10 New Year Gift Ideas Your Friends Will Love (And Actually Use!)
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Every year, I find myself scrambling for the perfect New Year’s gift—something that’s thoughtful but also practical enough that it doesn’t just gather dust.
Sound familiar?
Well, after countless group chats and a few trial-and-error moments, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas that your friends will not only love but actually use.
Fun, Creative & Cheap New Year Gift Ideas For Best Friends
1. Handmade Friendship Bracelet with Hidden Morse Code
Create a stylish friendship bracelet that secretly spells out a meaningful word or phrase in Morse code. This unique gift is not only fashionable but also personal, as only the two of you will know the hidden message.
Making Process: Use beads and string to create the bracelet. Select two bead colors—one for the dots and another for the dashes in Morse code. Spell out a word like “Bestie” or “Forever” in Morse code, and thread the beads in the correct sequence onto the string. Finish by tying a secure knot or adding a clasp for a professional touch.
Price: $5–$10
2. Surprise Balloon Pop Gift
Give your friend a fun and interactive experience with a surprise balloon pop gift. Write small notes, jokes, or wishes on paper and insert them into balloons before inflating them. The joy of popping each balloon adds excitement and fun to the gift.
Making Process: Gather colorful balloons and write your messages or jokes on small pieces of paper. Roll up the notes and place them inside the balloons before inflating them. Arrange the balloons in a decorative box or tie them together with ribbons. Optionally, include small trinkets or candies in some of the balloons for added surprises.
Price: $5–$15
3. Friendship Coupon Book
A friendship coupon book is a fun and unique way to give your best friend small, redeemable gifts of time and effort. Each coupon can offer something special, like a coffee date, a movie night, or a heartfelt favor, making it a personal and versatile present.
Making Process: Cut cardstock or sturdy paper into small rectangles. On each card, write or print a “coupon” that your friend can redeem, such as “One Free Movie Night” or “Pizza on Me.” Decorate each coupon with markers, stickers, or doodles. Stack the cards and bind them together with a ribbon or stapler.
Price: $5–$10
4. Mini Plant with a Fun Pot
A mini plant in a quirky or customized pot is a symbolic and eco-friendly gift. It represents growth, resilience, and care—qualities that reflect your friendship. Choose an easy-to-care-for plant like a succulent or air plant to make it effortless for your friend to maintain.
Where to Get It: Visit local garden shops, nurseries, or online platforms like Etsy and Amazon. Look for mini plants that come in unique pots or buy a plain pot to decorate with paint or markers. You can even write a personal message or inside joke on the pot for added charm.
Price: $10–$20
5. Customized Friendship Keychain
A customized friendship keychain is a small yet meaningful token of your bond. Choose matching designs, initials, or symbols that represent your relationship, ensuring your friend thinks of you whenever they see it.
Where to Get It: Order from online stores like Etsy or Amazon, where you can find plenty of options for custom keychains. Alternatively, use a DIY keychain-making kit from craft stores to create your own. Add charms, engrave initials, or use beads for a personalized touch.
Price: $5–$15
easy DIY new year gift ideas for friends
1. DIY Explosion Box
An explosion box is a creative, handmade gift that “explodes” open to reveal layers of photos, notes, and small trinkets. It’s a fun and interactive way to share your favorite memories and heartfelt messages with your friend.
Making Process: Use cardstock paper to create a square box with multiple layers that fold out when the lid is removed. Decorate each layer with photos, stickers, and handwritten notes. Add a small gift, like candy or jewelry, in the center compartment. You can find templates and tutorials online to simplify the process.
Price: $10–$15
2. DIY Scented Candle
Create a personalized scented candle in a jar to bring warmth and relaxation to your friend’s New Year. You can customize the scent and add decorative touches to make it uniquely theirs.
Making Process: Melt candle wax in a double boiler and mix in your chosen essential oil (like lavender, vanilla, or citrus). Pour the melted wax into a jar with a pre-set wick and let it cool. Decorate the jar with ribbons, labels, or even a handwritten tag.
Price: $8–$12
3. DIY Hot Chocolate Kit
Assemble a cozy hot chocolate kit in a mason jar to spread warmth and joy. Include all the ingredients needed for a delicious cup of hot cocoa, making it perfect for chilly New Year evenings.
Making Process: Layer cocoa powder, sugar, and mini marshmallows in a mason jar. Add extras like chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or a small packet of sprinkles. Tie a festive ribbon around the jar and attach a tag with instructions on how to make the hot chocolate.
Price: $5–$10
new year gift box ideas for friends
1. Cozy New Year’s Eve Gift Box
A cozy gift box is perfect for a relaxing New Year’s Eve. Fill it with items that create a warm and comforting experience, encouraging your friend to unwind and set positive intentions for the year ahead.
Contents:
- A soft pair of fuzzy socks or slippers
- A small scented candle
- Hot chocolate mix or a tea sampler
- A mini notebook or journal for New Year resolutions
- A bag of popcorn or a small sweet treat
Where to Get It: Gather the items from local stores or online retailers like Amazon. Arrange them in a decorative box or basket, and use tissue paper and ribbons for a festive touch.
Price: $20–$30
2. DIY Self-Care New Year Gift Box
Help your friend start the year feeling refreshed with a self-care box filled with pampering essentials. This thoughtful gift encourages relaxation and self-love.
Contents:
- A face mask or skincare sample packs
- A handmade bath salt or bath bomb
- A soothing essential oil or roll-on blend
- A small chocolate bar or healthy snack
- A handwritten note with positive affirmations
Making Process: Assemble the items in a small decorative box or basket. Add shredded paper or confetti to cushion the items. You can also include a personal touch by handwriting a New Year wish or including a small photo of you both.
Price: $15–$25
