Sometimes the people closest to you are the hardest to shop for. The pressure’s on when it comes to gift-giving, and the usual clichés simply won’t cut it when it comes to your bestie, whether that person be a guy or gal. For them, the present must be meaningful and personal. And while the holidays are all about cheer, the hunt for that perfect gift can bring on the stress for any of us. But don’t fret, we’ve put together a list of gifts that are sure to score you major BFF points.
Best Friend Bangles
Because yes, everyone loves jewelry, but your best friend? Loves you too, and will love the upgraded version of a friendship bracelet from Alex and Ani. It’s a charm bracelet (all the rage right now) that can be added to over time, so they can enjoy it for years to come. And of course, having one of your own to match will signify that best friend bond. The bracelet looks great with other bangles, and even if you don’t go the matching route, you can get her one that features her birthstone, initial, or zodiac sign.
Vinylify
We associate different music with a lot of big moments in our lives, and chances are you’ve experienced quite a few of those with your BFF. So give them a walk down music memory lane by making a custom playlist of all your favorite songs and — here’s the good part — make it into a vinyl record for them using Vinylify. The service allows you to upload your own tracks and even choose your own cover art (picture this: a collage of you and your bestie over the years). They’ll deliver the playlist back in vinyl form. It’s a unique, highly personal gift that’s sure to deliver all the feels to your best friend. This is especially great for that hipster guy who just loves all things vintage-inspired.
Custom Socks
Speaking of custom made, keep it fun and go with something a little out of the ordinary: custom socks from Stance.com. It’s another opportunity to really personalize your gift with pictures, favorite hobbies, bands, movies, anything. As an added bonus, it’s winter time and warm socks are always appreciated. Just make these ones special, it is your best friend after all. Your best friend a fashionable fellow? Stance Socks has a wide variety of dress socks that will make him feel like he’s walking down the runway. Perhaps your bestie is a gal who loves anything and everything Rihanna; the company has a special collection designed by the saucy singer.
Custom Anything
It doesn’t have to be socks; anything customized says you really care. Check out sites like etsy.com for inspiration — everything from shirts and bags to picture frames and jewelry are available from a multitude of sellers around the world. The best part about a site like Etsy is your gift is sure to be unique (aside from the customization, of course) because it comes from small sellers rather than big stores. Still need some inspiration? Try personalized beer growlers or wine bottles for a gift they can really have some fun with.
New York Times Custom Birthday Book
Your best friend doesn’t have to be a news junkie to appreciate this gift. The book is made with a collection of New York Times front pages from each year since their birth and personalized with their name and birth date. It serves as a great snapshot of history, capturing the major events that happened on their birthday. Another cool commemorative idea? A My Life Story journal. This particular journal contains prompts that will help someone remember and write down memorable events in their lives, from first dates to friendships.
Gift Cards or Tickets
I know it sounds cliché, but stick with me. Rather than a run of the mill gift card, surprise your friend with some sort of pre-planned outing you know they’ll enjoy. Research tour dates for their favorite band and get the tickets for when they’re in town. Plan a wine tasting day at a local winery. Take them an outdoor adventure like hiking with a big dinner at the end. Give them the ultimate gift — relaxation — with an all-inclusive spa day.
Just remember: get creative, whether you use our list or not. After all, you know your bestie better than anyone.