Here are some fun present ideas categorized by how much money you have, how funky your friends are and how much creativity you can handle.
Nice (Expensive) Presents:
Lessons for something--golf, drums, swing dancing, glass blowing, javelin throwing, whatever. Just be certain the recipient has expressed an interest in the subject and can fit it into her schedule. Look up the lessons in your phone book, or check out local newspapers--you're likely to find special deals around the holidays.
Massagers--It's always nice to feel pampered. Follow the link in Resources for the next best thing to a real massage.
Tickets to a big event--Is your recipient a big fan of hockey or Broadway or a certain musical act? Check out what's going on in town close to the present-giving occasion (or slightly thereafter) and get tickets. You can either fork over the pair or keep one of the tickets for yourself and plan on accompanying the recipient.
Cool furniture/house stuff--The idea here is talking hammocks, paper lanterns and artwork, not a porcelain German shepherd statue (unless the recipient already collects porcelain dog statues). Just make sure your present fits in with the recipient's décor.
Funky Presents
These gag-ish gifts are good for laid-back people with a sense of humor--but you might consider getting these presents in addition to a serious gift.
Chia Pet--We're not kidding; some people find these somewhat kitschy and funny. Make sure your recipient is one of these people. Visit the official Chia website for the scoop on how to get one. (See Resources.)
Dart board--They're entertaining, strangely addictive and surprisingly cheap. For a bonus, attach a picture someone the recipient's hates right in the center. Check out a Modell's or Sports Authority near you.
Website domain name--If your recipient is HTML savvy (or at least the paranoid type who wouldn't want anyone else "owning" his name), consider purchasing him a name-based URL. Simply go to Register.com or NetworkSolutions, make sure the domain name has not yet been taken, and register it. Send your recipient an email prompting him to check out to his new name-based address.
Anything from a novelty store--From naughty card games to farting nun dolls, there's something for everyone at the corner novelty store. Just don't go overboard with this stuff.
Presents From the (Frugal) Heart
A collage or a scrapbook that you fill with pictures and mementos of your relationship with the recipient.
Cookies, cakes, muffins or anything else that's fattening and says, "I like you enough to bake for you!" Invest in some icing in a writing tube and decorate your gifts with little messages.
A coupon booklet filled with IOUs, like "IOU one laundry washing" or "IOU one trip to the movies." Just don't include anything you'll regret later.
Homemade artwork--but only if you're good at art (and by that we mean if everyone else thinks you're good, too). Not even your mother wants another one of those macaroni-covered cardboard picture frames.
Just Plain Presents
The following presents are generic enough to apply to a lot of people without being too generic (like the aforementioned coffee mugs).
Journal--Pick out one with a cover that will interest the recipient.
Stuffed animal--Get a Ty Beanie Buddy or a Gund.
Chocolates--Don't buy chocolates if they're going to be the kind with the mystery middle. Invest in an elegant box of Godiva chocolates; or. if you're strapped for cash, go with those gooey (and cheapy) Ferrero Rochers.
Gift certificates--Contrary to popular belief, gift certificates are not always a cop-out, especially for people who like to shop for their own stuff and have highly picky tastes. Visit GiftCertificates.com for gift certificates for the movies. Also consider getting a gift certificate from the local beauty spa for a day of pampering.
Personalized stuff--Just make sure you get the recipient's name spelled right. And no "his and her" monogrammed anything.
Gift baskets--They don't have to consist only of shady-smelling cheeses. Check out GiftBaskets.com; or, better yet, buy a cheap basket and stuff it yourself.
Liquor--Who doesn't like a nice, stiff drink every now and then? Just make sure you're sending bottles to those of legal drinking age.
Board games--Games like Scattergories, Twister, Taboo, and Pictionary can make really great presents, especially when you're giving them to friends or family members with whom you get together often. Also keep in mind that some games (like Monopoly) come in special editions (like Star Wars), which allow you to appeal more closely to the recipient's interests.
Magazine subscriptions--If you happen to know that the recipient already buys issues of a certain magazine every once in awhile, get her a subscription. Rather than go through the expense of purchasing a copy yourself to score one of those subscription cards, simply go to a newsstand, pick up a copy of the desired magazine and shake it until a card comes floating out. Or you can just order the magazine from Magazines.com.
And if all else fails, browse through Amazon.com or Buy.com.
