What To Ask For (Or Buy For Yourself)
Written by Lila Mabanta
My birthday is coming up, which brings about the famous question, “What do you want for your birthday?”. And in that moment, anything I’ve ever liked or wanted disappears from my mind, and I just say, “Money”. But there’s something so sentimental about receiving physical gifts, no matter the price–it’s the thought behind it. So, if your birthday is coming up too (happy Taurus season), someone else’s, a holiday, or simply in the mood to buy a gift for someone or yourself, I’ve compiled a list of Berry-approved gifts that are great for any occasion.
Merch
You can’t go wrong with getting someone a t-shirt of their favorite band. Artist merch is great because it can be dressed up or down to any extent. Some merch that caught my eye recently include this Niall Horan tour crewneck, Camila Cabello “I Luv It” baby tee, and Sabrina Carpenter “Espresso” t-shirt (can you tell my music taste?).
Nail Polish
As long as you know the aesthetic of your friend (or yourself) and their nail preferences, nail polish is a great way to go! A brand I’ve had my eye on for a hot minute is Lights Lacquer, specifically with their What’s Your Fantasy? Bundle. Their iridescent finish gives a very ethereal look, that I personally love on my nails. If you’re looking for another good (but pricey) nail polish brand, look at Pleasing (especially if the person in mind is a Harry Styles fan). My current favorite collection of theirs is The Twinkle Toes Set, also on that iridescent, almost chrome, ethereal look.
Decor
For this category, you really need to understand the person the gift is for and their decorative style. Simply, if you are buying someone something for their living space, it should be personalized to them (or, take this as something you gift yourself). If you’re looking for something fun and quirky, ban.dō has so many cute flower vases. On their site, my favorites are their Strawberry Field Vase and Wildflower Seeds Vase.
Shoes
If you know the foot size and fashion taste, shoes are a fun and truly useful gift. I recently bought myself (with birthday money) the Adidas Samba OG Shoes in Brown–I wear brown clothing often but only have white or black shoes, which I don’t always like pairing together. This color way is currently sold out (I think I snatched the last one), but if you’re now enlightened to a lack-of-brown-shoes problem too, these Alohas Luke Leather Ballet Flat, Melissa Sophie Jelly Ballerina Flat, and Steve Madden Rocky Brown Distressed Boots are especially fun. Or obviously, in any other color you want. Nordstrom Rack is also a great place to go for shoes at a discounted price.
Jewelry
Jewelry may arguably be one of the most sentimental gifts, I know I always remember who got me what necklace for what occasion. Again, it all depends on personal style, but I asked for jewelry from the brand Selenichast, after seeing their beautiful pieces in their oil painting collection. I specifically chose their Wild Rose Necklace, Wild Rose Earrings, and Tulip Pearl Earrings, which are all beautiful and very different to anything else I own, and are currently under a great sale.
Makeup
Makeup is another fun gift to receive. My current new buys (I’ve really been using the excuse of my birthday month to the max), have been the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (which has won my non-comedogenic concealer trials, if you read our article Getting Real About Non-Comedogenic Products), Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, and the Smashbox Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer (also, non-comedogenic). Makeup, for most people, is a fun way of self-expression, and even if you don’t want to mess with someone’s holy grail, colorful additions like eyeshadow are a great way to go instead. For all the high school graduation parties I attended a few years ago–there were about 6 different parties–I bought each person a Colourpop eyeshadow palette, specific to their aesthetic. Both affordable and largely ranged, they were the perfect gift.
Luxury
If you’re wanting to go on the luxury side, High Camp Supply has beautiful flower and candle box sets. If you read our recent article, Flowers for Wellness: Explore the Blossoming Healing Benefits, you’d know all their gardenia-scented candles, like the Muse Vine & Bloom Candle Box, that can later be used as a flower vase, is a great gift to get.
On another note, a purse is always a great way to go. Coach has been on the top of their game. Their Penn Shoulder Bag would make a great gift–it’s simple and most likely suitable to anyone’s style, and also has an anti-theft feature with its locked zipper (which I believe more mainstream bags should include).
Experiences
Sometimes, an experience, rather than a material item, is the way to go, depending on your relationship with the person (or, with yourself on solo days). In New York City, QC Spa has a birthday offer where it’s the price of one for two people for admission–thus a great thing to pay for the other person, and experience together. A dinner, in whatever price range you need, is also a great option and can strengthen your bond. Or, even, a concert ticket. Last year for one of my best friend’s birthdays, I covered both our tickets to a Måneskin concert, which we were then able to enjoy and look forward to together later in the year.
Overall, when buying gifts for someone or yourself, it’s important to understand the interests and tastes of the recipient. As well, remember that gifts aren’t everything, and sometimes the best, most memorable ones, are the free, hand-made ones. But, if you are hunting for a great gift purchase, I hope some of these helped or drew up needed inspiration!
Be well,
Lila
