35 Gifts Your Bestie Will Adore and Use All the Time (All Under $50!)

Alanna Quirk-Aboujaoude
Alanna Quirk-Aboujaoude
Alanna Quirk-Aboujaoude is a Boston native and senior at Simmons University. Studying social work and minoring in journalism, she is the News Editor for her university's newspaper, the Simmons Voice. She plans to pursue her Master's in Social Work to help those in need, while…read more
published Nov 20, 2025
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Gift wrapped in white paper with colorful grid patterns, featuring a tag that reads "To: Emma, From: Vicky."
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Prop Styling: Tom Hoerup


When I buy presents for my friends, I want to get something that says, “I see you, I know you, and I love you.” But even when I’m shopping for my best friends, the pressure to buy the perfect present can cause me to draw a blank. 

Luckily I’ve gathered lots of ideas over time, from presents I’ve received and loved to things I’ve given that friends have adored. If you’re stuck on what exactly are the best gifts for best friends, here are 35 ready-to-shop ideas, from face masks and bag charms to monogrammed mugs and book nooks. The best part: Everything is $50 or less.

Best Gifts for Best Friends

It might feel like you should know immediately what to get your best friend, but you just might not have come across the “perfect” gift yet. That’s what this list is here for: to help you find a present that will make them smile and say, “I didn’t know it, but this is exactly what I wanted.”

PAVILIA Robe
$27

This snuggly robe is so soft that your bestie will never want to take off. Buy it in their favorite color to make it even more special!

$27 at Amazon
KFUBUO Wearable Blanket Hoodie
$30

My sister and I have matching wearable blankets, and they are the best to cozy up with for movie nights together. These ones come in so many fun patterns, from strawberries to corgis to ice cream cones.

$30 at Amazon
Cloud Slippers
$44$22

Wanna keep your bestie comfy and toasty? These colorful Cloud Slippers are just the thing. They're lined with fuzzy fleece and have padded soles. (These hand-felted otter slippers are another adorable option.)

$22 at Uncommon Goods
KITSCH French Hair Pin
$10

If your friend is always trying out new hairstyles, they’ll love you for this gift. Simple, stylish, and easy to use, this silver French hair pin is especially great for holding thicker hair in place.

$10 at Anthropologie
LILLUSORY Womens Lounge Set
$33

For the friend who’s had the same sweats since middle school, treat them to this equal parts cute and comfy set, which is perfect for hanging out in the dorm common room for movie nights. They could even wear this matchy fit to their early morning classes!

$33 at Amazon
Chunks Large Nimbus Hair Claw Clip
$24

A claw clip is one of my go-tos when thinking of the best gifts for best friends. I personally can never have enough, and know my besties love having different claw clips for every occasion, like this cool-toned claw clip from Chunks.

$24 at Sephora
Plum Beauty White Jade Gua Sha Stone
$8

If you know your friend has been stressed lately, a gift that can help them practice some extra self-care is a great move. Gua sha is an East Asian technique that uses a small, smooth tool to gently scrape the skin and promote lymphatic drainage. I love to pop mine in the freezer to make it feel even more refreshing on my face; it brings a little spa vibe to my dorm bathroom.

$8 at Target
HBselect Quilted Makeup Bag, 3 Pieces
$20

This quilted makeup bag set is perfect for your friend who is always on the move. It comes with three different sizes, so they can keep one in their shower caddy, one on their desk, and another in their tote bag for touch-ups!

$20 at Amazon
KONEUK Sheet Face Masks, 14-Pack
$9

Having given (and received!) these face masks, I can tell you they’re ideal for a bestie spa day. They’re infused with hydrating and soothing ingredients like shea butter and pomegranate, to leave their gorgeous face feeling rejuvenated.

$9 at Amazon
Laneige Skincare & Lip Care Holiday Gift Set
$21$17

Ever since my sister gave them to me for my birthday, I religiously apply my Laneige lip masks before bed. This set comes with four delicious scents: caramel vanilla, eggnog latte, sweet candy, and chocolate.

$17 at Amazon
Solar Eclipse Handpainted Compact Mirror
$28

Sometimes the best gifts for best friends are the ones you know they’ll use every single day. This sleek acetate compact mirror is pretty and ultra-useful, especially for those on the go. I love the vintage bow design, but it comes in several other handpainted versions, from an adorable teddy bear to a glittery disco ball for your friend who wishes they were born in the '80s.

$28 at Anthropologie
Build Your Own Charm Bracelet
$46$39

This customizable charm is one of the best gifts for best friends because it’s really several presents in one: Because you can pick specific charms, you can customize the jewelry with initials, birthstones, and other little gems that make you think of your bestie.

$39 at Etsy
Miroddi for MagSafe Wallet
$10

Especially for your friend who may have misplaced their wallet once or twice, this magnetic phone wallet is a lifesaver. It’s ultra-thin, made of faux leather, and comes in a bunch of different colors, which makes it a sweet phone accessory that’ll give your bestie so much peace of mind.

$10 at Amazon
The Bistro Tile Stoneware Mug: Monogram Edition
$14

Whether you drink coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, everyone needs that one mug that brings them so much joy. Give your friend their own signature mug in this beautiful monogrammed mosaic cup with gold details. My roommate bestie and I have matching monogrammed mugs, and it makes us feel so put-together!

$14 at Anthropologie
Cuckool Highland Cow Microwavable Heating Pad
$27

This cozy microwavable, weighted, and lavender-scented stuffed animal is ideal for a long-distance bestie. All they have to do is pop it the microwave for a minute and cuddle up with it to feel like they’re getting a hug from miles away.

$27 at Amazon
Thoughtfully Gifts Mini Hot Chocolate Gift Set
$20

I adore hot chocolate. It makes me feel warm, and it brightens my day immediately — especially in the cold weather. Deliver that sweetness to your bestie with this pack of gourmet hot cocoa packets, which comes in flavors like peppermint and salted caramel.

$20 at Amazon
Little Corner Coloring Book
$10

Adult coloring books are great for de-stressing, and this Little Corner Coloring Book is an extra-cute option. It has 40 different hand-drawn illustrations of cozy vignettes, like a farmers market, a bookshop where the owner is a mouse, and a quaint bedroom with cat decor.

$10 at Amazon
Year of Guided Watercolor Painting Desk Calendar
$34

A calendar is a classic, functional gift, but this one features an artsy twist: Each month has a new sketch for you to paint, and the desk calendar comes with a paintbrush and paint palette so your bestie won’t have to go out and buy any new art supplies.

$34 at Uncommon Goods
MAGIMUSE Crochet Kit
$24$21

If your friend has been talking about wanting to pick up a new hobby, this crochet kit for beginners is perfect! The set comes with six different patterns (and supplies) to make a mini family of tiny, adorable plants, ranging in difficulty. Plus, you can watch a step-by-step instruction video to guide you through each one.

$21 at Amazon
JBL Go 3 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker
$40$30

If your friend loves to sing in the shower, this mini waterproof speaker is just what they’ve been missing. It weighs less than half a pound, so it’s easy to toss in their bag and bring to the dorm common room, park, or beach. It also comes in a dozen fun colors and promises a 5-hour battery life!

$30 at Amazon
Amuseables Pretzel Bag Charm
$28

A Jellycat bag charm is an adorable addition to your bestie’s bag. Looking for some more fun bag charm ideas? Check out these ones, and tailor your pick to your friend’s college major.

$28 at Jellycat
Fsolis Book Nook Kit
$40$32

If your friend is a dedicated puzzler or book lover, give them a spellbinding challenge with this 3D book nook puzzle. It may look incredibly intricate, but it’s simple enough for any beginner to put together. It’s lit with touch-sensored LED lights, which makes it look even more magical once it’s all put together — the icing on the cake for your friend whose room is all about the cozy aesthetic.

$32 at Amazon
YR YRHH-PET Store Cute Duck Night Light
$16

This delightful duck nightlight has two brightness settings and can run up to 24 hours after a full charge, so you can plop it down wherever you need a little extra cozy glow. It comes in six other styles, including a capybara, a penguin, and an axolotl, so your animal-loving friend is sure to be smitten.

$16 at Amazon
SCANDINORDICA Disco Ball Planter
$26

Want to help your bestie’s trusty houseplant *shimmer*? This hanging disco ball planter will do just that, while making their whole dorm feel that much more festive.

$26 at Amazon
ShineSand Custom Face Socks
$10

Give your bestie the best gift of all: your face, specifically on a pair of socks. It’ll make them laugh, remind them of your friendship, and keep their feet warm all at once. For a different twist, you could emblazon them with a photo of their pet’s face, instead!

$10 at Amazon
Wucidici Custom Pet Pillow
$15

Nearly all of my friends and I came to college with a custom pet pillow featuring our dogs or cats to make us feel more at home. If a friend didn’t already have one, we had to get them one!

$15 at Amazon
14K Gold Name Necklace
$30$23

Name necklaces are a simple-but-meaningful addition to any outfit. This necklace lets you choose between different fonts and chain sizes so you can reflect your friend’s vibes.

$23 at Etsy
Collective Home Ceramic Jewelry Tray
$16$14

I use my trinket tray to hold rings and earrings, but you can use these little dishes for all sorts of things. This simple ceramic monogrammed tray is perfect for your bestie’s bedside table.

$14 at Amazon
Custom Newspaper Print
$11$10

For your friend that’s in need of some wall art for their dorm, this customized newspaper print is the sweetest addition. Upload a photo of the two of you (or your whole friend group!) and it’ll appear like you’re all on the front page, accompanied by the headline: “Iconic Duo Forever.” I couldn't have said it better myself.

$10 at Etsy
Candid Playing Cards
$30

Even when you’ve known someone for years, there’s always more to learn. In this adorably designed deck of playing cards, each one also features a fun question to ask each other, helping it double as a deck of conversation cards. Prepare for plenty of game nights filled with laughter, chatter, and feeling even closer.

$30 at Candid
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
$30

My and my friends’ emotional support water bottles are covered in stickers and dents, and honestly I would be thrilled if someone gave me a new one. A fresh water bottle may be just what your bestie needs, too.

$30 at Target
Mochi Milk Travel Spray
$30

Dedcool fragrances are vegan and cruelty-free and, like the name suggests, super cool. I’ve been dying to try the Mochi Milk scent, and this travel size is perfect to keep in your bag.

$30 at Dedcool
Kitsch Satin 5-Pack Sleep Scrunchies
$8

Silk scrunchies are great for preventing hair breakage or weird creases when you take it down, and you can never have too many. Give a couple of these to your friend along with a sheet face mask, and they’ll feel so pampered.

$8 at Nordstrom
Emotional Support Desk Pets
$22

If your friend loves miniature, adorable things, prepare for them to be obsessed with this gift. Their Emotional Support Desk Pets can keep them company while they catch up on emails or type out that paper, and combat some of that stress with cuteness.

$22 at Uncommon Goods
Baggu Nylon Pochette Bag
$42

This trendy purse is the perfect little shoulder bag for a night out, and because it’s made of recycled nylon it’s ultra lightweight. It comes in three colors (black, mahogany, and leopard print) and even has some interior card slots so you can forgo a wallet if you’d like. If this Baggu is a little too splurge-y, you can’t miss with a Standard Baggu that they can use to help carry all sorts of things wherever they go.

$42 at Urban Outfitters

Alanna Quirk-Aboujaoude

Contributor

Alanna Quirk-Aboujaoude is a Boston native and senior at Simmons University. Studying social work and minoring in journalism, she is the News Editor for her university's newspaper, the Simmons Voice. She plans to pursue her Master's in Social Work to help those in need, while being a freelance journalist. In her free time, Alanna loves to read, write, sit in the sun, and try new coffee flavors.

Follow Alanna
SchoolSimmons University '26
MajorSocial Work
FavesIce cream, photo booths, sunsets, & fun earrings
Get to know Alanna Quirk-Aboujaoude
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