The Best Gifts to Give Your Friends for Under $40
As someone who considers gift-giving her love language, I absolutely thrive during the holidays. Choosing the perfect gift and wrapping it up with a big bow makes me truly giddy. From buying extra special gifts for friends to curating little tiny gift bags for coworkers or neighbors just because, gifting with purpose without breaking the bank is something I’m proud to say I have managed to learn how to do (after years of ignoring the fact that money doesn’t grow on Christmas trees, of course.) A wonderful and thoughtful gift doesn’t have anything to do with the price tag, and there are hundreds of incredible items that are actually affordable. Ahead, we are sharing under-$40 gifts for friends that you can give this holiday season, and rest assured that your end-of-year budget meeting with yourself won’t be a total disaster.
Nothing says “I’m classy, trendy, and have my life together” quite like a hair bow. We love this easy-to-secure hair tie that can be added to any hair style, no matter your friend’s hair texture.
These matchboxes are a fun, affordable gift for your astrology-obsessed loved ones. And they’re great for stocking stuffers, gift add-ons, or stylish party favors for holiday gatherings. Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off your first order!
Say hello to their new everyday emotional support water bottle. With 27 colors and the ability to customize with their name or favorite catch phrase for an additional $10, you’ll be sure to find their perfect match without breaking the bank.
This resurfacing mask is basically a facial in a jar. It smooths, brightens, and delivers an instant glow-up in under 10 minutes—all without leaving the comfort of their own home.
Believe me when I say that these icon juice glasses are having a knockout year. Everyone I know either owns them and loves them or has them on their list. No matter who you’re gifting to, this is a winning choice every time.
Dry, chapped lips, you can’t sit with us. When winter rears its ugly head and sucks all of the moisture out of our faces, these glossy lip balms will provide shine and a sense of relief that lasts all day. Gifting the duo means they can have one in their bag and one on their nightstand so they’re always covered. Pro tip: Make it a lip mask by applying a thick layer before bed and gently wiping it off in the A.M.
Available in sterling silver, gold, and rose gold, this delicate and dainty bracelet makes for the perfect personalized accessory that will be worn for years to come.
Why waste time guessing your way down the beauty aisle when you can gift four glowy products with the click of a button? This makeup and skincare kit from e.l.f. Cosmetics has four viral, MUA-approved staples that’ll give them the sunkissed glow they crave. Use code EVERYGIRL20 to get 20% off $45+ from now until 12/31!
I love gifting quirky socks just as much as I love receiving them. This pair from Anthropologie is only $12 and strikes the perfect balance between practical and trendy. They are available in five designs, but who doesn’t love a martini moment?
Featuring 60 original patterns, this deluxe coloring book is great for relaxing, unwinding, and focusing. The best part about this particular book is that you can use markers and gel pens without the risk of color bleeding through.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that this custom birthstone ring is under $35. Adorned with your choice of baguette and pear-cut gemstones, it is just as special and stunning as it is affordable.
This origami-inspired phone stand has been labeled the “shy girl tripod” by TikTok and for good reason. It only takes a few seconds to flip open and set up, making it the ultimate hack for getting content on the go (without making a fuss).
Anything that doubles as a cute accessory and keeps us warm in the winter is an automatic win, which is why we adore this Mongolian cashmere twist headband.
3 colors available
This classic tote bag is made from heavyweight canvas and has reinforced handles and double-stitched seams, so you can rest assured that no matter what your friend uses it for, it will stay intact for years to come.
10+ colors available
A hand-drawn martini olive phone case?! Say less. Your trendy friend will adore this case. Not to mention, it’s impact resistant and compatible with various iPhone generations.
Give the gift of healthy hair and skin this year. This 100 percent mulberry silk pillowcase can help skin and hair feel more hydrated, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize dreaded bed head.
10 + colors available
Brighten up any friends’ morning cup of coffee or evening cup of tea with this charming mug. Each of these striped mugs are made from scratch, ensuring a unique, high-quality product.
3 colors available
The perfect gift for list-makers and multi-taskers: everyone needs a planner or calendar to keep their life in order.
This spa set includes a full-size ice roller, silk sleep mask, gua sha, exfoliating mitt, hair clip, shower steamer, scalp massager, and silk scrunchie. And it’s only $35!
A desktop companion that we believe every single person who works at a desk needs, this coffee mug and warmer is affordable and adorable. What more could you ask for?
5 colors available
From book club to after-dinner drinks, these conversational card decks are a must-have to get to know those around you. They are so unique, we can almost guarantee your friend doesn’t have a deck already.
This versatile multi-use cleanser can be used for both hands and body, but its the lilac pump and the fact that its made with naturally-fragrant essential oils that makes it a stand-out gift.
This hat has the perfect worn-in fit and texture, making it timeless and low-key at the same time. We might be a little bias, but with the Everygirl logo embroidered front and center, it’s the cutest hat we’ve seen all season and one we think anyone on your list will love.
Yes, brushes this chic do exist. It offers quick, easy, and painless detangling for all hair types, so whoever is receiving this gorgeous brush will benefit from smooth, shiny, and tangle free hair for the foreseeable. Plus, it’ll look gorgeous on their vanity.
READ: 40+ Practical Gifts They’ll Actually Use
These are the ultimate cool-girl reusable bags. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Available in tons of colors and patterns, this baby-sized bag can be used for lunch, extra shoes, a trip to the store, and more.
10+ patterns available
Carries 2-3 plastic grocery bags worth of stuff comfortably in hand or over your shoulder
Holds up to 50lbs
Folds into its own flat 5″ × 5″ pouch
For the girly-girl in your life, this bow mug will without-a-doubt compliment their already feminine kitchen. At just under $30, it’s a super charming gift to give.
Help any friend start their day on a positive foot by gifting these beautiful pink and red cards that are filled with mindful motivation prompts.
The candle scent that we all know and love is a no-fail gift idea time and time again. Available in multiple sizes, you can gift whichever one fits your gifting budget best.
Made with real pressed wildflowers, this bookmark is a beautiful addition to any reader’s collection.
Suitable for all hair types, Mielle’s rosemary mint scalp oil and hair masque help to quickly nourish and strengthen hair, smooth split ends, and soothe dry scalps.
I am so obsessed with these bow scuff slippers, I even bought a pair for myself. Available with a blue or red bow, these $20 memory foam slippers will be a total hit.
2 colors available
The lip treatment we all can’t stop raving about because it makes our lips naturally plump and pillowy-soft will quickly become a favorite of the friends that you’re gifting it to.
This classic initial necklace can be customized with any letters, words, names, or symbols, so you can make it extra special for any of your friends.
Monogrammed items are a must-have, and phone cases are always a welcome gift. These leather hard shell cases are handmade, and feature a beautiful monogram.
Complete with a large clip and a comb for detangling stubborn locks, we love these gorgeous and sturdy accessories for mastering any hairstyle.
6 colors available
Gifting a pair of cooling hydrogel under eye masks that fade the look of dark circles and discoloration so your friend can kick back and let their worries fade away? Consider this your go-to affordable gift of the year.
This delicate-yet-addictive fragrance belongs in any girl’s going out bag. Not only is it the perfect warm and spicy scent, but it’s vegan and cruelty-free, which are added bonuses.
When you spritz this mist on your pillow before bed. it instantly creates a more relaxing atmosphere. This is a great gift for your friend who takes their closing shift seriously.
A soft quilted bag with a sweet cherry print is not a want but a need for any beauty-loving friend you have.
So every book that your friend lends to another finds it way back home, gift them this custom book embosser personalized with their birth flower.
For your crafty friend or your friend who is looking for a new creative hobby, this paper marbling guide is the ultimate gift. They will be guided through five easy-to-follow projects so they can master the technique.
These herbs, spices, and seasonings will elevate any pizza—no matter if its made from scratch or taken straight from a freezer box. I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t want to make a slice taste even better.
We love these wavy personalized keychains because they perfectly blend fun and function. Choose from sturdy denim or classic canvas, add a name or a word to be embroidered, and gift it to any (or all!) friends in your life.
READ: What I’m Buying to Decorate for the Holidays with a $150 Budget
This is for the person on your list who takes their signs very seriously or simply wants to know more about the stars. For just under $12, each book provides 112 pages of insight about its corresponding sign.
A 1000 piece puzzle, a reusable and resealable bag, and a bonus double-sided fold-out poster are all included in this box. Not into the cat design? Don’t worry. This is available in five different designs.
This is quite possibly the coolest vase I’ve seen. Made to look like a newspaper is wrapping around your flowers, this ceramic vase is a showstopper. We can’t believe it’s under $40.
As soon as I saw these ruffle socks, they became an immediate need. You friend will be just as obsessed as I am with this ultra-comfy neutral set.
Available in seven gorgeous shades, this $12 bow hair clip is both on-trend and practical, which are two things we love. Gift their favorite color or gift a few different ones, depending on your budget.
7 colors available
Facial tools can be sneaky expensive, but not this one. It’s just as affordable as it is effective, and since it can be used for any skin type, you can gift it to quite literally anyone on your list. Who wouldn’t want brighter and firmer skin?
Gift this colorful notepad as is or pair it with a few pens and small desk essentials. Either way, your most Type-A friend will thank you!
Combining the functions of traditional gua sha facial tools and ice globes, these stainless steel facial sticks are the ultimate self-care gift to give. Who needs a salon when you can get lifted, firm skin at home?
Five days of sheet masks come in this set, making it any beauty gurus dream gift. From firming to nourishing, there is a mask for whatever skin woe is taking a toll.
Where are our animal-loving friends? This adorable mug is available in pink with cat breeds and green with dog breeds, so it’s suitable for any pet parent you know.
This plaid scarf comes in four unique color combinations, so no matter your friends style, you can be sure this cozy and warm scarf will be a hit.
4 colors available
Adding velvet laces to an already trendy pair of sneakers screams “cool girl.” We love the texture that these bring and the personality they will add to any look.
Whether you know a gal with dry AF skin or one that takes her hydration seriously, this portable humidifier is a must-have for keeping your hair, skin, and health in check.
9 colors available
We didn’t know we could love anything as much as we love Bombas. These ultra-soft socks offer arch support and an anti-blister tab which makes us love them even more. Trust us, you’re going to want to gift these and get a pair for yourself, too.
READ: Under-$25 White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Want to Steal
There is something about Anthropologie’s mugs that feel ultra luxe. At just $16, this “Holiday in the City” mug would make a perfect gift alone or paired with a gift card.
7 locations available
I am all for a multi-purpose product. This scrunchie features a large hidden pocket that can hold keys, makeup, earbuds, or cash for when a purse is just not in the cards. Personally? This is the exact kind of thing that will hold my essentials to help me get around stadium clear bag policies.
Travel jewelry cases aren’t just a want, they are a need, and we love this affordable option because of its functionality. If you need further convincing that this is a great pick, just look at the 13k reviews.
9 colors available
A french pastry baking mix, 12 dark-chocolate batons, baking yeast, and a parchment-forming envelope come in this Pain au Chocolat Kit, making it almost too easy to bake pastries that transport you straight to Paris.
I audibly gasped when I saw these monogram candle charms, and whoever you’re gifting it to will too. Pair them with your favorite candle and you’ve created the most thoughtful, creative, and stunning gift.
Pet tarot cards? Are you kidding? I couldn’t be more obsessed. Whether you want to gift a cat or dog deck, it will come with a sturdy keepsake box, 78 tarot cards, and a guidebook.
Cats and dogs available!
For astrology lovers or puzzle fanatics, gift this bright puzzle featuring zodiacs and constellations. It includes a magnetic keepsake box that looks great on a bookshelf or coffee table, too.
This colorful and quirky trinket tray is made from porcelain and has a gold rim, making it the perfect addition to any nightstand to hold rings, keys, change, or anything else you might want to keep in a safe place.
This modern Italian cookbook is packed with 115+ delicious recipes—plus, it includes thoughts on creating a fuller life for yourself and the people around you.
Designed to alleviate stress and anxiety, gifting a weighted sleep mask is like gifting self-care. Since it’s lightly weighted and made from soft fleece, it’s both comfortable and effective.
6 colors available
Hailey Bouche, Associate Editor
As an Associate Editor for The Everygirl, Hailey Bouche oversees, writes, and edits content across various categories on the site. From the pitching stage through publishing, she works alongside the team to ensure that the content that our readers see every day is inspiring, relatable, and timely.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of CVS, Stanley, Minted, Sephora, ELF, and MOFT but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
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