Choosing the perfect gift for a best friend can be a challenge. However, the rewards of getting it right are worth it. In my experience, the best gifts go beyond the obvious; they show that you’ve invested thought, effort, and time in selecting something meaningful. These gifts don’t have to be extravagant; it’s about the thoughtfulness behind them. Over the years, I’ve curated a list of gifts that I believe stand out, each one representing something unique about the friendship. Here’s a breakdown of 27 gift ideas that will position you as the best giver.
- Customized Name Necklace
Source @suhana_art_collection
A name necklace is a simple yet powerful way to show someone that they matter. Personalized jewelry is often a timeless keepsake that holds emotional value. I gave my best friend a necklace with her initials engraved, and it became her everyday accessory. Not only does it add a personal touch, but it also allows her to carry a piece of me wherever she goes.
- Personalized Spotify Playlist Art
Source @subsandgiggles
Music is a universal language, and when you tie it to a memory, it becomes even more powerful. I once gifted my best friend a framed print of our favorite song, complete with the song’s cover art and a personalized message. It served as a visual representation of a special moment we shared, turning a song into an everlasting memory. If your friend is a music lover, this gift is both artistic and heartfelt.
- Handwritten Letter and Memory Box
Spouse @artastherapyy
Sometimes, words carry the most weight. A handwritten letter, paired with a small memory box filled with mementos from your time together, can evoke a deep emotional connection. I’ve written letters to my best friends on milestones like birthdays or anniversaries, and every time, I notice how deeply they appreciate the thoughtfulness. It’s a gift that’s personal and timeless.
- Spa Day Gift Set
Source @wishqueshop
Every so often, we all need a little relaxation. When my best friend was going through a stressful time at work, I gifted her a luxurious spa set. It included bath salts, scrubs, and a plush robe. The thought behind it was simple: to give her a moment to unwind. A spa set offers the kind of self-care that can’t be found in the hustle and bustle of daily life, making it an ideal choice for a thoughtful gift.
- Personalized Puzzle
Source @dot_gifts
For friends who love a challenge, a personalized puzzle can be both fun and sentimental. You can turn a favorite photo into a puzzle, so every piece represents a memory you’ve shared. I once created a puzzle using a picture from an unforgettable trip with my friend. We spent hours putting it together, and it sparked conversations about our favorite memories. It’s a unique way to reminisce and create new moments at the same time.
- Handmade Candles
Source @melonscandles
Handmade gifts are often associated with care and personal effort. I gave my best friend a set of hand-poured candles once, each with a different scent that reminded me of various milestones in our friendship. She still uses them, and they bring back memories of our time together. Candles, especially those made from quality ingredients, can elevate a space and add a personal touch to any room.
- Adventure Experience
Source @jungleisland
There are gifts that you can’t wrap, but they’re the ones that last the longest. For a memorable birthday gift, I surprised my best friend with an experience voucher for a hot air balloon ride. It was an unforgettable adventure that we still talk about. Experiences, such as cooking classes or skydiving, are gifts that offer excitement and create lasting memories. They’re also a fantastic way to celebrate milestones.
- Customized Coffee Mug
source@pearlframesandmore
A coffee mug may seem like a simple gift, but when it’s customized with an inside joke, meaningful quote, or shared memory, it becomes something entirely different. I gave my best friend a coffee mug engraved with a quote from a road trip we took together. Every time she sips her coffee, she’s reminded of the good times we had. It’s a subtle yet deeply personal gift that they’ll use every day.
- Yoga or Fitness Class Membership
Source @modoyogala
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate a gift that helps them pursue their passion. Whether it’s a membership to a local yoga studio or a subscription to an online fitness platform, it’s a gift that promotes wellness. I’ve given this to friends who prioritize their health, and it’s always met with excitement. Not only is it thoughtful, but it also encourages them to continue working toward their fitness goals.
- Storybook of Your Friendship
Source @gift_a_book_bh
A storybook dedicated to the journey of your friendship is a heartfelt and creative gift. I created a personalized friendship book with illustrations that reflected our shared experiences. The book told the story of our connection from the first time we met to the memorable moments we’ve shared. It’s a fun and emotional way to reflect on the bond you’ve built together. Plus, it’s a keepsake that your friend will cherish forever.
- Travel Scratch Map
Source @krmaps
If your best friend shares your love for travel, a scratch map is an interactive and creative way to document your journeys together. I gifted my friend one last year, and we’ve had so much fun scratching off destinations as we visit them. It’s both a visual and physical reminder of the places you’ve been, and it can inspire future adventures.
- Polaroid Camera
Source @instaxnz
I’ve always been a fan of capturing moments in real-time. That’s why I gifted my best friend a Polaroid camera a couple of years ago. The instant photos we took created a collection of spontaneous memories. Polaroid cameras are perfect for anyone who loves photography but wants something tangible, as opposed to digital photos that get lost in the cloud.
- Personalized Phone Case
Source @fasci.natingworld
A personalized phone case is a simple yet impactful gift. I gave my best friend a case with a picture of the two of us from a vacation we took, along with a quirky phrase that we often say. Every time she picks up her phone, she’s reminded of our friendship. It’s both functional and emotional—a gift that combines practicality with sentiment.
- A Star Named After Them
Source @giftastar.in
This is one of the more unique gifts I’ve given. Naming a star after your best friend is a special way to make them feel like they’re truly one of a kind. After gifting this to my best friend, she kept the certificate in a frame. Every time she looks up at the night sky, she’s reminded of our friendship. It’s a perfect gift for someone who appreciates the sentimental and the astronomical.
- Subscription boxes are the gift that keeps on giving
Source @thegiftsource
I gifted my friend a beauty subscription box, and she looked forward to the new items she would receive each month. Whether it’s beauty products, gourmet snacks, or books, subscription boxes cater to any interest. This is an excellent way to show your friend that you understand their passions and want them to keep discovering new things.
- Customized Wine Glasses
Source @gifty_gift_
Personalized wine glasses are a simple, elegant gift that always makes a lasting impression. I gave my best friend a set that included both our initials and a playful quote we’d shared. The glasses are now her go-to set when we host dinner parties. Custom wine glasses are thoughtful, useful, and a reminder of the shared experiences that define your friendship.
- Personalized Recipe Book
Source @thecookbookco
If your friend enjoys cooking, a personalized recipe book filled with their favorite recipes is a great idea. I created one for my friend, filled with recipes we’d cooked together over the years. It was an opportunity to share new recipes, celebrate old ones, and create new memories in the kitchen. This gift combines creativity, functionality, and sentiment.
- Unique Jewelry Box
Source @lanahomecraft
A jewelry box can be both functional and sentimental. I gave my best friend a handcrafted jewelry box with compartments for each piece she owns. The box was both decorative and practical, making it a meaningful gift. It’s not only a way to keep jewelry organized but also a way to show that you appreciate the care your friend takes in their possessions.
- DIY Friendship Bracelet Kit
Source @kt2_artcraftmart
Creating friendship bracelets is a nostalgic activity that never goes out of style. For a hands-on gift, I gave my friend a DIY kit, so we could create bracelets together. We spent hours making them, and it sparked a lot of laughter. This type of gift brings you closer together, while also providing a tangible keepsake of your time together.
- Instant Photo Printer
Source @8storeytree
Instant photo printers make it easy to turn your digital pictures into physical memories. I gave my best friend one, and we’ve used it to print out all the moments we’ve captured on our phones. It’s great for scrapbooking or simply sticking on the fridge as a constant reminder of the good times you’ve shared.
- Weekend Getaway Package
Source @emily.byfuglien
There’s nothing like the gift of travel to create lasting memories. I once surprised my best friend with a weekend getaway to a nearby beach town. We spent the weekend exploring new places, enjoying delicious food, and relaxing in each other’s company. Travel gifts are perfect for creating unforgettable experiences and are especially meaningful for those who appreciate quality time.
- Vintage Vinyl Records
Source @shoppollyhester
For friends who appreciate music history, a vintage vinyl record can be a deeply personal gift. I gave my friend a rare album from her favorite band, and she was thrilled. Vinyl has a nostalgic feel, and each record tells a story. Whether it’s a classic album or something more obscure, it’s a great gift for someone who treasures music
- Customized Tote Bag
Source @crafthobbies_as
A customized tote bag can be both stylish and practical. I once gave my friend a tote bag with a funny quote from a trip we took together. It’s functional for carrying everyday items but also acts as a reminder of a shared experience. Customization allows you to personalize the design to your friend’s taste, making it a unique and useful gift.
- Cooking Class
Source @plentifulkitchenug
For the friend who loves to cook or wants to improve their skills, a cooking class is an excellent gift. I once enrolled my friend in a sushi-making class, and it turned into one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had. It’s not just about the meal; it’s about spending quality time together while learning something new.
- Personalized Journal
Source @cadre.lb
Journals are the perfect gift for friends who enjoy writing, sketching, or simply reflecting. I gave my best friend a leather journal with her initials embossed on the cover. It’s a beautiful, personal gift that she uses regularly. A journal is more than just a place for writing; it’s a tool for self-expression, making it a meaningful and thoughtful gift.
- Hand-Painted Plant Pot
source@paintawaystudio
For friends who have a green thumb, a hand-painted plant pot is an excellent gift. I once gave my friend a painted pot with her favorite flower design. She loved it so much that it’s now one of her favorite decor pieces. It’s creative, personal, and provides a beautiful home for her plants.
- Custom Pet Portrait
Source @one.n.only.handmade
If your friend is a pet lover, a custom portrait of their beloved pet is a meaningful and sentimental gift. I gifted my friend a hand-painted portrait of her dog, and she was overjoyed. It’s a way to immortalize the bond between your friend and their pet, and it’s a thoughtful gesture for any animal lover.
