When small gifts are called for it is not so easy to decide what will be suitable
. You cannot go for anything ostentatious and yet you want to get something that will be useful to the recipient. Gifts involving someone's hobbies are always a good idea.
For instance if you want to buy a gift for a man or woman who loves baking, what about getting them gourmet chocolates chips or baking bars for their next batch of cookies? Buy an up-market brand of chocolate and the gift will be greatly appreciated. Another idea is a cookbook with a difference. Find one that you are sure they have not already got on their shelves.
Collectors of any sort are always easy to buy a gift for, as they are always glad of an addition to their collection. Gift cards from a departmental store make ideal gifts as the receiver can decide what they would like to spend it on. Give phone cards to teens who have phones - they will love them as most of them have a mobile glued to their ears!
Theater and concert tickets are also usually well received providing that you are sure the show will be in their particular taste. For someone who supports charities - make a donation to their favorite charity on their behalf. For the avid gardener - what about buying them some special flower or vegetable seeds or bulbs of some exotic lily? This gift will last for a long time and every time the flowers bloom they will think of you.
If you would prefer to give something that is not useful and just make it a fun gift then you should shop at a novelty shop and find something that will amuse the recipient. Maybe a crazy puzzle or quirky ornament will tickle their fancy.