It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, there is always one reason or another to give presents. On the one hand, there is nothing more beautiful than watching your friend’s eyes light up as they see what you have gotten them.
At the same time, hunting for the perfect present is no joke. Now, more than ever, there are so many options to choose from. Unfortunately, this just makes things even more confusing. If you are ready to put your mind at ease, then check out this all-encompassing gift-giving guide to anyone who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community!
Start Your Search with LGBTQIA+ Friendly Brands
As you are well aware, many companies out there aren’t exactly friends of the LGBTQIA+ community. Even worse, there are those that openly contribute to homophobic causes or support activities such as conversion therapy. It doesn’t matter what the gift is, if it is from one of these brands, it will definitely not bring anyone happiness.
The good news, though, is that there are many brands out there that do support LGBTQIA+ causes. This is where you should start your search. Knowing that your present came from a company with good intentions will make it all the more special.
There are some brands that even go one step further. For every purchase that you make with them, a small portion of the proceeds will go to charities or causes that are specific to the LGBTQIA+ community. How great is that?
Of course, it is always a good idea to do your own research when selecting brands. Not all companies are vocal about their opposition to the LGBTQIA+ community. Thus, you may find that you will have to dig beneath the surface to get the full story. Nevertheless, you will be glad that you made the effort rather than contributing your money to a cause that can hurt you and your friends.
Go All Out With Pride
Accepting who you are completely is certainly no easy task. This is especially true when it can often seem like this when much of the world wants you to fit in or hide who you really are. Thus, if your friend is out and proud, then this is certainly something to celebrate.
So go ahead and find items that are a blazing emblem of this courage and dignity. Naturally, there are plenty of options to select from. This ranges from clothing to items for the home. So, you can pick up an item for every occasion.
If you want to make the gesture a little more special, however, why not get creative and personal? There are plenty of kiosks or websites that will allow you to create your own memorabilia. This way, you can make sure that the present is specific to your friend. Not to mention, you can personalize it even further with their name, monogram, or some other personal detail.
Consider Their Interests
While it certainly is a fun idea, your gift doesn’t have to be LGBTQIA+ specific. This is especially true if you are celebrating a particular milestone that your friend has reached. In this instance, you need to make sure that the present fits that particular occasion.
For instance, do you know someone who has just passed their pilot’s test and scored a license? If so, it would be much more appropriate to get them something that relates to this. In case you feel a little bit out of your depth about what to select, go ahead and look through lists such as https://giftrep.com/gifts-for-pilots/ to get a better idea of what you should select.
In case you are celebrating a more generalized occasion such as a birthday, look to their hobbies or interests for clues. Scouring their social media accounts may also help you to figure out what they are most passionate about doing.
Think About What They Need
Sure, it can seem boring to get someone something that they actually need. After all, where’s the fun in that? While this may not seem like the most interesting idea out there, it is actually an effective one. It is especially great if your friend is in a bit of a financial bind and could really use your help.
In this instance, getting someone something that they need rather than want can be the best thing that you can do. Another idea is to approach your friend regarding a big-ticket item that they may want to purchase. Offer to pitch in for a certain portion of the item. This way, their purchase won’t sting quite so much.
If you are feeling really generous, why not get them something that they need as well as a more fun gift? This way, they will get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Donate In Their Name
There are some friends who can be really difficult to shop for. In many instances, this is because they keep assuring you that they have everything they need. So, no matter how hard you try, you may be stuck for ideas.
Here, a charitable donation may actually be a really nice idea. You can donate in their name so that both you and your friend will have done something positive. If you would like to make this gesture even more special, go ahead and donate to a charity that works with the LGBTQIA+ community. There are those that will help people both locally as well as internationally.
You can guarantee that doing this will leave you with a truly wonderful feeling. Not to mention, your friend will appreciate it quite a bit as well. Thus, this is something you should certainly consider doing.
So, there you have it – your ultimate shopping guide. The next time you feel like you are stuck in a present giving rut, consider the tips mentioned here. They will either point you in the right direction or serve as inspiration. Regardless, you can be certain that you will have a much better idea of what you need to choose for your friend!
