Shopping for anyone can be tough, but even if you fumble the bag when buying for a friend or acquaintance, they’ll most likely still act like it’s the best gift they’ve ever received. Your best friend, on the other hand, will absolutely not. If you’re trying to pass off a half-assed gift as something bigger than it is, your BFF’s gonna see right through it and tell you how much they hate it. But, hey, at least they’re being honest. So, this is where best friend gift ideas come in handy.
Your bestie expects you to know them, and you do! But there’s just so much crap in the world that it feels impossible to pick from such a never-ending catalog of junk, so we figured we’d make it easier and throw some best friend gift ideas your way to help you on your hunt.
Everyone’s best bud is different and we recognize that. While we don’t specifically know your BFF and we promise they didn’t message us on the low to write this article, we do have a wide range of best friend gift ideas you need to check out before adding anything else to your cart — even if the best friend you’re shopping is for your parents. Because we all know shopping gifts for dad and mom can be just as hard.
From game-changing shot glasses to long-distance lamps to comfy quarantine pants, here are the top best friend gift ideas you should have on your radar for 2021.
1. Everlane Twill Weekender
BEST OVERALL
While the majority of us are finding it tough to travel right now, we’ve got a spicy and somewhat spontaneous idea for a gift your best bud will love. Just hear us out. While we aren’t suggesting you head on an airplane right now, what we will say is this: plane tickets for domestic travel in the United States are currently at some of the lowest prices we’ve ever seen. Snag you and your buddy some plane tickets for a quick, secluded weekend trip in the near future and shove them in this handsome weekend bag from Everlane. It’s definitely a two-for-one gift, but one that’s well worth the splurge. Not comfortable flying right now? No worries, we get it, some of us aren’t either. Another idea you can pull off that’s on the cheaper and safer route is this: get an Airbnb within driving distance and print out the booking receipt to stuff inside the bag instead. No matter what you plan, just make sure you do it with safety in mind.
Buy:
Everlane Twill Weekender
$98.00
2. Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses
BEST FOR PARTY ANIMALS
If you and your bud bond best when slugging back shots to make the night one to remember (or forget), gift these Himalayan salt tequila glasses. These glasses change the game when doing your average tequila shot. No need to rub salt all over your hand any longer; simply lick the glass, throwback the shot and bite down on your lime for the perfect tequila shot. When you guys are all done, rinse the glass under some water and leave them to dry — no soap needed. We know what you’re thinking, sounds unsanitary, right? Wrong. Salt is naturally antibacterial and super stable, which means you and your bud can use these again and again and never have to worry about germs, even in 2021. When they’re not using them, the glasses are also good-looking enough to display for all guests to see.
Buy: Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses $18.75
3. Marshall Monitor Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
BEST FOR MUSIC LOVERS
If your BFF can’t stop jamming out to their newest favorite tunes, they need a solid pair of wireless headphones to wear when bopping around their bedroom or riding the train on their morning commute. Earbuds just aren’t cutting it anymore, sorry about it. If you’re looking to gift your best friend a pair of headphones that are great quality yet won’t break the bank, look no further than the Marshall Monitor Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones. These babies can hold a charge for up to 30 hours and have an exceptional level of audio with sensitivity at 92 dB SPL. Your bud can use these both wired and wireless, so when they’re not charged, it’s really no big deal, just add the wire and continue on your way. The headphones also look pretty old school, which is pretty on par with the current vintage trend in music.
Buy: Marshall Monitor Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
4. Custom Face Socks
BEST GAG GIFT
There’s no damn way your best friend can ever hate on a gag gift, especially when it’s this ridiculous. Get your face plastered all over a pair of socks your buddy can rock whenever they see fit. From gym sessions to multiple errands to important work meetings, keep your face attached to his tootsies at all times. If your face ain’t your gig, you can even gift these with your buddy’s pet’s face or his significant other’s. Blue not your best friend’s style either? Don’t worry, these are available in almost every color in the rainbow. The possibilities you can throw on these suckers are endless.
Buy: Custom Face Socks $13.59
5. Custom Map Serving Tray
MOST SENTIMENTAL GIFT
Whether it’s the place you two met, your hometown stomping grounds or your favorite location to vacation together, throw a special spot on this custom map serving trap to sit on your buddy’s bar cart. Maybe you two don’t get this gushy too often, but for a special situation, this is a great gift to prove how much you care for your best friend. The tray is crafted from mango wood and visualizes a three-mile radius around the desired location you choose. The map is laminated in, so no damage will occur if there are ever any spills or wet glasses. This one is gonna be quite the tearjerker, but it’s one that’s definitely worth the waterworks when it comes to best friend gifts.
Buy:
Custom Map Serving Tray
$85.00
6. SAXX Snooze Sleep Pants
MOST COMFORTABLE
How many times do we have to try and ingrain these pants into your mind for you to finally get it? These are the most comfortable pants in the world. We said it once and we’ll continue to say it until you understand. They’re the softest, most lightweight pair of pants you’ll ever throw on your legs. It almost feels like you’re wearing nothing when these are on. Perfect for long car, plane or train rides as well as hours upon hours on the couch, your best friend will find a use for these no matter the situation. Just make sure they aren’t tempted enough to wear them to work, we don’t want them getting fired.
Buy:
SAXX Snooze Sleep Pants
$65.00
7. Fire TV Stick
BEST FOR 2020
Your BFF’s still paying for cable? Damn, that’s pretty 2000 and late of them. In 2021, we’re streaming our favorite shows and movies through multiple streaming subscriptions like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and more recently Paramount+ and we’re doing that through the Fire TV Stick. There really isn’t a need for a cable service any longer, because who watches TV as it premieres anymore when everything is available online the very next day? You know dang well that your bud’s using the record option on their cable box to watch their favs later anyways. Some might fear that with a Fire TV Stick, they’ll never have access to live news, but boy, are they wrong. With this, not only will your best bud be able to watch their favorites whenever they please, but even live TV with some subscriptions. Plus, they’ll be saving money without the cable subscription, too. Does it get any better than that? No, no it does not. When it comes to best friend gift ideas, the Fire TV Stick is always a solid bet.
Buy: Fire TV Stick $29.99
8. Trade Coffee Subscription
BEST FOR COFFEE LOVERS
For the type that’s in the Starbucks line at least three times a day, let them know it’s time to quit bad habits. No, we aren’t suggesting they stop drinking coffee, are you nuts? It’s one of the only things we look forward to in the morning. Sheesh. We’re saying your best pal’s gotta stop spending so much coin at the coffee shop with a present all coffee lovers will stay geeking over: a coffee subscription from Trade. With more than 400 incredible coffees, personalized recommendations and an always freshly roasted promise, your pal can get top-quality coffee of their liking sent to their door in a bundle. Just have them fill out a quiz, and they’ll be ready to get sipping their new favorite morning brews.
Buy:
Trade Coffee Subscription
$20.00+
9. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
BEST WATER BOTTLE
Here’s the issue with Hydro Flask: it seems like everyone wants one, but no one’s ever ready to pull the trigger and buy one themselves. That’s why Hydro Flasks make the perfect gift for your best friend. You probably know all about ’em already, but if you don’t, these bottles mean business. They keep water ice-cold or piping hot for hours upon hours on end. There is non-rust stainless steel lining on the inside, and the outside is covered in a non-slip coating so it never sweats. Available in a candy-assortment of colors, be sure to pick up your bestie’s favorite.
Buy: Hydro Flask Water Bottle $20.97
10. Crap Eyewear Sunglasses
BEST ACCESSORY
Don’t lie to us, we know your best bud lost their last pair over the summer, so it’s just about time they get a new one. Crap Eyewear is the new-(ish) sunglasses brand you need to know about in 2021. Most pairs have a super eclectic style, yet at the same time, they’re pretty much a real one-size-fits-all type when it comes to anybody’s style. These shades come in various rim and shade colors to choose from that will spice up your bestie’s look. Each pair fights UV protection to the max, unlike the knockoffs you can find for much less on Amazon. These will keep your pal’s eyes safe no matter how bright the sun is shining, but let’s just hope they won’t lose this pair again before the summer. But if that happens, well, looks like you’ll have a great idea for a best friend gift next year, too!
Buy:
Crap Eyewear The Supa Phreek Sunglasses
$79.00
11. W&P Cocktail Kit
BEST FOR FREQUENT FLYERS
Whether they travel often for work or take a vacation at least once a month, this carry-on cocktail kit is an awesome way for your buddy to spice up their flight. This kit has everything one needs for some A1 sipping in the air, with enough tools to create two Moscow Mules. Included in the kit: one small-batch ginger syrup, 1/2 oz jigger, a travel-sized bar spoon, a recipe card and a linen coaster. Meaning, even if your buddy’s in coach, they can pretend they’re in first class. While most of us aren’t really traveling right now, a little buzz in the air will help with any nerves one might have when flying amid a global pandemic. But, if your favorite traveler’s keeping it close to home right now, W&P also has a virtual happy hour cocktail kit for a classic Zoom sip-sesh.
Buy: W&P Cocktail Kit $23.53
12. Manscaped The Perfect Package 3.0
PERFECT FOR POST-QUARANTINE
While quarantine isn’t over just yet, it’s time to get prepared for more and more lockdowns to be lifted. Yeah, we’re speaking it into existence. Let us be.
Anyway, maybe your best friend has let things get a little messy downstairs. If he hasn’t gotten any since before quarantine, there’s a good chance he’s living with the entire Amazon Rainforest attached to his body. If that’s the case, give him the hint he so desperately needs with Manscaped’s Perfect Package 3.0. Manscaped is known as one of the best manscaping brands at this point (hence the name), so you should be aware you’re getting nothing but high-quality stuff inside. Including a buzzer, a comfy pair of undies and two products for reviving and preserving your bud’s lower region, you’ll be getting a “thank you” call in no-time.
Buy:
Manscaped The Perfect Package 3.0
$99.99
13. Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket
BEST FOR OUTDOORSMEN
We could’ve suggested a pocketknife or flashlight, but, nah. The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket is exactly what your best friend needs for their next outdoorsy adventure. This blanket is the size of your bud’s go-to travel water bottle, so it will easily fit in their hiker pack no matter the size. It’s made of 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric and is completely water-resistant. Throw it down on any surface whether it is wet or dry and your BFF can have an impromptu, scenic picnic no matter where his next adventure takes him.
Buy:
Rumpl NanoLoft® Travel Blanket
$99.00
14. Kootek Camping Hammock
BEST FOR FREE SPIRITS
Campers, festival lovers, hikers, van-lifers — whatever. If your best pal spends a ton of time in the outdoors, they need an easy, packable camping hammock so they can relax wherever they are. Well, as long as there are trees. This hammock has adjustable tree-friendly straps that are 10-feet long each, so you can have an ample amount of space for the hammock to hang between. It can hold up to 500-lbs and is available in an array of colors. When they’re all done, your giftee can pack this tinily into their backpack.
Buy: Kootek Camping Hammock $24.99
15. Champion Reverse Weave Crew
BEST FOR EVERYDAY
The Champion Reverse Weave Crew Sweatshirt has become a modern staple that’s bringing the style of the 90s back into the forefront. This heavyweight sweatshirt incorporates Champion’s trademark Reverse Weave fleece which prevents it from vertical shrinking, making this gift idea for your best friend able to stand the test of time. Available in 15 colors and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, this everyday outfit essential can be perfect for any of your closest pals.
Buy:
Champion Reverse Weave Crew
$50.00
16. alexdoestuff Custom Spotify Song Plaque
BEST FOR MUSIC LOVERS
Got a bestie that doubles as one of the world’s biggest music lovers? Boy, do we have the gift for them. This Spotify song plaque is the best decoration they could ever have in their room. This baby will depict whatever song you choose to put on it. Whether it’s their favorite song, your jam together or the song that was playing when you both first met, you can put whatever song you want on it. For real, anything: from Miley Cyrus to Creedence Clearwater Revival to DaBaby to something from your neighbor Josh’s new EP.
Buy:
alexdoestuff Custom Spotify Song Plaque
$20.00
17. Fujifilm Disposable Camera
BEST FOR CREATIVES
We know everyone’s got a fancy smartphone camera or maybe even a cool digital camera, but disposable cameras aren’t just a thing of the past anymore. These simple and easy-to-use gadgets are perfect for any of your close friends who might like to explore their artsy side once in a while. Your best friend can take this fun memory-saver to a picnic in the park, on your tropical vacation, or to a birthday celebration with friends to ensure that they’ll be the life of the party.
Buy: Fujifilm Disposable Camera $30.50
18. Brookstone Friendship Lamp – Set Of 2
BEST FOR LONG-DISTANCE BESTIES
Friends come from far and wide, so maybe your best friend lives a few towns, states or countries away. If that’s the case, these friendship lamps are a great way to keep in touch without physically being together. Here’s how the lamps work: you gift one to yourself and one to your best friend, plug them in and tap the top when you want to let your pal know you’re thinking about them. By tapping yours, theirs will light up no matter where they are. It’s a great way to say good morning to your pal when you might be going to sleep or goodnight when you’re just waking up. No matter when the next time it is you’ll see one another, you’ll always be by each other’s sides even when you’re technically not. Another tearjerker, yes, but it makes one hell of a best friend gift.
Buy:
Brookstone Friendship Lamp - Set Of 2
$89.95
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