A Best Friend Gift Is Hard to Define, But Here Are 20 I’d Give Mine

I’ve made a tradition (and sport) out of dreaming up the pitch-perfect list of holiday gifts for my best friend. I like to think of it as a lighthearted reflection on the past 365 days, of our experiences together and everything she’s had going on. Last year, it was all about settling in and finding her groove in a city that has become home. This round, it’s about expanding her worldview (she’s crisscrossing the country in the name of love) and creature comforts for some respite during this busy time in her life. If I had one giant box to fill with presents for my BFF, these are the 20 I’d put in it. 

Gifts to Go Bicoastal in Style

While work still takes her cross-country these days, it’s love that keeps her in California longer. Being on a plane that often isn’t the most restful, nor is it kind to your skin. I’d definitely be gifting her one of these travel pillows from Purple—not only for the long flights, but because she spends so many nights in hotels. It packs up tight in a compression case and is made with the same materials and construction as the brand’s Harmony pillow. An ultralight, slim travel brush from Machete would also make it into this year’s big bag, as would Mantle’s Hydra Serum. Instead of packing a breakable bottle of scented spritz, I’d send her with Maison Balzac’s solid Le Jardin perfume to grab post-flight.

Gifts to Make Her Feel Cute

She loves a fresh face and a proper manicure (whether one done at home or at the salon), so I’d be wrapping up a tube of Noto’s Hydra highlighter stick—it goes on natural and dewy, not glittery—with this Hermès nail and cuticle oil. I know she would love the butter color of this cozy Line & Dot Royce wool scarf, and it’s under $100, to boot. Lastly, she’s a Gap girl for life, and, lately, very into mesh looks. I’d pick up this floral number for her to rock while biking around the city or out dancing.

Gifts to Keep Her Exploring

My best friend isn’t the best at sitting still. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing—she has a seemingly endless well of energy and zeal for life. This year, I want to help her channel that into exploring even more, whether through cooking or getting outdoors. First, I’d gift her this cookbook all about Singaporean food; it’s her heritage and promises simple home cooking. (Fingers crossed I get a meal out of it.) I also know the power of cooking with life-changing spices: This Big Night box is such a smart gift, particularly because of the inclusion of Daphnis & Chloe’s Whole Thyme Flowers and Smoked Chili Flakes. There’s very little weather that keeps her from cycling over to me for weeknight dinners, so I want to make it even easier for her to stay safe while schlepping with this collapsible helmet. She’s spending more time in California these days and loves desert hiking—these Hokas are cool enough for her to tool around town in or get out to Joshua Tree.

Gifts to Host So Many Ice Cream Parties

She has an ice cream–dedicated finsta, so it’s a no-brainer that she’d be getting some treats. Here’s the rundown. I’d start with this adorable bowl and spoon set from the MoMA Design Store—the motif was created in 19th-century Italy. Then I’d throw in an Alessi ice cream scoop, which would be beautiful even stashed out on a shelf. Brightland’s Ice Cream Topper set, which includes its Lucid Lemon Olive Oil, and Orange Blossom Honey, is another top contender. We’d hit home base with six pints from one of her favorite makers like Noona’s or Jeni’s.

Gifts to Live With Flowers Everywhere

Bouquets, branches, single stems—she loves it all. I want to give flowers to her in all forms so every room in the house can feel like a garden. Flamingo Estate’s Garden Tour pulls from scents and tastes from across the L.A. property’s grounds (there’s a mini version, too, if that’s your speed). She’s the first to tell you she’s sentimental, so I’d get her this new book that’s all about floral arrangements inspired by anonymous notes. A Dusen Dusen Tulip pillow will add just the right pop to her bedroom, and floral tapers crafted by Mexican legend Viviana looks good on display anywhere, lit or not.