I have read some of the reviews on this topic, and I thought I might share my personal experience. My best friend is Ajit. I met him the second day of classes when I first came to the USA for college. I met him while I was doing my chemistry homework under a tree on campus. He was walking past me, and he smiled and waved to me as I glanced up from my book. As he did this, he tripped on a crack in the sidewalk and skinned his knees! I helped him over to the tree and used some notebook paper to mop up the blood. Then I went into the science building to get some bandages from anyone still in their offices. I patched up his knee and walked with him back to his dorm. He asked if I would eat dinner with him in the cafeteria that night. The rest is history. We have many of the same interests, and I feel I can tell him anything. I can always count on him. I think the gifts I give to him do not have to be for a special occasion. I am listing just a few that work for any best friend.
Tape or CD: Since I know what Ajit’s tastes are, I like to make my own tapes or CDs for him of songs I know he will enjoy. This way, he does not have to receive a CD with one song he likes and the rest he might not care for as much. This is also a good time to add in a song your friend may have not heard before and might like.
Food: Sometimes a home cooked meal can mean more than dinner at an expensive restaurant. Ajit likes Sindhi Biryani. When he has had a rough day I sometimes invite him for dinner and send him home with the leftovers so he can enjoy another meal or two of his favourite dish. Another gift can be a favourite dessert. He loves gulab jamun, so I sometimes send him home with a container of those soaked in sugar syrup. I make mine from scratch. No store bought or mixes for me. Home cooked food really can show someone you care.
Flowers/Plants: Yes, even men can enjoy some fragrant flowers. Fresh cut flowers can brighten anyone’s day. Once I even sent him a small Jasmine plant when he was feeling homesick. His Mom and Dad have Jasmine growing on a wall in their garden. The smell cheered him up. Also, it is nice to have the flowers sent to their office for no reason at all. It makes people wonder what is so special about this guy that someone sent him flowers. Keeps a mystery.
Be Available: It is difficult now that I am married. It is not like I can always drop everything for him, but he knows that I will always be there when he needs me. I think that is the greatest gift you can give to your friends. Time means everything.