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A best friend should be the easiest person to find a gift for. More than your mom, your sister, or your boyfriend, you and your best friend likely share similar interests, have the same taste in clothes or books, and enjoy doing the same activities. Capitalize on your similarities to choose the perfect gift. It is said that people often buy something for someone that they want for themselves. This strategy, conscious or not, may not work with your mother-in-law, but it will probably lead you to a great gift for your best friend. Examine your common interests and take into account your friend's current life situation. Armed with your knowledge, look for a gift.

Bookworms
If your friend loves to read, your gift can go two ways. A bookstore gift card is always appreciated. The gift of choice, and the gift of ability to buy the the book rather than having to go to the library is great. A more personal and creative gift is a neat book-bag or tote filled with great reads. To be attempted only if you know your friend well, and the contents of her bookshelves well, this gift will remind her of you whenever she uses the tote, or reads one of the books. Fill the bag with books you have heard her say she would like to read, as well as some of your all-time favorites.

Social Butterflies
Men and women who love to spend a "night on the town" will enjoy a combination of a dining certificate to a fun, or good, or favorite restaurant, and a "designated driver" pass. You can probably hire a service in your own town, or you can serve as the chauffeur. An evening without worry about getting to and from the fun is a great gift.

Gamers
If you both live for video games and there is a new machine about to drop at Best Buy, the most wonderful and selfless gift to give your friend is the gift of waiting in line. He will love you forever, or at least invite you over first, if you take the night shift (or morning shift), or any shift of a 24 hr. camp-out in the parking lot.

Fashionistas
If you can afford to, get her the purse she has been drooling over. Extra points if it is unavailable online and you actually have to call a store and have the store ship it to her. A "magazine pack" including subscriptions to Vogue, In Style and W magazines is a gift that keeps on giving. (For at least a year.)

The Outdoorsman
If some of your best memories together have involved a canoe, plan an adventure for the two of you. A day trip of hiking, canoing, skiing, climbing, or whatever suits your fancy is more fun with friends. To make this a real gift, plan the day entirely, pack the food and water, warm clothes, and the transportation. Pick up the tab for dinner afterwards-at a local hole in the wall that is used to gear-heads.

The New Mother
For your friend who has a newborn, lack of sleep and time are huge obstacles to happiness. Call her husband and find out what she likes to eat. Take frozen meals, in disposable containers that can be heated quickly. Offer to clean her house for her, or run errands. A gift of HELP for a new mother will be most appreciated.

Whatever your interests, a plethora of perfect gifts are around for the giving. For overall success, be sure to tailor the gift specifically to your friend. Gifts that allow you to spend time together are gifts for both of you. For busy, harried friends, gifts of time will not be overlooked. If you keep your friends's interests in mind, your gift will be appreciated.

Learn more about this author, Katherine Elzer-Peters.
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