Unlike scaring your friends around Halloween, surprising them during the holidays is always fun for both the giver and receiver. With everything that has been going on around the world lately, there are probably more than a few people in your life that could use a bit of joy this year.

And what better way to achieve that than to surprise them with something special? Once Halloween has passed, and the fall festivities are over, get ready to make their day with some of the tips below.

1. Perfect for the Season 

The holiday season is a time for indulging, and if your friend is like many of us, they enjoy doing so with their fair share of sweets. If so, consider surprising them with candy gift baskets a couple of times this year. With arrangements perfect for fall, Halloween, birthdays, and more, you’re virtually guaranteed to make their day.

2. Something Anyone Will Appreciate

If you’re a great cook and enjoy making meals for others, consider feeding them supper. However, you may want to inform them a little beforehand as you don’t want to show up and they already ate or aren’t even home.

Alternatively, you can give them a gift card or certificate to their favorite local restaurant or use a local service to have it delivered.

If you want to surprise several friends at once, invite them all over for a nice dinner party. This simple gesture is great for surprising just about anyone you can think of.

3. Surprise Them With Song

You can go a variety of ways with this one, and it’s not something you see a lot of these days—a singing telegram. 

With a quick web search, you can find everything from rockstar telegrams to cheesy and romantic telegrams. You can even send them virtually or delivered via a video meeting if you want to avoid in-person contact. 

4. Give Them Their Gift Early

Surprising them with the gift basket, meal, or singing telegram mentioned above is perfect for surprising your best friends. However, to brighten their day and holiday season even more, consider giving them their present well before the holiday.

While that might be easy when shopping for a memorable gift for your significant other if you really want to make it special for your friend this year, do a bit of sleuthing beforehand. Get them to provide you with a list of the top 5 things they’d like for Christmas or ask their family and other friends if they know what they need or really want this year. 

Then, give it to them a couple of weeks before expected, and it’s certain to be memorable.

5. A Toy for Grownups

Technology is wonderful, and with so many cool gadgets available today, there are some really great ones for people of all ages. One that you should definitely consider surprising your friend with this year is a custom reel viewer. This not only has the look, feel, and function of a toy many of us cherished as children, but it also has an updated twist.

Collect some photos of you and them together, ones of their friends, and loved ones, or just go completely silly, since they can add more reels whenever they want. It’s a gift they’re likely to use for years to come.

Your friends are dear to you, and making them smile is likely one of your favorite things to do. While they’ll likely appreciate any gesture, big or small, taking the time to surprise them with something special can show them how much you truly care.