39 Gifts for Best Friends That Actually Mean Something in 2025

Gifts for best friends aren’t about price tags — they’re about connection. Your bestie is the one who shows up, knows your quirks and still laughs at the same inside jokes. A gift should reflect that kind of bond.

According to Stanford’s Longevity Center, experiential gifts like classes or shared adventures strengthen relationships more than material ones because they create lasting memories. And a study in Evolutionary Psychological Science backs that up, finding simple gestures — from time spent together to thoughtful keepsakes — are among the most powerful ways to deepen friendships.

That’s why the best gifts for best friends aren’t just things you wrap. They’re ways of saying I get you, whether through a creative project, a foodie indulgence or a keepsake that carries meaning long after the celebration.

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• Creative Gifts for Best Friends
• Foodie Gifts for Best Friends
• Unique Gifts for Best Friends
• Touching Gifts for Best Friends

Creative Gifts for Best Friends

1. A Paint and Sip Night

Paint and sip classes make great gifts for best friends because they’re equal parts creative and silly. Half the fun is in seeing how different your canvases turn out — and laughing over the ones you’d never hang up. It’s less about the art, more about adding a story to your friendship.

You'll find paint and sips in Tampa, Washington, D.C., Atlanta or a paint and sip in a city near you. If you're not sure which class to go with, get them a paint and sip gift card so they can choose.

2. Fun Pottery Classes

Pottery has a way of slowing everything down. Gifting a class to your best friend means time away from screens, hands in clay, and the kind of quiet conversation that happens best when you’re both focused on shaping something.

Plus, swapping what you make for each other turns it into a keepsake that’s instantly personal. There are pottery classes in Minneapolis, San Diego, the Bay Area and plenty of other classes in a city near you.

3. Energizing Dance Classes

If your friend has rhythm, why not sign them up for dance classes? From dance classes in Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas or many other cities near you, it’s not about being good — it’s about laughing when you miss a step and cheering each other on. Think of it as confidence-building wrapped in pure fun. If you think they’d rather learn at home, online dance classes are a perfect alternative. 

4. Art-Inspired Jewelry

Jewelry always makes a great gift for a best friend, and if your friend is an art lover, art-inspired jewelry is a safe choice. Etsy is a great resource for finding jewelry inspired by famous art pieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and other major names in the art world. Your bestie will love wearing her favorite best friend gifts as "hanging art." 

5. A Watercolor Set

Looking for a gift for a best friend who loves to paint? Look no further. A portable watercolor set is a gift for the friend who always notices the little things — a sunset, a view from a trip, even the messy coffee shop table where you’ve spent hours together. It gives them a way to capture those moments and turn them into something lasting, one brushstroke at a time.

6. A Paint-by-Numbers Kit

Paint-by-numbers kits aren’t just for kids. They make great gifts for best friends of all ages. You can send a photo to a custom paint-by-numbers creator who will turn it into a paintable picture. And there are plenty of creators on Etsy who can do just that.

Choose a meaningful photo of you and your friend together or any photo that they’re fond of. Bit by bit, they’ll recreate a memory that already means something to you both.

7. A Trip to a Museum

If you’re looking for a great gift for your best friend who loves art, why not take them to an art museum or gallery? Museum visits make great gifts for best friends because they give you space to wander, talk and stumble on things that create room for new conversations. If there’s no “real” art museum in your area, look for local gallery shows for best friend gifts that come with a vibe.

8. Custom Art Framing

If your friend is an artist, they probably have a lot of unframed personal artwork lying around. That's because framing can be expensive and many people never bother to frame their own work. So why not have your friend’s artwork custom-framed?

It's one less thing for them to worry about it and it says you value their creativity and want it to be seen, not stuck in a drawer. Sometimes the frame is the real finishing touch.

9. A Custom Portrait

A custom portrait — whether of them, the two of you, or even their pet — lands in the “things they’d never buy for themselves, but secretly want” category. Look for an artist who draws in a style your friend likes, whether it’s realistic, anime or anywhere in between. This fun gift for your best friend is too cute to pass up.

10. A Favorite Art Print

If your friend has a piece of art they’ve always loved, a framed print makes it feel personal. It turns a wall into their own space, and if you can track down a signed version, even better.

Foodie Gifts for Best Friends

11. Tasty Cooking Classes

Even great cooks love picking up new tricks. Cooking classes make it a gift you can share — swapping aprons, trying flavors you might never tackle at home and probably laughing through a mishap or two. You’ll find cooking classes in Pittsburgh for pasta, cooking classes in Dallas for tacos or cooking classes in St. Louis for sushi. And if staying in sounds better, online cooking classes bring the chef to your own kitchen.

12. A Fancy Wine Tasting

Looking for a great gift to give your best friend for her birthday? Why not sign her up for a fancy wine tasting? She’ll get to sample several delicious wines and truly relax, or party, whatever she prefers. If she’s more of a homebody, but still wants to experience a wine tasting, a virtual wine tasting is another one of the most relaxed gifts for best friends. Add bread and cheese to make it even better.

And because it works just as well for groups, it also makes a thoughtful bridesmaids' gift, giving everyone a chance to celebrate together.

13. Cool Mixology Classes

Is your best friend a budding bartender? Buy some liquor and mixers and sign them up for online mixology classes. They can learn how to make their favorite cocktails without even having to leave home. Taking the classes together (and tasting the best cocktails together, of course) is a lot of fun, and it’s a skill that always comes in handy.

14. A Private Chef Experience

Looking for a foodie gift for a best friend? Treating them to a private dining experience turns an ordinary night into something extraordinary — especially when it’s their favorite meal on the menu. While personal chefs might cost a little bit more, their experience is worth it.

Want to take your girls' night ideas up a level? This is your pick. Who wouldn’t want to start a girls' night with a great meal? Super duper best friend gifts in the bag!

15. A Five-Star Restaurant Meal

Big milestones call for big dinners. Taking your best friend to a five-star restaurant is less about the food (though that’s a perk) and more about showing them they’re worth celebrating in style. This is one of the most luxurious gifts for best friends for her birthday, but it’s also a good “anytime” gift that you can enjoy together. 

16. A Fancy Charcuterie Set

Charcuterie boards are totally in, and they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. A foodie friend who loves to entertain will probably appreciate a good charcuterie set (either for themself or for their next party).

You can purchase a pre-made gift basket from a company like Harry & David, or create a completely custom, unique gift for a friend by selecting each item individually. Don’t forget to pair it with a bottle of wine for a final touch! Pair this one with the wine tasting above and you'll have a super gift from a group.

17. A New Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven might not scream excitement at first glance, but it’s one of those gifts for best friends that grows with them. If your friend loves to cook, they’re incredibly useful and it's often something many people won’t buy for themselves. Something like a pretty Le Creuset Dutch oven will do the trick and it looks impressive too.

18. The Perfect Small Appliance

Small appliances make great thank you gifts, birthday gifts or even “just because I’m thinking about you” gifts, and they’re super practical. Whether your best friend would love a simple singing rice cooker or a handy Instant Pot, there’s definitely at least one small appliance that will make their cooking easier. 

19. An International Snack Box 

For your snack-loving best friend, an international snack box (or subscription) from a site like Snack Crate brings the world to their doorstep. Each delivery is packed with treats to sample, turning movie nights or study breaks into a mini adventure. The best part? Trying them together makes it even more fun.

Unique Gifts for Best Friends

20. Fun Flower Arranging Classes

Are you looking for a fun activity to do together? Flower arranging classes make great gifts for best friends who are super crafty. You can even choose virtual flower arranging classes so you can enjoy them together from the comfort of one of your homes and make a whole night of it. You’ll both be making fun bouquets in no time.

21. A Cozy At-Home Game Night

Virtual game nights make for great last-minute gift ideas for best friends who love games. You can play online trivia games, enjoy a fun virtual scavenger hunt and even navigate virtual escape rooms. It's a great way to connect and have fun with friends near and far. 

22. A Hand-Sewn Project

Sewing may be an under-appreciated skill, but your best friend will love the effort behind a handmade gift. After a few sewing classes, you could surprise them with a sweet embroidery project, a soft plush toy or even a custom outfit — something personal they’ll treasure.

23. An Awesome Woodworking Craft

Woodworking classes make a heartfelt gift for your best friend because they offer the chance to create something lasting. From picture frames to cutting boards, the projects they make feel far more personal than anything off a store shelf. And along the way, they’ll pick up a practical skill that can inspire more handmade gifts under $50 for everyone they care about.

24. Unique Glass Blowing Classes

Give the gift of a lifetime by signing your best friend up for glass blowing classes. It’s a rare skill that feels dramatic, fiery and unforgettable — and not many people can say they’ve worked with molten glass. The experience itself becomes a story they’ll carry long after the class ends.

25. A Fun Photoshoot

Who doesn’t love getting all dolled up for a photoshoot? A photoshoot turns into more than just pictures when it’s done with a best friend. Dress up, get silly or go serious — either way, you’ll end up with snapshots of your friendship that last long past the day itself.

You can book a solo shoot, a friend's shoot, or a shoot for them and their family or partner. Regardless, they’ll have a few hours of feeling like a model (and the photos to show for it).

26. Tickets to a Concert

Are you looking for a great gift for your best friend who loves music? You can’t go wrong with concert tickets. See when one of their favorite musicians is touring nearby and surprise them with tickets to a show they’ll never forget.

If nothing is coming up, find tickets to a local musician and take them there instead. It works for last-minute gift ideas that won’t cost a lot of money and will help a local artist. 

27. A Relaxing Staycation Day

Not everyone has the time or money for a long-distance trip, but everyone deserves a break. Staycation ideas are the perfect solution and the best gift for a best friend who desperately needs to rest. Book a stay at a local hotel with nice amenities and spend the day doing local tourist activities. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

28. Tickets to a Broadway Performance

So, you’re wondering, “What gift should I give to my female best friend who loves musicals?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Give your best friend the gift of one of the best Broadway shows.

If you happen to live close to the Big Apple, try to get tickets for the “real deal” for a fun indoor activity in NYC with your bestie. If not, look for touring musicals. You'll often still be able to enjoy Broadway performances in smaller cities. 

29. Tickets to an Amusement Park

This is one of the most unique gifts for best friends who love a bit of excitement. Take a trip to your closest amusement park together and have a blast! Ride the roller coasters, see fantastic shows and eat plenty of awesome amusement park food. Don’t forget to play a few games and visit the gift shop before you leave. This is one of our favorite experience best friend gifts.

30. A Cat Café Outing

If your best friend is an animal lover, a cat café is the definition of joy in an afternoon. While cat cafés were once generally a Japan-only thing, they’ve spread across the world due to their online popularity. There’s likely one in your city (or at least in a city nearby). Lattes plus furry company make for a gift that’s equal parts soothing and quirky.

31. A Nail Appointment

Does your friend love to have their nails done, but they don’t ever have the time or money to get them done or do them themself? Book them a nail appointment at a local nail salon. They’ll get a fresh new set of nails that they can enjoy for the coming weeks. If you book an appointment together, this can also make a great addition to your girls' weekend ideas.

32. Clothing With Your Face

Ridiculous? Yes. Memorable? Absolutely. A T-shirt or socks with your face on them is a gag gift that guarantees a laugh and probably a selfie or two. 

Use a site like Etsy to custom-order a shirt, a pair of socks or any other clothing item with your face on it. When your friend opens their gift, they’re sure to smile. Whether or not they’ll wear it is another story. This is definitely a unique gift for friends with a sense of humor. 

33. A Spa Day

Who doesn’t love a spa day? It’s a thoughtful gift for a best friend and doubles as a perfect Galentine’s Day idea. Head to a local spa together for pedicures, facials and a relaxing massage — pampering that feels like a treat and a memory rolled into one.

Touching Gifts for Best Friends

34. Best Friends Jewelry

Best friends jewelry is totally old-school, but it’s also sweet. Buy a pair of necklaces or bracelets to wear with your best friend. You can choose a classic heart-shaped pendant set like this elevated one from Alex+Ani for a traditional look or just find a cool piece and buy two of them, one for each of you. This is a thoughtful and meaningful friendship gift. 

35. A Sweet Memory Book

Few gifts for best friends land as hard as a scrapbook of your shared history. Photos, ticket stubs, notes — it’s a tangible story of your friendship, and don’t be surprised if it earns a few happy tears.

36. A Best Friends Vacation

Sometimes the best gift is time. A best friend's vacation will allow you and your friend to spend time together. This is extra special if you normally live far apart. Choose a destination that you’ll both love (that’s still within your budget) and plan a trip you won’t forget. 

37. Custom Glassware

Custom glassware is a fantastic gift for a best friend who is a guy or a gal. You can get custom-etched wine glasses, whisky glasses and so much more. This is an awesome housewarming gift as well as one of the best gifts for wine lovers. You can find many excellent glassware customizers on Etsy.

38. A Book of Friend Coupons

Create a book of friend coupons for your friend to use whenever they like. It can be full of things like hangout sessions, trips together, dinners out, favors and more. Of course, you’re always happy to give your friend whatever they need, but the coupons will make it easier for them to ask. 

39. Your Favorite Book

Handing over a book you love isn’t just sharing a story — it’s sharing a piece of yourself. Anyone who reads knows that this is an intimate and touching gift for a best friend. Find your favorite book at a small bookstore or a major retailer like Barnes and Noble. Or just give them your own well-loved copy for an extra-personal touch. 

The best gifts for best friends aren’t measured by price or trend. They matter because they reflect the bond you’ve built — inside jokes, shared memories, quiet support. Research shows that thoughtful gestures and shared experiences strengthen friendships, and the right gift is one more way to say, I see you and I value this.

Whether it’s a class you take together, a keepsake tied to your history or something small that makes daily life brighter, these gifts for best friends go beyond the wrapping paper. They carry meaning long after the celebration ends.

For even more fun ideas for gifts for best friends, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!