by Ann E. Smith

Created on: December 23, 2008

It's a bit challenging to figure out what is appropriate to give a new friend for Christmas or a birthday. You are just getting to know this person, and you may not be sure what is appropriate to give. The best advice for you is the following: keep it simple.
Being that the friendship is in its early stages, you do not want to go overboard and give something too extravagant. It is also a bit early to give this friend something highly personal.

You basically are looking to give a thoughtful token present that will be something your new friend can enjoy. Below are a few gift ideas.
* Starbucks gift card
Most people love Starbucks, whether they go for the coffee, desserts or people watching. It's just a great place to relax and chat. Consider giving your new friend a gift card from Starbucks worth $15-$20. This gesture is fun and simple, and the gift card will be appreciated.
* A candle
There are so many cool candles out there, and two brands that are really good are Illume and Archipelago. Whether you are shopping for a male or a female, both brands offer gorgeous candles that can accommodate either gender. You can shop for these or other candle brands online, and many stores offer a gift wrap option.
* Coffee table photograph book
If you think your new friend appreciates pop culture and photography, one great gift would be a coffee table book of modern photographs. There are some really neat ones out there, including some that feature portraits taken over the years of celebrities. Annie Leibovitz is one of the greats, so consider a compilation book of some of her work.
* Flowers
Flowers may seem cliched, but they are still gorgeous and thoughtful. Depending on your friend's style and personality, consider what kind of floral arrangement this person would like. Do you think they would go for something exotic or something more traditional? A good florist can make helpful recommendations.
* Dinner out on the town
Does your friend enjoy sushi? Maybe he or she prefers Thai. One great gift for a new friend is to take that person out to a really nice dinner. This gives you a chance to bond with your new friend a bit more, and you are sure to please your friend with this present.
* Bottle of wine
Does your friend enjoy a glass of wine after a long day? A good bottle of red or white wine makes a practical and nice present. Go to a local liquor store and ask the workers there what they like to drink. Give them your price range. Remember that you can often get a quality bottle of wine for $15. You do not have to spend a fortune.
These are a few ideas for presents for someone you are getting to know. Keep in mind that your goal is to give the person something that he or she will like. At the early stages in a friendship, one of the items above is definitely something that will be appreciated and appropriate.

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