This Best Friend Gift Guide Will Save You Hours of Scrolling
Every year, I swear I’ll start shopping early, and every year, I end up deep in a 2 a.m. scroll spiral, frantically searching for something that says “I love you, you chaotic gremlin” to my best friend.
If you’ve been there too, this guide is about to become your new BFF.
How to Pick the Perfect Gift for Your Best Friend
Picking a gift for your best friend should be fun, right? Except sometimes it’s just me, my phone, and 40 open tabs at 2 a.m. because I can’t decide.
Here’s my no-fail method for finding a gift they’ll actually love (and not just pretend to love).
Step 1: Think About Their Vibe
Every bestie has a vibe. Some are all about soft pastels and aesthetic gifts. Some want gifts that make them laugh so hard they snort.
Here’s a cheat sheet to match the vibe to the gift type:
| Bestie Vibe | Gift Ideas |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic Queen | Pastel stationery, minimalist jewelry, aesthetic gift boxes |
| Sentimental Softie | Scrapbooks, open-when letters, memory jars |
| Chaos Gremlin | Gag gifts, meme shirts, inside joke stickers |
| Self-Care Enthusiast | DIY spa basket, fuzzy socks, personalized candles |
Step 2: Match the Gift to the Occasion
Not every gift needs to be life-changing. Some days call for a cute candle, some need a full-on scrapbook.
Here’s my personal occasion-to-effort chart (yes, I overthink this).
| Occasion | Gift Type |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Personalized gift box, handmade scrapbook, photo album |
| Graduation | College survival kit, sentimental keepsake box |
| Christmas | Cozy gift basket, funny personalized ornament |
| Farewell | Open-when letters, long-distance care package |
| Wedding | Bride gift box, personalized photo frame, memory book |
| Just Because | Cute card with a random trinket |
Step 3: Make It Personal
Nothing beats a gift that feels like it’s just for them. I once gave my BFF a jar of inside jokes — it looked like a weird Pinterest craft, but she cried. Add their favorite snacks, a funny note, or a memory only you two would get.
Personal Touch Ideas
- Inside jokes turned into gifts (like a shirt with that quote they always say)
- Playlists of songs you’ve screamed together
- Photos from that trip you still laugh about
- Handwritten notes tucked into every gift
Step 4: Presentation Counts
A plain gift bag is fine — but a themed gift basket or gift box? Chef’s kiss. One year I made a ‘movie night’ basket for my bestie with popcorn, fuzzy socks, and a ticket to our favorite rom-com. She still talks about it.
Gift Basket Themes
- Spa Day In
- Movie Night
- Snacks from Around the World
- Inside Jokes Survival Kit
Step 5: Never Skip the Card
If you forget the card, the gift is only half done. Even a random keychain feels more meaningful with a cute note. Funny, sweet, or embarrassing — your words matter more than the gift itself.
What to Write (If You’re Stuck)
- “No one else gets my weirdness. Thanks for sticking around.”
- “You’re the human version of my comfort playlist.”
- “I’d fight anyone who makes you cry. Except you — stop making yourself cry.”
- “Life would be 75% less funny without you in it.”
When in doubt, just ask yourself: Would I love getting this from my bestie?
If yes, you’re good. If no, back to the drawing board (or Pinterest).
Gift Ideas For Best Friend (For Every Vibe — Cute, Aesthetic & More)
Not all besties are the same, right? Some are all about the vibes — pastel, aesthetic, matchy-matchy. Others want gifts that make them snort-laugh. And then there are the sentimental ones who cry over a handwritten note. (Me, I’m the sentimental one.)
This section has a little something for every kind of best friend. Because no matter their vibe, you know them better than anyone — so let’s make the gift scream them.
Cute Gift Ideas
Tiny gifts can be the best. It’s all about those little things that make them smile for no reason. Matching socks are always a win, especially if they come with a funny quote or inside joke printed right on them. Or go for a plushie — one that looks like their favorite animal, or even a silly one that just reminds you of them.
Candles are always a cute option, especially if you find one with a ridiculous name like Bestie Tears, Chaos Energy, or Overthinking Club. Add a tiny photo keychain with a Polaroid of you two, and boom — instant happy tears.
I once gave my bestie a candle that said Best Friend Fuel. We laughed for five minutes straight, and she still hasn’t lit it because it’s too perfect.
Aesthetic Gift Ideas
For the bestie who makes every coffee cup, bookshelf, and outfit look straight off Pinterest, you need to go aesthetic. Minimalist jewelry is always a safe bet — something gold or silver, simple but cool. Or grab a pastel stationery set with matching notebooks and cute pens, because no one can resist pretty office supplies.
If you’re feeling sentimental, make a tiny photo book filled with all your cutest selfies and moments together. Or go big and make them a whole aesthetic gift box. Add neutral candles, skincare, and a few aesthetic snacks. Trader Joe’s always comes through for that.
I once made my aesthetic-obsessed bestie a Mood Board Gift Box. It had a crystal water bottle, a linen journal, and a candle that literally smelled like ‘Sunday Morning.’ She cried. It was perfect.
Funny, Sentimental, and Personalized Gift Ideas
Some gifts are just so you two. You want them laughing one second and holding back happy tears the next. Custom mugs with your weirdest inside joke printed on them? Always a yes.
Handmade playlists (yes, playlists are gifts — I don’t care if it’s 2025, we’re still doing this) also hit in a way that Spotify could never.
Personalized friendship bracelets are another win. Add coordinates, initials, or a joke no one else would understand. If you want to go all out, make them a Bestie Survival Kit. Fill it with snacks, self-care bits, and a few random funny things like a stress ball shaped like a potato.
One year, I made my BFF a survival kit for her first day at a new job. It had gum, a tiny candle, emergency chocolate, and a stress-relief spray. She kept it in her desk for months — the chocolate disappeared first, obviously.
Quick Vibe Matching Chart
| Bestie Vibe | Gift Idea |
|---|---|
| Cute & Cozy | Plushie + matching socks |
| Aesthetic Queen | Pastel stationery set |
| Funny & Chaotic | Custom gag gift mug |
| Sentimental Softie | DIY photo album or memory jar |
| Foodie | Snack gift box with labels |
| Long-Distance | Open-when letters + bracelet |
Whatever their vibe, the best gifts are the ones that make them say: “This is SO us.”
Birthday Gift Ideas For Best Friend
Bestie birthdays hit different. There’s no way you’re showing up with just a basic gift card and calling it a day.
Whether you’re going for something handmade, aesthetic, or straight-up funny, the goal is to make them feel like the main character all day long. Here’s all the inspo you need, broken down so you can find the perfect vibe.
Cute & Thoughtful Birthday Gift Ideas
Some gifts are small but packed with love. These are the ones that make them smile every time they see them — even months later.
- Personalized gift box filled with their favorite snacks, skincare, and little inside jokes
- Matching best friend jewelry (cheesy, but in a good way)
- Custom phone case with a funny pic of you two
- Tiny plushie with a handwritten note tucked inside
For my bestie’s birthday last year, I made a snack box with notes on every item. Even the gum had a cute message. She still has the notes pinned to her board.
Handmade Birthday Gift Ideas
If you want to make them cry (in a cute way), go handmade. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it’s the love that counts.
- DIY scrapbook filled with your funniest pics, old screenshots, and all the wild things you’ve survived together
- “Open When” letters for every mood (birthday edition)
- Handmade bracelet with a word that describes them (like Chaos, Sunshine, or Icon)
- Memory jar filled with 50 reasons they’re the best (it sounds cheesy until they start sobbing)
Once I made my bestie a memory jar with notes like “Remember the time we almost got kicked out of Target?” She read every single one at midnight and texted me crying. 10/10, highly recommend.
Aesthetic Birthday Gift Ideas
For the friend who can’t resist a good Instagram moment, go for something cute and photogenic. Bonus points if it’s color-coordinated.
- Pastel stationery set with matching pens and notebooks
- Mini photo book with all your most aesthetic selfies
- Scented candle with a name like Birthday Bliss or Main Character Energy
- Custom tote bag with a quote you both love
My aesthetic-obsessed bestie got a “Pastel Survival Kit” from me one year. Everything — even the snacks — matched her feed. She didn’t even want to open it because it was too pretty.
Funny & Chaotic Birthday Gift Ideas
If you and your bestie have the kind of humor that only makes sense to you two, lean into it. Silly gifts = best gifts.
- Custom t-shirt with your most-used catchphrase
- Mug with an inside joke that no one else understands
- Birthday emergency kit with headache meds, a hydration packet, and a note that says “Don’t text your ex”
- A framed photo of the ugliest selfie you’ve ever taken together
I gave my BFF a mug that just said “My Lawyer Will Be In Touch” because of one inside joke. It’s still her favorite mug.
18th Birthday Gift Ideas For Best Friend
Turning 18 deserves a little extra. It’s their main character moment, and you’re in charge of making it unforgettable.
- “18 Things I Love About You” jar or booklet
- Personalized necklace with their birthstone, zodiac sign, or both
- DIY birthday photo wall kit with string lights and all your best pics
- A playlist called “Welcome to Adulthood (Good Luck)”
For my bestie’s 18th, I made her a countdown book — 18 pages, each with a memory, a photo, and a little note. She said it was better than cake (and we love cake).
Quick Birthday Gift Ideas Recap
| Bestie Type | Gift Idea |
|---|---|
| Sentimental Queen | DIY scrapbook or memory jar |
| Aesthetic Babe | Pastel stationery or tote bag |
| Funny & Chaotic | Inside joke t-shirt or framed ugly pic |
| All About the Feels | “18 Things I Love About You” jar |
| Snack Lover | Personalized snack box |
Whatever you pick, just make sure it feels personal. That’s the secret to bestie gift magic — it’s not about how much you spend, it’s about knowing exactly what will make them laugh, cry, or both.
Handmade & DIY Gift Ideas For Best Friend
There’s just something about handmade gifts that hits different. Maybe it’s the extra effort, or maybe it’s knowing no one else has the exact same thing. Either way, DIY gifts always feel extra special — even if they turn out a little wonky. (Wonky = extra charm.)
The best part? Handmade doesn’t have to mean hours of crafting. There are plenty of easy DIY ideas that still feel personal and thoughtful.
Cute & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas
- A Memory Jar filled with little notes — funny memories, inside jokes, random compliments
- A Photo Collage with your best pics, decorated with doodles, stickers, and captions
- A Friendship Bracelet with your fave colors or a tiny charm that means something to both of you
- A DIY Snack Box filled with all their favorite treats, each labeled with a little memory
- A Personalized Playlist on a USB (old-school but adorable) with a decorated case or handmade cover
One year, I made my bestie a ‘Reasons You’re The Best’ jar with 50 tiny notes. She cried after the first five and saved the rest for bad days.
Handmade Spa & Self-Care Gifts
If your bestie’s all about self-care days, homemade spa gifts are an easy win. Bonus — they’re super affordable and still feel fancy.
- DIY Sugar Scrub — brown sugar + coconut oil + a drop of their fave essential oil
- Homemade Bath Salts — Epsom salt + dried flowers + a cute jar
- Custom Face Mask Kit — little containers filled with clay, honey, oats, and a handwritten how-to
- Handmade Candle — melt some wax, add a wick, and mix in their favorite scent
- Self-Care Gift Basket — mix the DIY scrubs, candles, and cozy socks into one basket
One Christmas, I made my bestie a self-care box with homemade scrubs, her favorite tea, and a playlist called ‘For When You’re Over Everyone.’ It’s still her bad day go-to.
Handmade Gifts That Last
Some DIY gifts aren’t just cute — they become little pieces of your friendship they keep forever.
- Custom Painted Tote Bag with a design or quote only you two would get
- Handmade Scrapbook packed with photos, notes, ticket stubs, and cute doodles
- DIY Wall Art — a mini canvas painted with an inside joke, a quote, or your BFF cartoon versions
- Personalized Mug or Tumbler — painted or vinyl-decorated with their name, inside joke, or fave aesthetic
- Open-When Letters — a whole set of letters for different moods (open when you miss me, open when you need a laugh)
I made my BFF a scrapbook once and the hot glue situation was tragic — but she still swears it’s her favorite gift ever.
The best thing about DIY gifts? They don’t need to be perfect. They just need to feel like you — and your friendship — in gift form.
Gift Basket Ideas For Best Friend
Gift baskets are my go-to when I want to spoil my bestie but can’t decide on just one thing.
They’re basically a bunch of small gifts all wrapped into one — and they look way fancier than they actually are.
The secret? Pick a theme, stick to it, and add a cute handwritten note somewhere inside. Instant win.
Cozy Night-In Basket
For the bestie who loves to cancel plans and stay in (same, honestly).
- Fuzzy socks or slippers
- A soft throw blanket
- Microwave popcorn + favorite snacks
- Scented candle (bonus points if it smells like fresh cookies)
- Cute mug + hot cocoa mix
I made this for my introvert bestie’s birthday once. She opened it, canceled dinner plans, and invited me over for a Netflix marathon instead. No regrets.
Self-Care Basket
For the bestie who’s all about bath bombs, skincare, and pretending life isn’t stressful.
- DIY or fancy bath salts
- Face masks (the peel-off kind is always fun)
- Hand cream or body lotion
- Scented candle or essential oil roller
- Fuzzy headband + comfy socks
I once added a mini bottle of wine to this basket and my bestie said it was the most on brand gift I’d ever given her.
Snack Attack Basket
For the bestie whose love language is snacks.
- Their favorite chips, candy, and cookies
- DIY labels with inside jokes on each snack
- Soda, iced coffee, or their fave drink
- Reusable snack bowls (because they’ll finish the whole bag)
- A cute napkin with a sassy quote
I did this once after my bestie got dumped and labeled everything like “Breakup Survival Chips” and “Emergency Chocolate.” She ate the whole basket in 48 hours.
Travel Essentials Basket
For the bestie who’s always planning their next trip — or just pretending they are.
- Mini travel-sized toiletries
- Portable phone charger
- Cute passport cover or luggage tag
- Travel journal or sketchbook
- Snacks for the flight
I gave my long-distance bestie this before she moved abroad, and she said unpacking it in her new place made it feel like I was there with her.
Birthday Survival Basket
For the bestie who goes all out for their birthday — and expects you to match their energy.
- Confetti poppers and party hats
- Mini bottle of bubbly (or fancy soda)
- Birthday sash or tiara
- Birthday candles — even if there’s no cake
- A small gift wrapped inside the basket
Last year I made my bestie a birthday basket with a tiara, a sash, and a mini cake. She wore the tiara for a week straight.
Custom Memory Basket
For the sentimental bestie who loves all things personal.
- Printed photos of your best moments together
- Memory jar with tiny notes
- Matching bracelets or keychains
- A tiny scrapbook page or collage
- Handwritten letter folded like you’re back in middle school
I made this for my bestie before she moved across the country. She opened it on FaceTime, cried for 20 minutes, then made me promise to visit immediately.
Quick Basket Building Tips
- Pick a theme your bestie will actually love.
- Mix useful stuff with silly or personal touches.
- Add at least one handwritten note — even if it’s just a “Love you, loser.”
- Presentation matters, but you don’t need to be a Pinterest pro. Tissue paper + a cute basket = perfect.
Best Friend Gift Ideas By Occasion
Some gifts are cute no matter when you give them. But some occasions need something a little extra.
Whether it’s a big milestone or just an excuse to spoil them, here’s my go-to list for every type of bestie moment.
Graduation Gift Ideas For Best Friend
Graduation is that weird mix of exciting and terrifying. Your gift should be both a celebration and a little survival kit for whatever’s next.
- Personalized notebook or planner (because adulting needs planning)
- College survival kit with snacks, dorm must-haves, and mini self-care items
- Memory scrapbook from all your years together
- Travel fund jar (even if they only get as far as the next town)
- Custom jewelry with the coordinates of your school or a cute quote
I gave my bestie a memory jar and a pack of ramen. Balance.
Christmas Gift Ideas For Best Friend
Holiday gifts are the perfect excuse to go a little extra. Matching pajamas are basically mandatory at this point.
- Matching Christmas mugs (bonus if they’re cheesy)
- DIY holiday gift basket with snacks, self-care, and cozy stuff
- Personalized ornament with a pic of you two
- Funny holiday sweatshirt (ugly sweaters = peak bestie vibes)
- A personalized advent calendar with tiny gifts
One year, I made my bestie an advent calendar where every day was a snack or an inside joke. She said it was the best Christmas diet ever.
Best Friend Wedding Gift For Bride
When your bestie becomes a bride, the gift needs to feel personal, not just something off a registry.
- Personalized bridal robe with her new last name
- Scrapbook or photo album from all your wild pre-wedding memories
- Bride emergency kit (think tissues, snacks, and deodorant)
- Custom ring dish with her initials
- Letter from you for her to read before the ceremony
I made my bestie a bride emergency kit with snacks, bandaids, and a tiny bottle of wine. She used all three.
Farewell Gift Ideas For Best Friend
When your bestie’s moving away, you need something to make them cry — in a good way.
- Open-when letters for every mood (open when you miss me, open when life sucks, open when you need a laugh)
- Matching long-distance bracelets
- Custom photo frame with your fave picture
- Memory scrapbook with all your best adventures
- Care package with their fave snacks and inside jokes
I gave my bestie open-when letters when she moved to Europe. She texted me crying every time she opened one. Mission accomplished.
Engagement Gift Ideas For Best Friend
Engagement gifts should feel personal, not just something shiny. Give them something that celebrates their relationship — and yours too.
- Personalized engagement box with photos, snacks, and fiancé-themed goodies
- Custom ring dish or jewelry box
- DIY scrapbook of their love story (with your commentary, obviously)
- Matching bride & BFF mugs
- Cute bridal countdown calendar
I gave my bestie a countdown calendar and wrote ‘Don’t freak out’ on every page. It worked. Mostly.
Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Best Friend
Valentine’s isn’t just for couples — Galentine’s gifts are a love language.
- Matching heart necklaces or bracelets
- Cheesy Valentine’s card (the funnier, the better)
- DIY date night kit for you two — snacks, movies, face masks
- Custom friendship coupon book (redeemable for memes, food deliveries, or emergency pep talks)
- Personalized love letter from you to your BFF
One year, my bestie and I had a Valentine’s movie marathon with face masks and heart-shaped pizza. 10/10 would do again.
The best gift for any occasion? Something that says, “I know you better than anyone.”
Gifts for Different Types of Best Friends
Not all besties are built the same. Some are soft, some are chaotic, some disappear into their gaming cave for days — and somehow, they’re all perfect in their own way.
Here’s a breakdown of gift ideas for all the different types of BFFs, because your bookworm bestie does not want the same gift as your gym rat bestie (unless it’s snacks, snacks are universal).
Gifts for Girl Best Friend
If your girl bestie is basically your soulmate, her gift should scream “this is so us.”
- Matching friendship bracelets or rings
- Cute tote bag with a funny quote you both say way too much
- Aesthetic skincare set because self-care is a love language
- Personalized scrapbook with your chaotic photos and hilarious captions
- DIY self-care basket with face masks, snacks, and a playlist
Last year, I made my bestie a scrapbook that was 50% cute pics, 50% cursed screenshots. She said it was perfect.
Gifts for Boy Best Friend
Low-effort kings deserve gifts too. Most guys aren’t going to cry over a scrapbook (but I bet they’d secretly love it).
- Personalized hoodie or T-shirt with a joke only you two understand
- Food gift basket — pizza kit, snack stash, or hot sauce sampler
- Gamer survival kit with snacks, energy drinks, and a funny gaming mug
- Custom keychain with your inside joke or something dumb they said once
- Matching socks because why not
I once gave my guy bestie a box of snacks labeled “fuel for bad decisions.” He said it was the most accurate gift I’ve ever given him.
Gifts for Long-Distance Best Friend
When your bestie lives miles away (or in a whole other country), the gift has to close the distance a little.
- Matching long-distance bracelets
- Open-when letters (for every mood, from “miss me” to “need a pep talk”)
- Custom photo frame with your fave selfie
- A care package with snacks they can’t get where they live
- Virtual bestie date kit — snacks for them, snacks for you, and a watchlist
When my bestie moved abroad, I made her a care package full of snacks, notes, and a playlist. We cried on FaceTime for a solid hour.
| Bestie Type | Gift Ideas |
|---|---|
| Girl Best Friend | Matching jewelry, scrapbook, tote bag |
| Boy Best Friend | Custom hoodie, snack basket, gaming gear |
| Long-Distance Best Friend | Open-when letters, care package, matching bracelets |
| Aesthetic Best Friend | Gold jewelry, pastel stationery, aesthetic gift box |
| Funny/Chaotic Best Friend | Gag gifts, meme scrapbook, emergency kit |
No matter what kind of bestie you have, the best gifts are the ones that make them feel seen — even if they’re crying from laughing too hard.
Cards, Notes & Extra Touches
Gifts are cute. But the real magic? It’s always in the card.
I don’t care how fancy the gift is — the handwritten note is the part your bestie’s gonna keep forever. Even if it’s just a sticky note scribbled with “love you, loser.”
Why Notes Matter More Than You Think
You know how sometimes someone says the perfect thing at the perfect time and you remember it forever? That’s what a good card does.
It’s not just a tag on the gift — it’s the part that makes them cry (in the best way). Plus, it’s basically a free pass to get sappy, funny, or super dramatic. All fair game.
Store-Bought vs. Handmade Cards
Both work, but they hit different.
- Store-bought cards: Cute, quick, perfect if you find one that just gets your friendship. Bonus points if you add your own ridiculous commentary.
- Handmade cards: Extra personal and way more fun. Doesn’t matter if it looks like a toddler made it — it’s the thought that counts (and the inside jokes).
My bestie still has a card I made her in 9th grade. It’s held together with glitter glue and regret, but she refuses to throw it away.
What to Write in a Best Friend Card
Blank pages are scary, so here’s some inspo to get you started:
- Funny options: “Congrats on surviving another year of my chaos.”
- Sweet options: “I’d be lost without you, and honestly, I’d probably be in jail.”
- Sentimental options: “Thank you for being my human diary, my unpaid therapist, and my favorite weirdo.”
- Inside joke options: Literally any phrase you two say on a regular basis. Even if it makes zero sense to anyone else.
- Emergency option: Just write “I love you” like 12 times in different handwriting.
Cute Extras to Add
Cards are just the start. If you want to go all out, add these tiny touches to make your gift feel even more personal:
- A tiny Polaroid of you two taped inside the card
- A doodle or funny caption that sums up your friendship
- A QR code to a playlist you made just for them
- A mini “Reasons I Love You” list folded into the card
- Confetti, stickers, or pressed flowers tucked inside (just be prepared for the mess)
One year, I hid 10 mini notes inside my bestie’s gift. She kept finding them weeks later — in her wallet, her coat pocket, even her makeup bag. Highly recommend.
The gift will always be cute. But the note? That’s the part they’ll read 100 times — and maybe even keep forever.