Finding the perfect gift for anyone is difficult, but it can be especially hard to find something particularly special for your sister. She is your sister, after all -- your partner in crime, the one who shared her toys with you growing up, the one who cried with you during your most difficult moments. Someone this close to you deserves only the best. Here are some original ideas to get you brainstorming.
Custom photo album
Memories are so precious. Creating a custom photo album is a great way to capture and immortalize those moments you and your sister spent together while growing up. There are a number of companies out there that will personalize a photo album for you, creating a highly professional, yearbook-like album. They generally provide a variety of options, allowing you to choose from various themes and designs that will suit your sister’s preferences.
If you prefer to go the DIY route, simply buy some scrapbooking materials (a hard-cover book with blank sturdy pages, colored paper cutouts, glitter, stickers and other fun decorative bits) and arrange your photos in the book to your liking. Yes, this is more time-consuming, but it can be a fun project for your inner artist and your sister will appreciate the time and effort you invested. Something made with your own hands can be immensely valuable, especially when it is chock-full of precious memories. Your sister will surely cherish this photo album forever.
Event tickets
This one is a classic. Who doesn’t like event tickets? Concerts, sports matches, museum tours, film festivals...the options are endless. Think of your sister’s interests. Is her favorite band coming to a city nearby soon? Would she enjoy seeing the new art exhibit downtown? Many times, we don’t treat ourselves to event tickets because we consider them unnecessary luxuries, so they make excellent gifts. Splurge on a true treat for your sister. It’s also a great way to give your sister a full experience, rather than a material object, which will create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Time capsule
To create a time capsule, simply fill a tin box with some of your sister’s favorite trinkets, especially those with sentimental value: the keychain she bought last week on her trip to Paris, the journal she’s been writing in for a year, last month’s concert ticket -- anything that captures the present moment. Have her bury the time capsule in her yard and dig it out in 5 or 10 years. You’ll get reactions like, “Oh wow, remember that concert we went to that one time? I had forgotten about that.” It’s a great way to reminisce in the future.
This gift is not for the impatient. If your sister is not the kind of person who can wait years to open a present, simply fill the box with some of the best childhood memories you shared together: her favorite teddy bear, her favorite T-shirt from 5th grade, the friendship bracelet you gave her for her 7th birthday, a picture of the cartoons you would watch together every Saturday morning, etc. Let her open it on the spot and enjoy remembering the past together. It’ll transport you both to simpler times.
Handmade jewelry
Give your sister a piece of handmade jewelry that is as unique as she is. Artisanal products are so much more sentimentally valuable than mass-produced ones. There are a number of shops out there that specialize in handmade jewelry. The next time you’re traveling, keep an eye out for small shops in the center of touristic areas that sell unique pieces of jewelry. For example, Toledo, Spain is famous for its artisanal silver jewelry, making it an ideal place to find some exotic, quality gifts. Try to find places like this the next time you’re abroad and snag the perfect gift for your sister.
Clothing with her favorite characters
With the wide variety of companies out there nowadays that print personalized T-shirts, you can easily create fun clothing with your sister’s favorite characters. Has she always been a fan of Winnie the Pooh? Maybe have a T-shirt printed with a picture of this honey-loving bear and her favorite quote. This will bring out the child in her. Gifts with sentimental value are always the best ones.
AIRE Experience
If your sister is craving a relaxing spa experience, give her the AIRE Experience. AIRE Ancient Baths is a chain of unique spa in various cities all over the world (New York, Chicago, Barcelona, Sevilla, Almería and Vallromanes) that is based on the Greco-Roman tradition of thermal baths. The spa’s all-inclusive luxury packages will give your sister access to a full pampering experience, complete with massages by candlelight, fine dining and beautiful views of historically restored buildings.
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