【2014 Archives】

014 Archivesseason of giving is almost upon us, but this year why not give gifts that you can enjoy as well? Why not give a gift you can borrow?

Think about it: Giving a friend a gift you'd want to receive yourself shows that you've picked out a high quality item and have selflessly given it away, rather than keeping it for yourself. Is it so terrible to want to borrow it from time to time? My feeling: no, it is not. What friend or loved one wouldn't want you to think economically while gift shopping?

SEE ALSO: 9 things you absolutely do not need to bring to college

Still, perhaps it is best to keep people in the dark about your plans to borrow their stuff -- for a few days, at least.

Here are some of the best gifts for sharing, from cooking gadgets to subscription boxes:

1. Speakers

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

A nice set of speakers are invaluable, especially when it comes to setting the mood for parties and relaxed hang-outs, alike. If you don't have the cash to get a set of speakers for you and your bud, you can count on borrowing these after you gift them.

Chances are your friend won't be using them all the time, and if you pick a relatively small speaker like Vomercy's Bluetooth Speakers, it'll be pretty easy to borrow for a party of your own.

Price: $49.99 on Amazon

2. A tool kit

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Sure, a tool kit isn't the sexiest gift to give someone, but everyone needs a tool kit if they don't have one yet. Plus, you'll know exactly who to go to when you have to put together a new Ikea desk, and you won't have to shell out more cash on your own kit.

Workpro makes a pretty affordable 29-piece tool kit that comes with its own handy roll-up bag, making it easy to transport from a friend's house to yours.

Price: $19.99 on Amazon

3. A subscription box

View this post on Instagram

A candy-of-the-month subscription box from Candy Club is a wonderful gift, but odds are that whoever you give it to will end up with more candy than they can handle. That's where you step in.

Just gently remind your friend or family member that you're happy to take any extra candy off their hands. And it doesn't just have to be candy. You can also gift other subscription box services like Birchbox or Try the World, in the hopes of having the extras your friend's not interested in sent your way.

Price: $29.99 to $39.99 per month at Candy Club

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

4. Games

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Games are obviously perfect for sharing -- especially party games like Cards Against Humanity which require multiple people to play.

Price: $25 on Amazon

5. A great book

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Books are quite possibly the most borrow-able gift. Once your friend's finished, it's unlikely she'll pick it up again, unless she's a member of a very serious book club.

If there's a bestseller you were looking to read, or a cookbook that you want but just can't justify buying for yourself, get it for a friend and ask to borrow it once they've finished (or forgetten) it.

Our book pick:Crazy Rich Asians, by Kevin Kwan. The New York Timesbestseller is the inspiration for one of this summer's most talked about (and most profitable) films.

Price: $9.60 on Amazon

6. A cozy, soft blanket

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If you live with roommates or a significant other, this is an especially great gift to borrow. If it's left out in a common area, or your partner is out of the house, the blanket is yours for the taking -- I mean...borrowing.

This Brielle Cozy Cable Knit Throw with Sherpa Lining is an affordable blanket with a soft lining and a classic design. Your friend will want in every color (there are six by the way.)

Price: $25.19 on Amazon

7. A karaoke machine

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

No one, and I mean no one, needs to use a karaoke machine at all times, but it's a fun thing to break out at parties. Give this to your karaoke-loving friend and then ask to borrow it for a party of your own. Or, even better, use it with your friend when you're at their pad.

The Singing Machine Karaoke machine connects to Bluetooth, YouTube, Pandora, is CD compatible, and has funky lights to create the perfect mood for belting out your favorite songs.

Price: $59.49 on Amazon

8. A gift set that comes with multiple items

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Glossier's trio of its cult-favorite Balm Dotcom skin and lip balms are the perfect shareable gift. With more than one balm, why not keep one for yourself?

The same rule applies to this set of 15 Etude sheet masks, and this collection of Lush bath bombs and oils.

Price: $30 on Glossier

9. A useful cooking tool or gadget

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Giving someone a cooking gadget you're curious about or have been interested in trying is a good way to test the product out without the guilt of paying for something you're not sure you'll use.

The Instant Pot, which has the ability to slow cook, pressure cook, steam rice and, if you can believe it, make yogurt is a good option. But a sous vide cooker, or an ice cream maker would also make wonderful, borrowable gifts.

This is another gift that's easiest to borrow if you're gifting it to a roommate or a significant other, but maybe if you're crafty, you can figure out how to borrow it from a friend or family member that lives out of town, too.

Price: $79.99 to $139.95 on Amazon

---

Featured Video For You

---

---