150 Return Gift Ideas

Want to find a gift that’s sure to be memorable without gathering dust on the shelf? We recommend you to look through our selection, where you will find more than 150 return gift ideas for different occasions

Choosing a good gift is never easy, and if you have to congratulate someone who is not your nearest and dearest, but still important, finding the right gift automatically becomes an “asterisk challenge”.

We have prepared 150 ideas of return gifts that can be given to a friend, significant other, teacher or colleague.

Memorable birthday gifts

Of course, emotions, not things, are the best way to remember, that’s why it’s fashionable nowadays to give gifts-impressions. However, not everyone is ready to go skydiving or master the potter’s wheel, so we have selected more practical birthday options.

1. Orthopaedic pillow

Once you fall asleep on the “right” pillow, all the others will seem uncomfortable. Orthopaedic models allow you to hold your head correctly while sleeping and relax your neck muscles. Variations of orthopedic pillows are many: there are with a memory effect, with a cooling side, notches against creases and wrinkles. In the morning after a healthy sleep on such a pillow, the birthday boy will definitely remember you with gratitude.

2. Robot hoover

Robot hoovers are gradually becoming an integral part of every home, as once TV or radio. This is an indispensable gadget for those who appreciate cleanliness, but regrets time for cleaning. A standard robot hoover removes rubbish, dust and pet hair, but there are models with the function of cleaning floors, and this is another plus an hour to free time. Of course, such an assistant will not let you forget about the mop altogether, but it will cope with the support of cleanliness.

3. Smart speaker

A good gift for those who are interested in modern technologies and are not afraid to integrate them into real life. Smart speaker can not only play music and tell the weather forecast: many modern models help to optimise the work of almost all gadgets and create an ecosystem of a smart home. You can connect your TV, robot hoover or lights to the speaker and control them with your voice.

4. Set of kitchen knives

If the birthday boy often has to cook at home, a set of quality kitchen knives can be a good gift. Of steel and ceramic, lightweight, with antibacterial coating – there are a lot of options, you can choose for any requests.

Do not chase the quantity, a set of 3-5 items is enough for a standard kitchen. Variants of 7-10 knives take up a lot of space, and as a rule, 3-4 main tools are used anyway.

5. Wine decanter

A decanter is more than just a vessel to serve wine beautifully. Thanks to the decanter, the taste and aroma of the drink are revealed, so if the birthday boy knows a lot about wine, such a gift will be to his liking.

The shape of the decanter will depend on what kind of wine the recipient prefers. For young wines, vessels with a wide bottom part and an elongated neck are better suited, while for aged wines the shape of the decanter does not matter much.

Memorable gifts for teachers and educators

There is a tradition to congratulate teachers on Teachers’ Day (5 October). Usually on the holiday teachers, tutors and nannies are given a collective gift from the class or group. Also memorable gifts to teachers are given on graduation, congratulate them and non-core holidays: with a birthday or the 8th of March.

All kinds of certificates are considered a win-win option: from a food hypermarket to a jewellery shop. But such a gift can be called memorable with a stretch. And what then to give to teachers and educators to remember for a long time?

1. Keyboard

Modern school education implies a large number of additional handouts: tests, methodologies, trial versions of the USE – much of this teachers type on their own. To make their task easier, you can give them an ergonomic keyboard.

Such models due to their anatomically correct shape reduce the load on the wrists and relieve stress on the hands. There are many designer options on sale with interesting colours and even backlighting, so you don’t have to choose the classic black one.

2. Air humidifier

Another gift from the category of useful, but not banal. The air in the rooms in most cases dry, especially in the heating period. Humidifier helps to achieve an optimal 50-60% humidity (with such indicators do not dry skin and nasal mucous membranes).

It is important to remember that in conventional humidifiers you can not add essential oils for scent – they clog the filters. There are humidifiers with diffusers for scenting rooms. Also, most modern models have a UV lamp for antibacterial treatment. You can consider tabletop or portable humidifiers.

3. Coffee maker

Educators and teachers start their workday early, and the traditional morning beverage for many is coffee. It makes sense to consider a coffee maker as a gift for educators.

There are many variants of machines for preparing the invigorating elixir: carob, capsule, drip, electric – all these are types of coffee makers. You can choose one for any budget. The more recipes of coffee knows the technique, the more expensive it is, in standard versions there are usually three functions: espresso, latte and cappuccino.

But before choosing a present, you need to make sure for sure that your recipient likes coffee and is ready to buy a grain or ground product. Otherwise, the machine will sit idle.

4. Digital photo frame

What could be more memorable than a photograph? Modern gadgets allow you not to limit yourself to one photo, but to broadcast several frames through a digital photo frame. Such a gift can be put at home or in the office. By the way, you can display not only uploaded photos, but also just beautiful pictures, so that the teacher can relax during the break.

5. Umbrella

A useful gift that will definitely come in handy. If you want to impress the respected teacher, you can consider modern models with additional options: anti-wind and UV protection.

Memorable gifts for colleagues upon dismissal

It is a tradition to give a gift to a former colleague as a memento when you leave your job. And although we spend the lion’s share of our time at work, few people know the hobbies of their colleagues enough to easily and quickly choose a suitable gift. We’ve selected a few universal options that will suit almost everyone.

1. Thermal mug

A handy thermal mug will be a great gift for fans of hot drinks. Especially if a colleague leads an active lifestyle and adheres to the principles of environmentally friendly consumption. It is better to choose models made of metal – they keep warm longer and do not crack.

2. Percussion massager

For office workers and those who work at a computer or machine, problems with the back and cervical spine are always relevant. Therefore, a percussion massager can be their salvation. The device due to the rotating head relaxes tense muscles and relieves fatigue. The beauty is that you do not need special skills to work with it, and you can massage your neck yourself.

3. Desktop electronic clock

Clocks are useful in any home, and a modern model with several useful functions may well serve as a decoration of the interior. Especially stylish look models with a mirror coating. And such watches also have built-in radio, Bluetooth speakers, thermometer, smartphone charging and many other useful options.

4. Leather strap

Another universal gift that will suit almost everyone. A quality leather belt will last a long time and will remind the owner of former caring colleagues. Do not think that this is only a men’s gift – in women’s wardrobe this accessory has settled in for a long time and for a long time. Of course, it is better to choose a classic black or brown belt with a laconic plaque.

5. Bluetooth speaker

Portable Bluetooth-speaker – a device at first glance optional, but not as useless as it may seem. The speaker can be taken with you on a hike, to workout or just in the shower (if it is waterproof). The device allows you to listen to music without losing sound quality and at a good volume. Ideally choose a small size model with waterproofing, there are also speaker options with a built-in radio.

Memorable gifts for friends

On the one hand, choosing gifts for friends is easy: you know their hobbies and tastes. But on the other hand – very difficult, because you want the gift to be not only useful, but also memorable. We have tried to collect suitable options. Take a look, maybe among them is what you are looking for.

1. Wireless charging station for smartphone

Wireless docking station noticeably simplifies the charging process: you do not need to look for suitable wires and a free outlet. There are models for simultaneous charging of several gadgets, for example, a smartphone, headphones and smart watches. The only disadvantage is that such stations are not suitable for all smartphones, so you should clarify this point before buying.

2. Board game

Board games perfectly bring together even the most motley of companies, the main thing is to choose the “right”. It can be a game of reaction, logic or erudition, or it can be a traditional wander with cubes. If your friend has no experience in board games, it’s better to start with simple formats with humorous overtones, usually marked “for parties”.

3. Cocktail set

A great option for trying something new is a cocktail kit. It’s also sometimes referred to as a bartender’s kit. The minimum set includes a shaker, measuring cup, strainer and bar spoon. In more expensive versions there is also a madler (a device for squeezing juice out of fruit), bottle dispensers, ice tongs and a corkscrew. If you decide on such a gift, we advise you to prepare recipes of simple cocktails in advance to try out the set right at the party.

4. Terry dressing gown

Terry dressing gown is about comfort and cosiness, so if your friend appreciates comfort, he will like such a gift. It is important to choose a quality model from natural fabrics, then the dressing gown will remain soft and quickly absorb moisture. Good mahr does not shed and does not give shrinkage after washing and can serve for years. You can order a personalised embroidery on the dressing gown.

5. Projector

Cinema can be arranged at home, and for this you need only one device – a multimedia projector. Gadget displays the picture from a phone, laptop or flash drive on the wall, in models more expensive there is support for HD resolution, so you can not worry about the quality of the picture.

Original and inexpensive ideas for return gifts

1. Certificate for tasting in a wine bar
2. Table mirror with illumination
3. External battery
4. Smartphone case
5. Wireless headphones
6. Daily diary with name embossing (engraving)
7. Certificate to a tattoo studio
8. Handmade soap
9. Wallet/purse
10. Bed linen
11. Engraved jewellery
12. Electric toothbrush
13. Home aroma diffuser
14. Certificate to spa-salon
15. Set of cutting boards
16. Aerogrill
17. Instant photo camera
18. Suitcase
19. Video recorder
20. Air purifier
21. Armchair-bag
22. Joystick for game console
23. Plaid
24. Thermos
25. Ultrasonic face brush
26. Table lamp
27. Electric salt and pepper shaker
28. Toaster
29. Chess
30. Steamer
31. Towel set
32. Dinner set
33. Virtual Reality Goggles
34. Coffee grinder
35. Telescope
36. Steam cleaner
37. Certificate to the quest-room
38. Laptop table
39. Subscription to an online cinema
40. Football or hockey ticket
41. Massage course
42. Horse riding
43. A set of aroma candles
44. Large jigsaw puzzle
45. Painting workshop
46. Salt lamp
47. Darts
48. Sleeping bag
49. Air mattress
50. Bookshop subscription
51. House slippers
52. Basket of fruit or nuts
53. Consultation with an astrologer / tarotologist
54. Guitar
55. E-book
56. Customised portrait
57. T-shirt / sweatshirt with photo print or custom embroidery
58. Dumbbells
59. Paint by numbers
60. Cutlery set
61. Succulent
62. Minibar Globe
63. Picnic basket
64. Pyjamas
65. Sleeping mask with cooling effect
66. Table hockey
67. Car holder for smartphone
68. Computer mouse
69. Nano aquarium
70. Model aeroplane to assemble
71. Trip to a beauty parlour / barbershop
72. Handheld hoover
73. Popcorn machine
74. Sports water bottle
75. Leather gloves
76. Hair dryer
77. Key case
78. Smart Floor Scale
79. Dreamcatcher
80. Scarf or stoles
81. Nightlight projector
82. Irrigator
83. Swimming pool or fitness club membership
84. Waffle maker
85. Handmade chocolate
86. Tincture kit
87. Smart remote control for home appliances
88. Kettle or teapot
89. Lemonade dispenser
90. Money Box
91. Sensor soap dispenser
92. Set of flutes or glasses
93. Backgammon
94. Pancake maker
95. Ice cream maker
96. Set of vegetable oils (e.g. olive oil, linseed oil, pumpkin seed oil)
97. Binoculars
98. Spice set
99. Karaoke microphone
100. Weather station
101. Certificate to the bath complex
102. Sunset background light
103. Indoor plant
104. Headphone mask
105. Decorative star map
106. Predictor ball
107. Certificate for photo session
108. Photo book
109. Cookbook
110. Collectible alcohol
111. Tea ceremony set
112. Heated blanket
113. Photo portrait
114. Poker set
115. Roller massager
116. Billiards or bowling lesson
117. Electric corkscrew
118. A trial lesson at an online language school
119. Extreme driving course
120. Certificate for a checkup at a medical clinic
121. Gift card to a shopping centre
122. 3D pen
123. Yoga mat
124. Samovar
125. Thermo bag or cooler bag
126. Cooking course
127. Balloon flight
128. Certificate to a shooting gallery
129. Ring lamp
130. Monopod or stabiliser for a smartphone

How to choose a return gift

A memorable gift doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, useful or unusual. Sometimes even the most trivial thing, but in a creative package, is more memorable than a helicopter flight.

There are different strategies on how to look for gift ideas. You can start from the theme of the holiday (and if we are talking about a corporate gift, from the theme of the company). Or you can first find a creative gift and come up with a concept for it. Thus, an original set is assembled. For example, you have found a cool shaker, added limes and some alcohol to the package, and here you have a set of a novice bartender.

Natalia Belkova, General Director of the communication agency 4D

You can get inspiration from the internet: look at ready-made solutions and add something of your own, various online platforms with creative kits help you visualise very well. If the gift is composite, it is important that all the components fit together. For example, if we give a computer mouse, we can add a mouse pad or a hoover for the keyboard – everything should be from the same product category. Or, if the components of the set are from different spheres, you can bring everything to the same colour scheme and/or branding. Overall, we’re seeing several trends in the gift industry right now.

• Theoriginality trend. Putting individual inscriptions on various merch has been in fashion for a long time, but the embodiment is becoming more and more non-standard: for example, on a T-shirt or hoodie the inscriptions can be on the collar, on the cuff, diagonally, inverted and so on. Often non-standard packaging is a good solution for an ordinary gift. You can, for example, make a piñata and put a present in it. From practice: a home projector was packed in a locked wooden branded box. It came with a crowbar for opening, the idea of which was to illustrate the directions of a company that “breaks” ideas about freight transport.
• Thetrend towards sustainability (canvas shoppers, wooden coasters, etc.). An interesting modern story is the manufacture of merch from recycled materials (e.g. bicycle or car tyres). In corporate gifts it can be a product sewn from old company banners. This is not only an eco-friendly and original gift, but also a strong marketing move.
• Charity trend. It is possible to make a donation on behalf of the celebrant or timed to the event (for example, the all-Russian campaign “Children instead of flowers”, when parents make donations to funds instead of flowers to the teacher on 1 September). Gifts purchased from inclusive workshops or local brands are also relevant (for example, mittens made by grandmothers – there are several such social projects). All of this can also be decorated in an original way. If you make a donation, you can create a memorable souvenir for the celebrant. For example, if we donate pet food to the fund, it will be great to give a badge in the form of a paw as an order.
• Emotional trend. Giving something that evokes emotions and memories instead of material things is a very much growing trend. From skydiving to a plane ticket to a place to meet friends. The trend of shows, where a themed party is thrown for the birthday boy or girl, is gaining popularity. And all the costumes and gifts are tied in with the theme. Such a gift causes a wow effect and often becomes a tradition.

FAQ

Choosing a gift for a loved one is usually not so difficult: after all, you have an idea of their tastes and hobbies. However, there are situations when you need to congratulate someone whose interests are unknown. Let’s look at such options in more detail.