I Give Great Gifts—These 30 for Best Friends Never Miss

Let’s be real—gifting for friends is hard work. So, choosing a present for your best friend can feel nearly impossible. Whether it’s for their birthday, the holidays, or just because, there’s no better feeling than seeing their face light up because you nailed it. 

That said, you may (understandably) not want to spend a fortune. The good news? There are plenty of thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts out there—and no, you don’t have to settle for a pair of socks. 

Over the years, I’ve gifted it all—robes, candles, tech gadgets, emotional support water bottles—and I’ve learned which presents flop and which actually land. To help you out, I’ve rounded up the best gifts for every type of friend: the home chef, the tech whiz, the homebody, and more. 

Without further ado, here are the 30 best presents for every budget, sure to secure your title of BFOTY (Best Friend of the Year).

$25 and Under

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or quality. This adorable Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass comes in 24 fun designs, so you can pick one that fits their personality perfectly. My personal favorite is the pretzels.

As someone who spends an embarrassing amount on Dunkin’ every week, I can say the Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a real game-changer. It’s ridiculously easy to use—just add coffee grounds, fill it with water, and let it steep overnight. 

If they’re more of a matcha person (I’m slowly converting myself), the Jade Leaf Traditional Matcha Starter Set is the perfect place to start. After trying the brand’s matcha, our senior editor, Jamie Weissman, repurchased ASAP. “I love that both offer a subtle taste, and my wallet loves that I can make delicious lattes at home,” she says.

$50 and Under

I recently got the Verloop Colorblock Slide Slippers, and I think I’m in love. The knit, colorblock fabric is so fun, and the soft shearling lining? To die for. 

For a practical gift they’ll use on repeat, you can’t go wrong with the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. I never leave the house without mine—it’s perfect for errands, workouts, or pretty much anything that calls for going hands-free. 

Salt & Stone will forever be one of my go-tos, and this body wash set will make them feel like they’re at the spa 24/7. Pair it with a personalized hair towel and a fragrance diffuser for the ultimate self-care starter pack.

$75 and Under

Jewelry is one of my favorite gifts to give friends, but picking something that matches their style can be tough. That’s why I love the Gorjana Wilder Alphabet Bracelet. It’s dainty and subtle, and the initial detail adds a personal touch without being too overpowering. And if you’re still hesitant to choose jewelry for them, go for Mark & Graham’s Travel Jewelry Box. It’s compact, colorful, and perfect for keeping their accessories organized and tangle-free.

Home chefs will love the Nutribullet Personal Blender—it’s compact and portable, and the single-serve size makes it convenient and easy to clean. If they’re more of a drink connoisseur, opt for the Yeti Rambler Cocktail Shaker, perfect for shaking up boozy beverages and keeping them ice cold.

$100 and Under

I’ve seen these Furbish Studio Needlepoint Pillows everywhere—and honestly, I’m still not over them. The quirky phrases are super fun, and the knit design is adorable. They’re great for adding a pop of color to any bed, sofa, or accent chair. 

Some people think candles are overrated, but I’d take one any day of the week. This Le Labo Santal 26 Candle is a total classic, with a subtle, leathery fragrance that’s luxe without being overpowering. I also love the Glossier You Perfume and Diptyque Eau Rose Hair Mist—both will leave them feeling like a million bucks.

Best $100+

As someone who used to sleep in old, torn-up tees, I never realized what a difference pajama sets could make—until I tried the Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set. The material is buttery soft and absolutely worth the splurge. Trust me, your best friend will be thanking you later. 

Speaking of cozy clothes, I got my best friend the Brooklinen Dreamweave Waffle Robe for her birthday, and it was a huge hit. She wears it after every shower, no hesitation. 

If your giftee is a seasoned chef or just a beginner, kitchen essentials are always a solid choice. For those with limited cabinet space, the Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0 is top tier. I use it for everything: cooking eggs, sauteing stir-fries, and so much more. It really does it all. For something a bit more decorative, the MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Electric Kettle is a statement piece they’ll be excited to display.

Who We Are

Jamie Fischer is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens with over two years of experience creating gift guides. She’s the go-to gift giver in her friend group, with a knack for finding presents that are both thoughtful and budget-friendly. For this list, she’s included a mix of gifts that she’s personally received (and loved), plus ones that have gotten rave reviews from her friends.