Easy Gifts

When it’s time to buy someone special a gift, you want to find the perfect present. But sometimes it’s hard to find the time to browse the mall or look through shops. You need find easy gifts that still say how much you care.

Fear not! Here are ten easy gifts that work for birthdays, holidays or just because. But none of them require hours and hours of shopping — and you don’t even need to guess their size!

10. Care packages

If you have special people far away, sending a care package is a wonderful way to say you’re thinking about them. For college students, make sure the package contains lots of munchies. For a new mom, fill a box or basket with luxurious skin care products, a journal, some relaxing music and of course, something sweet. Match the box contents to the occasion, and you have an easy gift that works.

9. Gift cards

It might seem that gift cards are almost too easy as a present. But the fact is, a gift card is often like permission to treat yourself to something you otherwise wouldn’t buy. Figure out what they love, but seldom indulge in, then pick out a generous gift card to let them enjoy, guilt-free.

8. Fruit baskets

With all the emphasis on health, fruit is a better gift than ever. And the fruit that comes in gift baskets and fruit towers is usually a lot fresher and tastier than ordinary grocery store fruit.

Pick a basket of fruit that’s at the peak of its season, place the order, and your easy but delicious gift is on its way.

7. Rose bushes and other plants

A vase of flowers is lovely, but a plant that will provide fragrant, colorful roses or other flowers season after season is even better. Select rose bushes that work in their climate, pick their favorite color (or yours!), and order.

They live in an apartment? This is one of those easy gifts that can work there, too. A pot of miniature roses will grow near almost any sunny window, and bring a garden feel indoors.

6. Restaurant gift certificates

Send them the gift of a great meal with a restaurant gift certificate. These are a great choice for anniversary gifts, far-away parents or struggling college kids who would love a break from school food or ramen!

Or make it even easier for them by sending them a complete meal, ready-to-heat-and-eat. That way they can enjoy a wonderful supper without setting foot outside. Perfect for bad weather or finals week!

5. Cash

Yes, I know it’s considered crass to give someone cash as a gift, even if it is one of the easiest gifts to give. But sometimes cash is also the gift someone wants (or needs) most of all.

New parents trying to buy endless boxes of diapers, recent graduates looking for their first apartment or someone who’s just moved to a new city might love receiving a much-needed gift of cash. As long as you’re not giving cash to avoid thinking about what they might really want, it’s an excellent choice.

4. Picture frames

Almost everyone has photos, art work, posters or prints they’d like to frame and hang or display. But buying frames tends to slip way down the list.

A gift of attractive table-top or wall frames is one of those easy gifts that fills a need people often neglect to take care of themselves.

3. Gourmet popcorn

Who doesn’t love popcorn? And if you add chocolate, rich cheeses or other delicious flavors it’s even better. Order a popcorn tin with a few different flavors, or select a variety of small packages with a mix of sweet and savory tastes.

2. Candy

Aw, come on. Yes, it’s easy. But it’s chocolate! How can you go wrong with a gift of chocolate? A mixed box of hand-dipped chocolates. A box of cocoa dusted truffles. Or a basket filled with all kinds of chocolates and other sweet treats. As east gifts go, this one’s a no-brainer winner!

1. Tickets to something fun

This gift is as simple as picking a show, sporting event, amusement park or concert you know they’ll love, then ordering tickets. You might have to make a quick trip to pick up the tickets, or you may be able to print them right from your computer. As easy gifts go, this one’s a winner all around!