand.

Luxury Hand Soap + Lotion

Treat your friend to a hand washing experience with luxury, yummy smelling hand soap and lotion. Everyone has to wash their hands — a lot — so doing it with something that feels good turns this daily habit into a small bit of self care.

Japanese Washclothes

Perhaps one of the most simple thoughtful gifts out there: Japanese washcloths. Buy a couple for your friend and two for yourself as well!

These wonderful washcloths are very popular in Japan and great for a multitude of beauty needs — in the shower, to dry your face, to exfoliate, etc. I was introduced to them on a trip to Japan a few years ago and love them still.

Jade Facial Roller + Mask

Along the lines of beauty self care, a facial jade roller is an everyday pampering and skincare experience. Jade rollers help with complexion, circulation, and puffiness. Pair one with a sheet mask for a specialty beauty gift.

Lunchbox or Tote

Is your mom friend still carrying around her kid’s worn lunchbox filled with random snack items for outings to the park or grocery store? Level up her snack game with a cute lunch tote for her own wellbeing and nutrition needs. Perfect for those who take lunch to work or need food on-the-go. My personal faves are by Vera Bradley.

Magazine Subscription

Yes, people do still read magazines! While magazines may seem like a lost art, they are still published and read. Sure we can get info and news online, but there is something relaxing about resting in bed or in the sun with a magazine. Treat someone to an annual subscription for a magazine that suits their lifestyle or interest. Great news — there are tons of options out there plus subscriptions are generally inexpensive.

Book by Favorite Author

For a book lover, give her the latest novel by her favorite author or within her preferred genre. Not sure what she likes or has read? Opt for a bookstore gift card with a pretty bookmark (follow me on Instagram for my book recs!).

Dainty Gold Necklace

Jewelry can be hard buy for others due to personal taste, but most anyone will enjoy a dainty, simple gold-plated necklace for everyday wear. I wear a half moon charm necklace almost daily and it instantly updates any basic outfit or t-shirt. Madewell or Anthropologie have good collections for this type of jewelry.

Specialty Chocolate

Chocolate is definitely about quality over quantity (like most things in life). A premium, delicious bar of dark chocolate is a perfectly simple, thoughtful gift for anyone who needs a pick-me-up.

Coffee and Traveler Mug

A small batch of specialty coffee or gift card to their favorite cafe is always a win. Possibly one of the simplest yet most appreciated gifts around! Pair the coffee with a traveler mug to keep it warm and fresh for those on-the-go.

Fun Card Game

Our family has taken to card games for a quick round of fun. For a game or competition-lover, a quick-to-learn and play card game is a surprising gift. A few ideas are UNO, Exploding Kittens, and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (yes these are the games actually names, weird I know).

Belt Bag

Up her accessory game with a stylish belt bag (or fanny pack to us children of the 80s!). Like many 80s and 90s trend, these have come back in full force. Perfect for a busy mom who needs to be hands-free or is always on the go.

Cozy Socks

Nobody wants cold feet. Give the gift of cozy with warm house socks. A pair of these are the simplest pleasure.

Gift Giving Made Simple

When it comes to gift giving the most important thing to note is, it is the thought that counts. As busy moms and women we have a lot on our plates so stressful gift shopping is not necessary. However showing up, checking in and small gifts of appreciation can go a long way for a good friend.

Quick tip: keep pretty wrapping supplies and gift tags on hand for packaging (I love this gift wrap organizer). Presentation goes a long way in gift giving.