Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Gift giving is a universal love language and what better way to tell your mate or gang of friends that you care. This International Friendship Day, GulfWeekly lists down some out-of-the-box ideas to surprise your loved ones.
1) Eco-friendly Friend
Lately, mindful gifts have been gaining popularity. Perhaps a plant or a herb garden kit, or a solar-powered gadget. Other options include sustainable clothing or makeup, plantable greeting cards, reusable water bottles … be creative!
2) Customisable blocks
They are all the rage on TikTok. Many companies create sets that let you build a Lego replica of a pet or even a favourite fictional character. If this doesn’t make you the favourite friend, we don’t know what else will!
3) Re-create old memories
This was a viral trend on social media a while ago, with some content creators still producing similar videos, where they stitch an old photo in which they’re posing in a particular style or wearing certain coloured clothes, or standing in a certain order, with a new photo posing and standing in the same way, showing the efflux of time a decade or more later.
4) A radio message
Leave words of endearment for that special human in your life at the local radio station. Most channels will be willing to air the messages with the person’s name. That way, all of Bahrain gets to witness the affection you have for each other.
5) Memory book
This one’s great especially for a long-distance friend. Gather memorabilia, like old movie tickets or photographs from over the decades, and assemble a treasure trove of precious moments. Nothing screams ‘I love you’ like a hand-made gift because it shows that you were willing to put in the effort.
6) Artistic tribute
Commission a local artist to paint or sketch a portrait for your friend. Perhaps a caricature of them or one with their pet. The idea of a gift is to give something people wouldn’t typically buy for themselves. It is a fun gift, which also supports local talent – what’s not to like!
7) Offbeat adventures
Get out of your comfort zones together. Embark on that long-planned trip to sky dive in Spain, or sign up for a cooking class or a yoga or spin session at the gym. It’s now or never!
8) Girls just want to have fun
There’s nothing like pouring your heart out to your girls in between sips of bubbly and pretty-looking bites. Book an afternoon tea with your pals.
