Top 30 Gifts for Christmas gifts for friends
3Gold-handled porcelain mug printed with classic book spines; a small, well made gift for a reader. For book-gift-ideas, section 3: book accessories.
$24Rifle Paper Co.
5Rolling Stone names this machine-washable fleece, printed with classic book spines, as a cosy gift for readers. For book-gift-ideas, section 1: reading comforts
$62Rifle Paper Co.
7A5 Snap Journal | Full Grain Leather, Timeless Journal Design, Leatherology Black Onyx
CNN Underscored lists it for a first anniversary: a full grain leather journal that suits paper-themed gifting and can be personalised with initials.
$100Leatherology
9CNN Underscored recommends a Framebridge frame for a first anniversary, to show a favourite photo or a piece of wedding stationery.
$75Framebridge
11Joy Laforme Spring Terrace 1000 Piece Puzzle
Featured in CNN Underscored's gifts under $25; a bright, illustrated 1,000 piece puzzle for anyone who likes a slow evening in (for christmas-gifts-for-friends,
$19.99Galison
13Uncommon Goods | Desk Yoga Card Deck | Desk Yoga
Food Network lists it among its teacher gifts; 52 quick stretches and breathing practices a teacher can do between lessons.
$20Uncommon Goods
15A bow-print knitted dog sweater from stylish pet clothing brand Little Beast, picked by The Strategist for owners who like to coordinate. For gifts-for-dog-love
$67Little Beast
17Dog Poop Bag Holder | Wild One
A neat silicone bag holder that clips to the lead, a small, well designed stocking filler for anyone who walks a dog; featured by The Strategist. For gifts-for-
$9Wild One
19Custom Sport Leashes + Long Lines - Medium Dogs (1/2" Width)
A colourful, customisable coated-webbing leash with an auto-locking carabiner, recommended by The Strategist for outdoorsy dog owners. For gifts-for-dog-lovers,
$36High Tail Hikes
21ER20XS | High Fidelity Earplugs - Standard
Reusable earplugs made for musicians that cut loudness evenly so music still sounds natural, a thoughtful gift for anyone who plays or goes to gigs (for stockin
$24.99Etymotic
23NBC Select picks this bamboo whisk, bowl and matcha kit as a gift for anyone who likes a calm tea ritual at home.
$44.99Jade Leaf Matcha
25Uncommon Goods | Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden | Hydroponic Grow Kit
A small hydroponic grow kit from PureWow's teacher list that brightens a desk or classroom windowsill.
$20Uncommon Goods
27Popcorn Bowl Made With Integrity | East Fork
Wirecutter's pick in its mom gift guide: a speckled stoneware bowl that holds 2 quarts and works for popcorn, noodles or salad.
$88.00East Fork
29P.F. Candle Co. New California Classics Candle Bundle | Save 15%
A candle bundle from CNN Underscored's pick-me-up gifts, a calming way to make a sickroom or sofa feel more comfortable.
$61.2P.F. Candle Co.
2Wirecutter's pick for book lovers: half-pot bookends that hold a small succulent, for the reader who has everything (book-gift-ideas, section 3: bookends).
$30The Morgan Library & Museum Shop
4Rolling Stone picks this illustrated tote for readers; roomy enough for a stack of library books, and under $25. For book-gift-ideas, section 3: book accessorie
$22.40Rifle Paper Co.
6Best Smelling Moisturizing Natural Hand Cream – SALT & STONE
InsideHook picks it as a stocking filler that feels like a small luxury; a fast-absorbing hand cream with seaweed extract and vitamin B3. For christmas-gifts-fo
$20Salt & Stone
8Large Embroidered Keepsake Box - Delphine
CNN Underscored picks it as a paper-themed first anniversary gift: a pretty embroidered box for keeping cards, letters and ticket stubs (anniversary-gift-ideas,
$60Rifle Paper Co.
10Get Closer Conversation Game: Table Talk - Table Talk
CNN Underscored picks this deck of conversation prompts for getting to know friends better; a card game for couples that turns a night in into a proper catch up
$20Intelligent Change
12A colour e-reader with page-turn buttons and stylus support, named by CNN Underscored as a gift for serious readers (for book-gift-ideas, section 1: book light,
$259.99Rakuten Kobo
14A hand painted print of the books that matter to them, made to order from their own favourites; a keepsake for a devoted reader.
$120Ideal Bookshelf
16The Game - Best Dog Enrichment Toy & Feeder In One
A wobbly slow feeder that holds a cup of kibble and gives a dog mental exercise at mealtime; The Strategist's pick for dog owners. For gifts-for-dog-lovers, sec
$69Fable Pets
18Speckled Dog Bowl — Franca NYC
Handmade Brooklyn ceramic dog bowl in a speckled glaze, nice enough to sit in a stylish kitchen; a thoughtful gift for a design-minded dog owner (The Strategist
$52Franca NYC
20A set of four slip-on dog wellies that keep paws clean and dry on muddy walks, flagged by The Strategist as a great gift for dogs already happy in boots. For gi
$60Wagwear
22Fender Security Strap Locks and Buttons Set - Chrome
Featured by Guitar World in its gifts under $50; keeps a guitar safely on its strap on stage.
$14.84Sweetwater
24PureWow recommends this tin of bakery cookies as a treat teachers will happily share in the staff room.
$28Milk Bar
26Never Bored Bandana Board Game | Activity Game Bandana — FOUR RABBIT
Wirecutter's mom gift guide picks Four Rabbit's organic cotton bandana that doubles as a board game, with dice and tokens in a pouch.
$42Four Rabbit
28Bento Box Lunch Containers for Adults & Kids (3 Pack, 39 oz)
CNN Underscored lists these bento containers in its fitness gifts for anyone who meal preps; a practical stocking filler for the gym-goer.
$19.99Fit Strong & Healthy
30Rechargeable hand warmers listed in CNN Underscored's pick-me-up gifts, handy for someone who feels the cold while recovering.
$39.99Ocoopa
Sort your friends into tiers first
Not every friend needs the same gift, and pretending otherwise leads to overspending or hurt feelings. A simple three-way split works: your closest few, the wider group you see regularly, and the people you only see once or twice a year.
Closest friends get something personal. The wider group get something small and nice. The occasional friends get a card, or a treat to share when you next meet.
For the friend you know inside out
This is where the in-joke gift lives. A mug with a reference only the two of you understand, a print of somewhere you travelled together, or the exact snack they always steal from you. Specific beats expensive every time.
If you have been friends for years, you can also afford to be useful. Quality socks, a good water bottle or a decent umbrella are not glamorous, but people love them.
Small, safe and still thoughtful
For a wider circle, aim for something almost anyone would be glad of: good chocolate, a nice hand cream, a scented candle, a pack of quality tea or coffee. They are low risk and sit in a comfortable $10 to $20 range.
Look for something a little less ordinary than the supermarket version. A small independent brand makes it feel chosen rather than grabbed.
Gifts to share
Friends often get the most from something enjoyed together: a card game, a food hamper to open at your next evening in, or a voucher for somewhere you both like. It doubles as a plan for the new year.
A hamper or a game also works when you are not sure of their taste, because it is meant to be shared rather than judged.
Friends who live far away
Posting a gift to a friend in another city or country is easiest when it is flat, light and unbreakable. A good book, a tin of tea, a small print or a letter with a few photos all travel well and arrive looking like you made an effort.
Send it a week or two before Christmas so there is room for delays, and add a note so it feels like more than a parcel.
Agree a limit with the group
If you have a big circle who all buy for each other, suggest a cap or a Secret Santa. Most people are relieved. It stops the quiet competition and lets everyone pick something properly good instead of lots of mediocre things.
Make it easier for the next one
Ask your closest friends to start a list on HintDrop, and start your own. When Christmas arrives, you can each look at what the other has saved, and nobody has to guess.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on a friend at Christmas?
For a close friend, most people spend somewhere between $15 and $40. For a wider circle, $5 to $15 is common. What matters is that it is in line with what you think they will spend on you.
What is a good gift for a friend I do not know that well?
Something consumable and widely liked, such as good chocolate, tea, coffee or a candle. It is hard to get wrong.
Should I buy for every friend?
No. Prioritise your closest friends and send a card to the rest. A group Secret Santa is a good way to keep things fair.
What are good last minute Christmas gifts for friends?
Food and drink, books, candles and games are quick to buy and rarely miss. Starting early still gives you more choice.
What can I give a friend who has everything?
Try something that disappears, such as a nice meal, a bottle of something good, or time together booked in for the new year. Experiences and consumables suit people who already own plenty.
Buying for a group this year? Draw names with our free Secret Santa generator: private emailed matches, a budget, and wishlists so nobody has to guess.
Ready to actually find something?
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