Gifts for Family (and Those You Love Like Family)

Families, and those we love like family, are sustaining forces in our lives. They know us as our most authentic selves, and their enduring support in our life is inimitable and irreplaceable. They love us unconditionally, even when we are not always deserving, and offer the support, patience, and insights that only families can provide.

There are many ways to convey your love and appreciation for those special family members in your life. One way is through meaningful gifts that capture the power of love, cheer, friendship, and grace—whether you’re looking for gifts for grandma, offerings for the whole family, or presents for those you love like family.

Family members are often a source of inspiration in our lives. Some of us have or know grandparents who came from nothing and created a better life for their children; parents who made selfless sacrifices so their kids could grow up in a secure, stable home; or friends who have always offered judgment-free support and insight.

Handmade journals, notebooks, note cards, and sketchbooks are great gifts for the family members and friends who inspire us. The simplicity of these gifts invites the recipient to create new works of art and composition, capture inspiring quotes, or write down short- and long-term goals. Give someone you love a gift that will inspire them in the same way they have inspired you.

An inspiring gift doesn’t just have to be for family. A thoughtful keepsake box, an encouraging plaque, or a touching figure symbolizing the two of you and the connection you share can all make the perfect best friend gifts.

Family gatherings and family traditions are wonderful ways to stay connected and spend time together as a family. Gifts that support socializing and entertaining are thoughtful ways to help your family celebrate holidays, birthdays, Sunday dinners, or even sporting events.

Gifts that facilitate social gatherings, like serving platters, trays, and dishware,are a great way to support family traditions and get-togethers. It’s also an ideal way to help a family member complete a set of dishware, like adding that last set of wine glasses or champagne flutes. Encourage family gatherings by gifting something that will inspire a future dinner invitation. Figurines reminiscent of family or of the holidays, such as nativity figurines, can also provide a thoughtful touch to family gatherings.

Food and drinks are some of the most popular and traditional gifts—and for a good reason. Everyone has a favorite food or drink, and there is nothing better than giving someone a gift they are sure to enjoy. You can go the traditional route with a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine, or a more exotic one with food from their favorite country or restaurant.

Satiating presents also make great best friend gifts. Nothing facilitates a great night catching up with your best friend than sharing a bottle of wine and a delicious dinner.

If you have a family member or friend who is always working or doing for others, surprise them with a gift that they can use all for themselves. Bath and lotion products, a massage, or a salon service are great gifts for that individual who is always thinking of others.

You can also take them out to a concert, a movie, or a nice restaurant to enjoy some quality time together. Gifts that show you care are a great way to say “thank you” to that family member or friend who has always shown grace and thoughtfulness to you and others, be it through a thoughtful figurine, keepsake box, or touching plaque.

Providing an intimate line of figurines and sculptures that speak in quiet ways to display the love of family and the quiet joy that love brings to life, Willow Tree® has inspired thoughtful gift-giving since 1999. Artist Susan Lordi hand carves each original figure from her studio in Kansas City, Missouri. Without facial expressions, these beautiful figurines depict emotion through gestures only… a tilt of the head, placement of the hands, a turn of the body. The simplicity of form and absence of facial features leave Willow Tree figures open for personal emotional interpretation. From her first figures nearly 20 years ago, Susan inspires meaningful gift-giving from the heart with sympathy gifts, gifts for family and friends, and more.

Browse memorable gifts from the heart at Willowtree.com