Your friend’s birthday is coming up, and you have no clue what to buy them. You love them, you know them, but it just feels like you already bought them everything they’d like to get.
You probably tried to look for that one Instagram post you saved with a cute gift idea, but it’s nowhere to be found. Now you’re Googling “gifts for friends,” and are trying to find the perfect present. We know how hard it can be, so we decided to come up with a comprehensive list!
We sat down, brainstormed a bunch of ideas, and searched the web, so you don’t have to. Let’s get into the top gifts for friends available today!
Customized Photo Album
This is a gift that will last a lifetime. If you’re close to your friend, chances are you have some silly selfies or serious “suit-up” photos that you would never want to lose. And if you’re keeping them on your phone or laptop, chances are they won’t be there in ten or 20 years.
With a customized photo album, you’ll have those photos forever, and when you’re old, both of you will sit down and reminisce about the good ol’ days. Add captions or notes to make it even more meaningful.
Monogrammed Items
Think about what your friend really needs right now. A new towel, a cool mug, or a wallet? You’re going to get them that, but you’re going to take it a step further.
Every time your friend uses the item, they’ll be reminded of what a great friend you are. Not to mention how monogrammed items look elegant and sophisticated—and they cost less than you’d think.
Piece of Jewelry
If your friend wears jewelry, you can’t go wrong with gifting them a nice piece. It doesn’t have to be an 18-carat gold-plated sterling silver—just make sure to choose a piece of jewelry that aligns with your friend’s style and vibes.
You can personalize this gift as well; consider incorporating their birthstone or something else, depending on the occasion. If you’re not sure you can pick the right piece, ask another friend (or move on to something else).
Scented Candle
If you want to give your friend a small gift without spending too much money, a scented candle is a great idea. Everyone loves scented candles. Scented candles are suitable for a wide range of occasions, including birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, or as a “just because” gift.
If you’re not familiar with scented candles, you’ll see that they come in a variety of styles, from floral and fruity to woody and spicy. Try to choose a candle with a fragrance that your friend might love. And if you’re feeling extra friendly, buy several different ones. That way, you can’t make a fragrance mistake.
Coffee Table
This one is a bit unusual, but everyone would love to receive it. It’s especially practical if your friend is moving into a new home or simply needs a little bit of an interior upgrade.
Some things to consider are colors and styles your friend likes (e.g., modern, rustic, vintage, industrial), as well as size requirements. You don’t want to go too big or too small. If you’re unsure about these things, maybe it’s best to spend your money on another gift.
Friendship Bracelets
If you’re looking for a gift for your best friend and you don’t already have a friendship bracelet, now is the perfect time. In fact, it was a perfect time years ago!
Friendship bracelets symbolize the bond and connection between friends. Handmade or custom-designed (if you’re not crafty) friendship bracelets show that you’ve put thought and effort into creating or selecting a gift.
Many friendship bracelets come with meaningful designs or symbols that may be significant for both of you. Or it could be your names or just initials. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.
You can accompany this gift with a heartfelt note expressing your feelings and the significance of your friendship.
Bottle of Wine
If your friend likes to drink an occasional cup (or two or three) of wine, you can’t find a more elegant gift than this. Consider presenting it in a wine gift bag, a wooden box, or with a decorative ribbon. You can complement the wine with wine-related accessories like wine glasses, a corkscrew, or a wine aerator for a more complete gift.
If your friend is interested in wine, gifting a bottle from a lesser-known region or grape variety can be an opportunity for them to explore. You don’t have to be a ‘wino’ for this – all you need to know is if they prefer white or red, and the workers in the wine store will help you out with the rest.
Gourmet Chocolates
This goes perfectly with the bottle of wine we talked about previously and even as a standalone gift—because who doesn’t like chocolate?
Gourmet chocolates are associated with quality and luxury. They offer a rich and indulgent experience that can make your friend feel pampered and special. These chocolates come in beautiful packages, and your friend might feel bad about eating them.
They’ll give in to their sweet tooth eventually and thank you for this amazing gift.
Pro tip: Be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions your friend may have, such as nut allergies or dietary preferences like vegan or gluten-free.
Tea Set
Maybe your friend doesn’t like wine—maybe they prefer tea. In that case, go for an elegant and charming tea set. Many tea sets are crafted with artistic designs and exquisite details. They can also include elements like fine porcelain, delicate ceramics, or hand-painted patterns.
Tea sets can last for years (even decades if they’re high-quality), so you can’t go wrong with this gift.
They can vary in the number of pieces they include. Basic sets may have a teapot, teacups, and a tea tray, while more extensive sets can include additional accessories like a tea strainer, tea caddy, or tea tongs. You can go with simple ones unless your friend is a real tea expert.
Cooking or Baking Equipment
We all have friends who LOVE to cook. And we LOVE to eat their food. Let’s be grateful and helpful and give them some great cooking or baking equipment.
What to choose? Consider your friend’s cooking or baking interests and skills. Do they enjoy baking bread, making pasta from scratch, grilling, or experimenting with desserts? Invest in high-quality equipment that will stand the test of time.
Kindle
If your friend likes to read, and you want to give them something that’s a bit more expensive than books, then a Kindle is a great option.
You can make the gift more personal by pre-loading it with a selection of e-books your friend might love (or the ones that you want them to read). If you’re uncertain about your friend’s reading preferences (or you don’t know that many books), you can include a gift card for them to purchase e-books of their choice.
There are various Kindle models to choose from, including the basic Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Oasis, and more. Each model offers different features and price points. Remember to choose a model with adequate storage to accommodate your friend’s reading needs.
Books
If a Kindle is more than you can afford at the moment, going with traditional hard-cover books is always a good gift idea. Books are long-lasting gifts that can be enjoyed repeatedly, and they often hold sentimental value (especially if you leave them a note in a book).
Pay attention to your friend’s interests, hobbies, and reading preferences. Do they enjoy fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help, science fiction, romance, or mystery? Don’t just judge a book by its cover. If you’re unsure about a certain book, browse reviews online.
You can never go wrong withThe New York Times bestsellers.
Some companies offer personalized books where your friend’s name or details are incorporated into the story. These can be special keepsakes.
Bookstore Gift Card
If you’re still not sure about the right book choice, or you simply can’t be bothered to browse through all those books and choose the best one, go for a gift card and let them choose for themselves.
A good starting point is a $25 or $50 gift card. You can go lower or higher depending on your budget (and how much you love them). Just be aware of any expiry dates or restrictions that may apply to the gift card.
To make the gift card feel more special, you can present it in a decorative envelope, a small gift box, or within the pages of a book that you think your friend might enjoy.
Personalized Bookmark
This can be combined with the previous two gifts or just be a gift on its own. You can personalize the bookmark with your friend’s name, initials, or nickname. Or you can select a meaningful quote from a book or an author your friend loves.
If you or your friend are artistically inclined, consider creating custom illustrations, drawings, or paintings on the bookmark.
There are so many creative ways to make a personalized bookmark. But you also have to decide on the size and material of the bookmark. Common materials include paper, cardstock, leather, fabric, or wood.
Spa Gift Basket
Okay, moving on from books because not everyone likes to read. Here are some reasons why a spa gift basket could make a better gift.
A spa gift basket promotes relaxation and self-care, offering your friends a well-deserved break from the stresses of daily life. Decide on a theme for the spa gift basket. It could focus on relaxation, skincare, aromatherapy, or a specific spa treatment.
Select products that match the chosen theme, such as bath salts, scented candles, facial masks, body lotions, and more.
Pay attention to scents. Consider whether your friend prefers floral, citrus, herbal, or other fragrances. Add herbal tea, hot cocoa, or a bottle of wine (if appropriate) to complete the relaxation experience.
Fitness Tracker
This one is ideal for your sporty friends or friends who have just gotten into fitness. Fitness trackers provide insights such as step count, heart rate, sleep quality, and more. Most fitness trackers sync with smartphones, allowing users to easily access and analyze their data through apps.
Fitness trackers come in a range of price points, so you can find one that fits your budget. Review the features offered by different fitness tracker models. If your friends enjoy swimming or water-based activities, consider a fitness tracker with water-resistant or waterproof features.
If you’re unsure about a certain model, look for reviews on the internet.
Pro tip: Always check the warranty and make sure the fitness tracker has a good return policy.
Decorative Throw Pillows
Decorative throw pillows can instantly transform the look and feel of your friend’s room, adding color, texture, and personality to the décor. Choose colors, patterns, and designs you know your friend will like, such as modern, vintage, bohemian, minimalist, or eclectic.
Think about materials as well. Common pillow materials include cotton, velvet, silk, linen, and faux fur. If you’re going to throw pillow fights, you don’t want something too hard.
If you have some extra money to spend, you can get your friend a throw pillow set.
Yoga Mat
This is a gift your yoga friends will especially appreciate. If you know nothing about yoga mats, let’s go over some basics.
Yoga mats come in different thicknesses. Thicker mats provide more cushioning for the joints, making them suitable for restorative and gentle yoga styles. Thinner mats are often preferred for more active and dynamic practices.
Standard yoga mats are typically around 68–72 inches long and 24 inches wide. They’re made from various materials, including PVC, TPE, rubber, cork, and natural rubber. PVC mats are durable and affordable but may not be as eco-friendly.
TPE mats are more environmentally friendly and have good cushioning. Natural rubber, cork, and cotton mats are eco-friendly options with excellent grip and cushioning.
Now go ahead and spend some money!
Designer Handbag
Are you feeling extra friendly, and you’re not afraid to spend a bit extra on your friend? Get them a designer handbag!
Choose a designer brand that your friend admires or has shown interest in. Popular options include Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Hermes, and more. Determine if your friend prefers a tote, crossbody, clutch, satchel, or shoulder bag.
Designer handbags come in various materials, including leather, canvas, suede, and more. Leather is a classic and versatile choice, but canvas can be more lightweight and suitable for certain occasions.
Purchase from reputable retailers or authorized dealers. The last thing you want to do is buy them a fake handbag!
Stylish Sunglasses
If they already have a designer handbag, consider gifting your friend some stylish (designer) sunglasses. Both of these gifts are in a similar price range. Choose sunglasses from reputable brands known for quality, style, and UV protection.
Make sure to choose a style that suits your friend’s shape. The most common styles include aviators, wayfarers, round, cat-eye, and more. They will fit almost everyone. Be aware of the retailer’s return policy in case your friend wishes to exchange the sunglasses for a different style or size.
Art Supplies
Let’s get into some gifts for those artsy friends of ours. If your friend likes to draw or paint, you can’t go wrong with art supplies. It’s a thoughtful gesture that lets them know you care about their creative endeavors.
Don’t just get anything that’s on the shelf. Is your friend into drawing, painting, sketching, watercolor, acrylics, oil paints, or pastels? Get them something they’ll actually use.
Depending on your friend’s interests, select the appropriate art mediums. For example, sketchbooks, pencils, charcoal, and erasers are great for sketching and drawing, while acrylic paints, brushes, and canvases are essential for painting. If you get them this, you can expect to get an art piece in return!
Craft Kits
This is for our other creative friends who are into knitting, jewelry-making, pottery, embroidery, or other crafts.
Craft kits cover a wide range of creative activities, from woodworking and scrapbooking to candle-making and calligraphy. Choose a craft type that your friends will find engaging and enjoyable.
Before spending your hard-earned money, carefully check the contents of the craft kit to ensure that all necessary supplies, tools, and instructions are included. And if possible, choose a craft kit that allows for a certain level of personalization or customization.
Board Games
Board games will provide all of you with hours of fun, but it’s time to move away from Monopoly. Let’s get something interesting, new, and exciting.
With your friend in mind, ask yourself, are they into strategy games, word games, card games, party games, or cooperative games? Check the game’s player count to make sure it accommodates the number of people your friends typically play with.
You don’t want to get them something they can never play with. Read reviews and seek recommendations if you’re unsure of what to buy. But if you ask us, you can’t go wrong with these five:
- Five Crowns
- Scythe
- Small World
- Wavelength
- Betrayal at House on the Hill (3rd Edition)
Puzzle Sets
Puzzle sets are sometimes better than board games because you can do them by yourself and enjoy some quality alone-time. You can find amazing puzzle sets in most libraries, or you can order them online.
There are various types of puzzles to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Those include jigsaw puzzles, 3D puzzles, brain teasers, mechanical models, etc. Get the one you think your friend would most enjoy. You can even personalize this gift by getting them a custom photo puzzle set. Make it better with a funny photo of you two together!
Video Games
Whether you buy them a digital edition via Steam or a physical copy of a certain game, your gamer friend will appreciate this gift more than any other.
Before deciding on a game, you must know if he or she plays on a PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or any other device. Take into account the type of games your friend enjoys. Did they mention that they’ve wanted to play a specific game lately?
Check if there are special editions or downloadable content (DLC) packs available for the game and get them those as well if your budget allows.
If you really have no clue about gaming, reach out to mutual friends who share gaming interests or consult gaming forums online.
Journal
When was the last time you kept a journal? Probably as a kid. However, if you have a friend who loves reading and writing, they most likely keep a journal as well!
Journals come in various designs and styles, from elegant leather-bound options to colorful and artistic covers. Some journals can be personalized with your friend’s name, initials, or a meaningful message.
You can make this gift even better by adding a high-quality pen, markers, or colored pencils, something to use with the journal.
Travel-Sized Toiletry Kit
We all have that “live-love-laugh” friend in our group, and they really do travel a lot. And what’s something every traveler would appreciate as a gift? A toiletry kit! It’s such a perfect gift we even thought about gatekeeping it.
Some kits may offer more specialized items, while others focus on the essentials for daily grooming and hygiene.
A typical travel-sized toiletry kit usually includes small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, razor, shaving cream, and essential personal care items. When selecting a kit, consider your friend’s specific needs and preferences to ensure they have the necessary items.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Headphones aren’t just for those who travel often by airplane (although they will appreciate it the most)—all of us could use noise-canceling headphones every now and then.
You need to decide whether your friend would prefer over-ear (circumaural) or in-ear (in-ear or earbuds) noise-canceling headphones. Over-ear headphones generally provide better noise isolation, while in-ear options are more portable.
Consider the audio quality. The goal is not just to cancel out the surrounding noise but also to enjoy your favorite tunes. Check the battery life of the headphones, especially if your friend plans to use them for long journeys.
Ensure the headphones are compatible with your friend’s devices. They may connect via Bluetooth, wired (3.5mm audio jack), or have both options.
Action Figures
If you have a friend who is into Marvel or DC, anime or manga, or just regular movies and TV shows, they’ll most likely appreciate an action figure of their favorite character.
You’ll find action figures for $10 or $1,000, so you need to set a budget for this gift. The cheaper ones are usually smaller and made of breakable materials, but they still make for a good, nerdy gift.
Some popular action figure brands include Hasbro (for Marvel and Star Wars figures), NECA (for movie and video game characters), and Bandai (for anime figures). You can’t go wrong with these. Consider limited edition or exclusive figures if your friend is a collector. They often come with a hefty price tag.
You can pair this with a comic book or a manga for the action figure you bought.
Pet Grooming Kit
It doesn’t matter if your friends are dog or cat people—if your friends have pets, they’ll always appreciate a good-quality pet grooming kit.
Look for a kit that includes essential grooming tools such as a brush or comb, nail clippers, scissors, and a pet-friendly shampoo or conditioner. Again, the prices can vary for this type of gift, but we would advise not to go too cheap with a grooming kit. A low-quality pet grooming kit could be more trouble than it’s worth, even if it’s free.
Streaming Service Subscription
If they have Netflix, get them HBO. If they have HBO, get them Netflix. Simple!
Other popular options include Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify (for music), and Apple TV. Subscriptions are typically available in monthly, quarterly, or annual plans, but we wouldn’t go with the monthly plan. That would just tease them and make them spend more money in the long run.
Some streaming services offer gift cards that can be redeemed for subscription credit. These can be a convenient way to gift a subscription without worrying about billing details.
Cooking Class
We all have those friends who always eat out—they couldn’t cook a meal even if their lives depended on it. Now it’s time to change those bad habits with this perfect gift!
Research cooking classes in your local area, ask around about the duration and the prices, and enroll your friend. Just make sure the class matches your friend’s cooking skill level, be it beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Offer to be their guest for a follow-up dinner and get some free meals while you’re at it!
Succulent
Succulent is a fancy word for an indoor plant. Succulents make charming and low-maintenance gifts, perfect for friends who appreciate greenery or interior design.
Choose a succulent plant that’s easy to care for, such as aloe vera, jade, or Echeveria. You don’t want something that will give them too many obligations. Make sure to pick an attractive pot or container that complements the succulent and suits your friend’s style or décor.
And if you’re feeling extra fancy, include a small gardening tool, decorative rocks, or miniature figurines to enhance the succulent’s presentation.
Event Tickets
Consider your friend’s interests and passions to select tickets for an event they will truly enjoy. Don’t just buy them something only you want to go to. It could be a concert, sports game, theater production, musical, comedy show, ballet, opera, or any other live event.
Verify the event date, time, and location, and make sure your friend can actually go there. Consider purchasing ticket insurance or protection in case your friend is unable to go.
Explore VIP or premium ticket options that may include exclusive access, backstage passes, or other perks if you have some extra cash to spend.
Local Artisanal Items
Artisanal items can range from handmade jewelry and pottery to gourmet foods, textiles, candles, and more. Select items that resonate with your friend’s tastes. For example, if they’re into Mediterranean vibes, get them something that feels just like Italy or Spain.
Learn about the story behind each artisan and their products. This backstory can make the gift more meaningful and personal. Pay attention to the packaging and presentation of the artisanal items. Usually, they come in cool packaging, but be sure to check.
If you can’t find anything in your local area, you’ll definitely find it on Etsy or other online marketplaces!
Wrapping Up
Those are our suggestions, and we’re sure you’ll find some great gifts for friends in this comprehensive list. We really put our brain cells to work and came up with more than 30 ideas for you! And if you’re not sure your friend would like any of these, maybe they’re just too picky. Good luck shopping!
