Checklist · 17 picks · 5 categories
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A best friend gift has one job, which is to say I know you. That is easier with something you will both use, like an instant camera on a trip or a card game for the group chat's next night in. Every pick here is already on another list of mine, where I explain why it made the cut and name the outlet when one recommends it. I grouped them by the kind of friendship moment they fit, so you can start there. The little treats work for Galentine's on February 13 or a gift swap, and you can buy two of the same thing. The splurges are for milestone birthdays. If you are not sure of a size, skip the slippers and pick something that fits everyone.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want a single product and already know which one.
mid pick · Gift-box
Best for Trips and nights out worth printing
Business Insider top 10 college gift.
Print memories on the spot. Every dorm wall needs a photo collage.
Heads up. Film adds up. Gift a pack with it
$50-100
See it on AmazonAffiliate link. I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
budget pick · Compact
Forty shots for the Instax Mini 12 or Mini Link printer. Still about $1 a photo
No outlet named this one yet.
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Turns phone photos into instant prints over Bluetooth. Perfect for decorating a dorm. Needs Instax Mini film
Business Insider college gift pick.
$50-100
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
Best for Friend-group game nights
No outlet named this one yet.
A Russian-roulette card game with ridiculous cat art. A party favorite.
Heads up. Base game caps at 5 players
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
A fast, loud card-slapping game for 2-8 players. Ten minutes a round, endless rematches. Gets loud
No outlet named this one yet.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Gift-box
A $40 speaker that sounds like a $100 one. Waterproof for shower concerts. Distorts at max volume
Wirecutter budget pick. WIRED 8/10.
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
Best for Buying one for each of you
The Strategist student favorite.
A cult-favorite lip balm that makes a great stocking stuffer or add-on.
Heads up. Small for the price
under $25
See it at SephoraAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
Star-shaped pimple patches that made acne care fun. A TikTok hit with real teen appeal. Refill packs sold separately
No outlet named this one yet.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
Fizzy, nicely scented bath bombs in a giftable box. Pair with a robe for a self-care bundle. Needs a bathtub
Evite white elephant pick.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
The squishy plush that kids, teens and plenty of adults collect. Collecting can become a habit
No outlet named this one yet.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Big box
Best for Movie nights on their couch
No outlet named this one yet.
An oversized sherpa hoodie-blanket. The cozy-gift sweet spot for teens.
Heads up. Bulky to store
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Candles named after famous authors, with scents like old books, tobacco and tea. Scents can be subtle
No outlet named this one yet.
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Compact
A cheap battery whisk that foams milk for lattes, matcha and cold foam in seconds. Doesn't heat milk
Homegrounds best handheld frother.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Silk helps cut down on hair frizz and feels a little luxurious every night. Comes in 15+ colors. Delicate wash recommended
The Strategist best silk pillowcase.
$25-50
See it at QuinceAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Big box
Best for A big birthday, if you know their size
Piper Sandler teen survey top footwear brand.
The slipper-shoe teens wear everywhere. UGG ranks among teen girls' favorite footwear brands.
Heads up. Pricey
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Big box
A sleeker campus bag with a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of inside pockets. Smaller than the Borealis
The Strategist student favorite.
$50-100
See it at lululemonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Big box
The famously soft throw that didn't shed or change texture at all in wash reviews. Arrives beautifully wrapped. Expensive for a throw
PureWow 96/100 editor score.
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
dots show how many outlets agree. the words name them.
February 13, the day before Valentine's Day. It comes from a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation and is a day to celebrate friends. In 2027 it falls on a Saturday.
Whatever you would both be comfortable with if it were the other way around. A lot of friends set a limit, and something small you will use together often lands better than one expensive thing.
June 8. It is an unofficial day listed on the National Day Calendar, so there is no rule about gifts. A text and a photo from the Instax count.