14 Gifts for Best Friends Under $20

Print the inside joke, the terrible photo from that one trip, or the quote only the two of you understand on a mug they'll use every morning. Online print shops and Etsy sellers turn these around quickly. It's the kind of gift that makes them laugh out loud when they open it, which is the whole point.

Best for

The friend you share a million inside jokes with.

Skip if

The joke could embarrass them in front of family or coworkers who'll see the mug.

Pura Vida's waxed-string bracelets are handmade by artisans in Costa Rica, and they're adjustable and waterproof, so they can stay on through showers and swims. Buy two in the same colour, one each. It's the grown-up version of the friendship bracelets you traded as kids.

Best for

Sentimental best friends.

Skip if

Your friend never wears jewellery. It'll live in a drawer.

Satin scrunchies are gentler on hair than elastic ties, so there are fewer dents and less breakage. Kitsch sells them in multi-packs of pretty colours. They're a small upgrade that feels a bit luxurious, and everyone with long hair loses scrunchies constantly.

Best for

Friends with medium to long hair.

Skip if

They have short hair or always wear it down.

Nobody knows their snack order like you do: the specific chips, the candy they hoard, the drink they're obsessed with this year. Fill a box with crinkle paper and pack in a mix of all-time favourites. Add something new you think they'll love. It's cheap, personal and gone within a week.

Best for

Every best friend, especially one going through a rough week.

Skip if

They're on a strict diet right now. Snacks could feel like pressure rather than a treat.

Their dog's or cat's face, printed all over a pair of socks. It's hilarious and heartwarming at the same time, and pet owners wear them with pride. Upload a clear, front-facing photo with good light for the best result, and order at least a week ahead, because custom printing takes time.

Best for

The pet-obsessed friend.

Skip if

Their pet has recently died. Wait, or choose a gentle memorial gift instead.

A shiny, hydrating lip oil from e.l.f. that's often compared to luxury versions costing four times as much. Pick two shades and keep one for yourself. It's an easy beauty treat that's hard to get wrong, and it tucks into a card or a stocking.

Best for

Beauty lovers.

Skip if

They're loyal to a luxury brand. They may see a budget dupe as a step down.

For the friend who puts chili crisp on eggs, noodles and ice cream, Fly By Jing's version is the one foodies rave about. It's crunchy, numbing and deeply savoury. It's a small jar with a big personality, and it gets used up, which makes it an easy gift to repeat.

Best for

The foodie friend.

Skip if

They can't handle spice. Choose a fancy honey or jam instead.

A cute, fast card game where you pass hands of sushi cards around and try to collect the best combinations. It takes five minutes to learn, a round takes about fifteen, and it fits in a pocket. That makes it perfect for coffee dates, trips and sleepovers. It works with two to five players.

Best for

The competitive friend who always wants to play something.

Skip if

They hate games. Some people do, and that's OK.

A multi-pack of sheet masks from Korean brands like Mediheal or TONYMOLY turns a normal evening into a self-care night. Even better: give the pack along with a plan to do face masks and a bad movie together. It's inexpensive and pampering, and it feels like an event.

Best for

The stressed-out friend.

Skip if

They have very sensitive skin. Stick to fragrance-free masks or skip it.

BAGGU's ripstop nylon bags fold into a tiny pouch, hold a surprising amount of groceries, and come in fun prints: cherries, cats, checkerboards. Pick the print that is so them. It's useful every week, and it's the rare practical gift that feels fun.

Best for

The eco-conscious friend.

Skip if

They already have a drawer full of tote bags. Check before you add another.

Write thirty reasons on slips of coloured paper (memories, compliments, jokes) and fill a glass jar with a cork lid. They can pull one out on bad days. It costs next to nothing, takes an evening, and friends save these for years.

Best for

Anyone who needs a confidence boost.

Skip if

Your friend is uncomfortable with open emotion. A funny gift may land better.

Tiny angel figures in themed hats (fruits, animals, desserts) are a big collecting craze, with people perching them on the edge of their phone or monitor. Part of the fun is not knowing which one is inside. Buy two and open them together to see who gets the better one.

Best for

The collector friend.

Skip if

They're not into cute collectibles. Out of context, it's a small plastic doll.

Bath & Body Works candles come in dozens of seasonal scents and go on sale often, which makes them a friend-gift staple. Choose a scent that matches a memory, like the beach you visited or the season of their birthday. It adds a nice story to a simple gift.

Best for

The homebody.

Skip if

They have pets that are sensitive to scents, or asthma. Choose a different treat.

Nostalgic, a bit cheesy and very sweet: each friend wears half of a heart. It's a playful throwback for friends who've known each other since school. Some people keep them for decades, long after they stop wearing them. Choose stainless steel so it doesn't tarnish in the first month.

Best for

Friends since childhood.

Skip if

Your friend has a sensitive metal allergy. Look for stainless steel or sterling silver.