Life·14 min read

24 No-Fail Gifts for Your Best Friend Under $80

BFF gifts under $75
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Smoko, Free People
Feb 1, 2023

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Oprah and Gayle, Cristina and Meredith, Tom and Greg. Name a more iconic duo than two best friends…we’ll wait. But searching for the perfect gift for your bestie can be tough. If you’ve known ’em for years, there’s a good chance you’ve run out of thoughtful things to get them — and maybe you want to gift them more than just another bottle of wine. So whether you’re celebrating their new job, a birthday, or simply appreciate their friendship, we gotcha covered with foolproof (and affordable) gifts for friends they'll absolutely adore. Go best friend, go, go best friend, go.

Hoops to level up their earring game…

*Snooki voice* (ear) party’s here. These classically designed minimalist hoop earrings from Mejuri are ultra-light so they won’t weigh down your friend’s ears. Choose from gold vermeil or sterling silver and they’ll be off to the races. The fit and style on these are pretty timeless — just like your friendship. Aw. ($78, Mejuri)

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Baked-to-order cookies with a cult following…

Levain cookies for the win. If you weren’t already number one in your friend’s eyes…you will be after sending these. You can choose a 4-, 8-, or 12-pack of the co.’s signature cookies. Warning: If you’ve got a bestie who doesn’t like to share, you might want to order a pack for yourself too. They’re that good. ($29+, Levain Bakery)

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A classic, unisex tote they’ll have forever…

Because an L.L.Bean canvas tote bag never goes out of style. It’s super durable thanks to double-stitched seams, a reinforced bottom, and handles that can hold up to 500 pounds. Available in a variety of size and color options, the bag can also be monogrammed for an extra-special touch. They’ll tote-ally love this gift, promise. ($39.95+, L.L.Bean)

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Merlot-infused coffee that makes the perfect post-dinner brew…

We’re not saying coffee and wine get your friend through the day. But if the shoe fits… These 100% Arabica beans are infused with Merlot and aged in oak wine barrels that provide red berry flavors and hints of currants and blackberries. Cheers. ($22, Uncommon Goods)

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A mini fire pit they can use inside or out…

Because (platonic) sparks fly when you hang out, so give them the gift of some portable flames. This mini contemporary-inspired indoor fire pit is powered by smokeless, odorless rubbing alcohol. It can be easily transported around their house to set a mood, add some warmth or use to make s’mores. It’ll last for 40 to 50 mins and is pretty mess-free. Light it up. ($59.96+, Amazon)

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A hand-stamped coordinate necklace for long-distance friends…

Far apart, but close by heart, thanks to this. This dainty necklace is perfect for friends who live in different cities. You can customize the front and back of the bar to add your coordinates and/or short message. And then choose from a gold-, silver-, or rose-gold plated metal. Xoxo. ($22.50, Amazon)

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A new timeless cookbook to add to their collection…

Cookbooks are like shoes: You can never have too many of them. This one is written by Amanda Hesser, a former New York Times food editor, and the co-founder and CEO of Food52. The recipes are super precise and easy to follow, so even if they’re a beginner-level home chef, they won’t be overwhelmed. Psst: Need more cookbook recs? We also love this classic by Julia Child and this modern classic by Samin Nosrat. ($26.12+, Amazon)

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A monogrammable keychain so they’ll never have to lose their precious cargo again…

This budget-friendly, vintage-inspired lil’ guy is made with full-grain leather that feels as nice as it looks. It has a metal clip attached too, so they can easily secure this on to another bigger keychain or their bag. Plus, the bright colors make it easy to spot if they do happen to leave them lying around somewhere. ($12+, Leatherology)

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A craft beer club that’ll ship them drinks from small, independent brewers…

You can select either 12 or 24 beers a month. In the shipment of 12, they’ll get brews from two different regions in the US, with four different beer styles. All you’ll have to do is bring the snacks. ($47.95/12 beers, Craft Beer Club)

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The cutest dumpling light…

Fact: You can never have a bad day if dumplings are involved. So why not give your pal this absolutely adorable dumpling light that’s petite enough to fit into the palm of their hand? It’s pretty budget-friendly, easy to clean, and battery-operated — so they won’t have to worry about rearranging their entire outlet situation to use it. Triple win. ($22, Smoko)

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The ultimate Beatles shirt for the ultimate Beatles fan…

If they made you watch all eight hours of “The Beatles: Get Back,” then it’s settled, you have to gift them this. The unisex tee is made from super-soft cotton that runs true to size. OOTD pics are on the way. ($26, GritsnGravyDesigns via Etsy)

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Truff hot sauce that’ll take their at-home cooking to the next level…

This variety pack is one of our go-to gifts for a reason. Truff packs restaurant-quality ingredients into insanely delicious, vegan sauces. With this kit they’ll get the brand’s famous original chili blend, a white truffle hot sauce that has a rich umami flavor, and a super-hot jalapeño mix for the true spice lovers out there. Flavors = enhanced. ($67.99, Truff)

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Best friend mugs, because they’re the Oprah to your Gayle…

Or vice versa. These ceramic dishwasher-safe mugs have a glossy finish and a vivid print that shouldn't chip or fade with use. Just like your friendship, it’s strong and can withstand anything that comes its way. You can choose between two sizes — and can even double up on the order if you want to get yourself a matching one. ($24+, Enframe via Etsy)

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A memoir by the founder of Nike…

If your best friend loves to talk to you about entrepreneurship and the biz world, then you have to add “Shoe Dog” to their collection. In it, Phil Knight offers up a behind-the-scenes look at how he built the swoosh from the ground up. Your pal will get a firsthand look at the early days of the company (when failure was very much on the table) and see how Knight turned his shoe co. into a billion-dollar brand. Just do it. ($14.99+, Amazon)

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A set of Corkcicle drinking glasses that they can use for coffee or cocktails…

We stan a day-to-night moment, don’t you? Your giftee will get a BPA-free mug, canteen, and stemless wineglass. All of the bottles come with a clear sliding lid and have triple-layer insulation that’ll keep their drinks at their desired temp. Choose a simple color if they love a neutral palette or jazz things up with one of the printed patterns if that’s more their vibe. Prost. ($32.95+, Corkcicle)

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A grounding lavender kit that’ll help them unwind…

If your friend just went through a hard time and you’re looking to send something relaxing, look no further. This soothing aromatherapy set will help them channel their most peaceful self. Each bundle comes with pillow spray, a 100% cotton sleep mask, an orange blossom-scented soy candle, a bamboo pot, non-GMO lavender seeds, and plant food to help it bloom. Deep breath in, deep breath out… ($58, Uncommon Goods)

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A chic set of vinegars to cook with…

Yes, it’s always nice to give your pal the thing they’ve been coveting, but it’s also just as nice to purchase something they wouldn’t think to treat themselves to…like this gorgeous set of cooking vinegars. The flavors range from fresh and fruity to spicy and sour and are great for bringing anyone out of a cooking rut. Plus, the bottles are pretty enough that they’ll want to leave them out on the counter for all to see. ($48, Acid League)

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The ultimate Lego set for the Marvel lover in your life…

If they still talk about “Avengers: End Game” on a regular basis then they probably need this. This replica of Thanos’ right hand has 590 pieces and comes with a sturdy stand so they can prop it up. After they’re done building, it’ll be over 12.5 inches high. Whoa. Here’s to hoping you get invited over to participate. ($63.99, Target)

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An ‘amazing human’ award…

At the end of the day, it’s really just the thought that counts. This luxe satin ribbon with a metallic cord and gold-foil design doubles as a card. Just fill out the back and add a little note to make your friend feel extra special. Aw. ($5.75, Yellow Owl Workshop)

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A personal pizza maker so they can have their fave meal at a moment’s notice…

If your friendship is based on eating too much ’za together, then you gotta gift them this mini cast-iron gadget. It whips up brick oven-style pizza in less than 10 minutes. A pillowy pie with a crispy crust anywhere, any time? That’s amore. ($40, Uncommon Goods)

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A DIY pottery kit…

We’ve all got that one friend who just loves a good art project. This at-home kit comes with instructions, inspo, and all the tools and clay they’ll need to create four pieces from planters to trinket dishes. Plus, they’ll get paint and paintbrushes, so they can coat their masterpiece once it’s done. ($65, Free People)

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A ‘dog dad’ hat so your pal can show off his love for his fur baby…

Sports logos = out. Showing how much he adores his pup = in. This one’s pre-washed, 100% cotton, and has an adjustable strap in the back. All he needs now is a stroll through the neighborhood with you and the pup so he can rock his new accessory. ($14.99+, HatphileMade on Etsy)

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Barefoot Dreams slippers that feel like an actual dream…

Real ones know that Barefoot Dreams is the GOAT. And since your bestie’s the GOAT in your eyes, treat them accordingly. These plush, knit slippers are super soft and patterned in a fun animal print that’ll brighten their day. Let the coziness commence. ($68, Nordstrom)

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Custom face socks if you want to make them laugh…

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you don’t take too seriously. These custom ones let you pick your ideal photo and color (they’ve even got an ombré situation), and presto — the perfect present is born. Whether you wanna upload a funny pic you took of them when they had one too many drinks or a pic of the pet they’re obsessed with, this gift will score ya a 10/10. ($8.99+, BrdPersonalizedGifts via Etsy)

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