Gift giving is great fun when it’s for someone you know well. However, when you’re on one end of a reciprocal gift-giving list, choosing something that’s easy to manage can be difficult. From work colleagues to new romantic interests, gauging their desires and working out a suitable gift can be incredibly difficult.
Before you stress yourself out and buy something on a whim, check out this great lift of low maintenance gift ideas. There really are gifts that are both accessible and receiver-friendly –
meaning they’ll rarely stir the pot or cause trouble – and easy to track down and buy. For inexpensive, long-term, and very low maintenance gifts, try one of these three ideas.
1. Anything subscription-based.

Magazines, memberships, long-term recurring products – they’re all good gift ideas for keeping long-term relationships (whether intimate, friendly, or professional) going. While you’re only responsible for a one-time upfront fee, the gift really does keep on giving. From monthly subscription magazines and publications to niche website communities and recurring products, subscription-based presents can often be a really great gift idea.
2. Charm Bracelets.

Alright, so this isn’t quite a gender-neutral gift idea, but it’s still a very worthwhile gift for keeping your wife or girlfriend feeling special. Charm bracelets aren’t just a one-off jewelry buy. By their very nature, they’re something that you buy as a long-term gift. Charms are added after major events and cool occasions, and completing the bracelet is a reason to celebrate.
Instead of buying the standard gifts this year, pick up a charm bracelet and give a gift that actually keeps its long-term value. Need some simple recurring gifts? Pick up charms and add them on, increasing the visual memories of you in the process. A range of charm bracelet brands are available, but Pandora, Lovelinks, and Nomination seem to be the ones to look for.
3. An occasion to remember.
As cheesy as it may sound, sometimes the best gifts aren’t physical items but memories and experiences. While trinkets and one-off purchases are certainly fun for a little while, as a long-term gift they sometimes just don’t compare to a great experience with a close friend or lover.
These occasion-based gift ideas are perfect for long-term friends, relatives, or close partners. If you’re stuck on a gift to buy, don’t just give up and get something that doesn’t fit; choose one of these awesome experiences and give you and your friend a day (or week) to remember.
• Unless you’re a multi-millionaire, a car isn’t a great present. However, if your friend’s a car nut, why not rent their favorite model for the day and cruise through the countryside?
• Travel doesn’t always have to be expensive. If you know people in another town or city, offer to switch houses with them for the weekend, and give a refreshing travel experience without spending a cent.
• Drive out of the city for a day and enjoy a picnic and some photos. Sometimes even 20 miles are enough for a complete change of scenery and a refreshing day away from work or study.