Shopping for your best friend is an art form. One that requires intimate knowledge of their preferences, an understanding of their style sensibilities, and the ability to translate years of shared experiences into well-curated objects.
But we’re here to help. Instead of generic “nice” things that could work for anyone, we’ve sourced targeted finds that will make them text you immediately because you get them so completely. These gifts say «I see you, I appreciate your quirks, and here’s something that celebrates exactly who you are.»
For the Green Thumb
For the friend who has a home filled with plants that somehow never die, wrap up the House of Botanicals watering can and mister, because the design is sleek enough to live on display. For the plant parent who’s basically fluent in chlorophyll, Plants Are My Favorite People should make it into the gift haul, and William Sonoma’s Famille Rose herb planter is perfect for their kitchen windowsill (fresh cocktail garnishes, anyone?). And if your friend has an eye for sculptural beauty, that acorn vase should be going straight into the box, too. Flamingo Estate’s The Garden Tour collection brings the luxe botanical spa feeling they can recreate at home, and the maple garden carry-all will have your friend skipping through the garden, basket in hand.
For the Entertainer
For the friend who can turn a random Tuesday night into an event worth remembering, these pieces will take their entertaining arsenal to the next level. A caviar set adds a luxurious touch to any gathering, and the anchor lighter holder from NWTN Home is both functional and tabletop decor-worthy. The dessert coupe cocktail glasses make even a simple aperitif feel straight out of a scene from a glamorous film, and because your friend take their hosting seriously, the Scrabble Bianco edition is attractive enough to leave out between gatherings. For astrology entertainers, the zodiac cocktail pick set needs to go straight in the gift bag, and the Aerin sculptural glass catchall bowl works double-duty.
For the Cozy Connoisseur
For the friend who can make a stressful day melt away with their curated comfort rituals, wrap up the cozy sherpa wearable throw from L.L. Bean, because it’s a hug you can wear around the house. The Ralph Lauren flagship candle is perfect for the relaxation expert who loves a touch of luxury, and the Pinch Provisions wind down kit will enhance their evening unwind routine. If your friend loves their tea time, that Yogi Tea relaxation sampler box is the ideal gift, and the pillow spray brings a five-star hotel sleep experience they can recreate at home. And my personal favorite: the Oak Essentials bath set will have your friend sinking into spa-level bliss, candles flickering around the tub.
For the Bookworm
For the friend who has strong opinions about book-to-movie adaptions and whose nightstand is perpetually stacked with literary treasures, give Byredo’s Bibliothèque candle, because it smells like old books and leather-bound wisdom. The author clock from MoMA is a unique gift, and the personal book embosser is perfect for marking their growing book collection. And if your friend loves cozy reading sessions, put that Pride and Prejudice blanket right in the gift bag. The adorable reading journal is a place to track all literary adventures and jot down favorite quotes, and the chic bookends from West Elm are the encouragement anyone needs to organize their shelves with style.
For the Traveler
Is your best friend’s passport full of stamps? Start with the Mark & Graham x Jennifer Lake packing cube set (because organization is the secret to vacation bliss). For the wanderer who’s learned that adventure comes with uninvited guests, the Diptyque bug spray should definitely make it into the travel arsenal, and the Ralph Lauren cashmere travel set is essential for long-haul flights (eye mask, pillow, and blanket included). And if your friend is serious about staying hydrated, that Owala water bottle should be heading straight to their carry-on. The chic suitcase is a generous size for the over-packer, and the Smythson passport cover will have your friend gliding through customs in luxury.
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she oversees the brand’s social media platforms, covers design trends and culture, and writes the monthly ELLE Decoroscope column. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art, and lifestyle.
