Scratch cheese trays and milk chocolate from the list when you're buying gifts for vegan friends. Many people have a tough time buying for a vegan because you can't rely on old standbys like milk chocolate and gift certificates to the steak house down the road. You have to get creative and make sure the gift is something they can actually consume. But how do you know if your gift is vegan-approved? Here are some gift suggestions any vegan will love without you scrambling to decipher ingredients.

Give a donation to an animal sanctuary.

You can never go wrong by donating money in your friend's name to an animal sanctuary. Many vegan-owned sanctuaries exist for farm animals. You can even find sanctuaries just for pigs, chickens, or rabbits. If you can't find the perfect sanctuary, give your money to a local no-kill shelter. Not only will your vegan friend thank you, the animals will, too.

Let them show off their cause.

Even if you don't agree with your friend's ethics, let him or her stand proud in a vegan tee-shirt. You can choose from graphic animal rights shirts, or ones that simply say "vegan". You can also buy pins and patches with a righteous message.

Shower them with organic fruit or vegetables.

Since most vegans love fruit and vegetables, buy a variety of locally-grown, seasonal veggies and fruit at a farmers' market and artfully arrange them in a basket. Tie it up with a bow and there's your gift.

Load them with cookbooks.

Who couldn't use more meal ideas? Any bookstore now has a variety of vegan cookbooks to choose from. Keep your eye open and you'll find the perfect one for your friend. You can find vegan cookbooks on everything from cupcakes and desserts, to pasta and cheese alternatives.

Bake a vegan cake.

If you want serious brownie points, find a vegan recipe online and bake away. Though cakes are always impressive, cookies are an easier option that rarely fails. Make sure to save the recipe to show your friend what steps you followed and to prove the dessert is actually vegan.