International Friendship Day is almost upon us (30 July, people!) and what better excuse to treat your favourite humans?
These tricky past few years have taught us the true value of friendship and relationships. And this, of course, includes the one with ourselves. Which brings us on to how to treat your friends, (or yourself) whether it’s for a birthday, another special occasion, just to say, ‘thinking of you’ or even for International Friendship Day.
We have curated a gift guide full of things we not only rate, but would also love to receive. Whether your budget is tight or more free flowing, we have a gift to suit all occasions.
From personalised chocolate from Tony's Chocolonely, to the chicest summer scents from Diptyque and Tom Ford, check out the gallery below and get treating…
The Best Gifts To Buy Your Best Friends
Jean Jullien Book, Amazon
Raise a smile or two with this brilliant, whimsical book by French illustrator, Jean Jullien. Once they get past the brilliant, display-worthy cover, this is the perfect book to dip in every time they need a giggle.
More of You Kit, £54, Glossier
For a sure-fire winner, try this cool set from Glossier. Treat her to the iconic, powdery scent adored by beauty editors, everywhere.
Ear Cuff Set, £32, Matchbox
Upgrade her ear stack (without the pain) with this super-sweet set of three ear cuffs from Matchbox.
Regina Pyo Notebook, £23 each, Papier
You can’t go wrong with monogrammed stationery, and Papier are by far the coolest. We love their new collab with Regina Pyo.
Smiley Star Light, £85, Mr Maria
Inject some serious fun into their space with this brilliant, dimmable, light by Mr Maria.
Open Studio, Amazon
Artistic pals will love this Phaidon book filled with inspiring studio spaces and creative projects they can have a go at themselves.
Rosie Sugden Cashmere Bed Socks, £35, Fortnum & Mason
For the person who has everything, what's better than a pair of luxe cashmere socks?! Especially when they come in this unusual spearmint green hue.
Bowie Cat Print, from £23, Fy
We are huge fans of Fy’s affordable prints, and with such a huge range, there really is something to suit all tastes. We will be treating our friends to this cute Bowie cat print.
Flower Paper Sculpture, £11.20, Octaevo
For a unique yet affordable gift, look no further than these buildable flower structures from Octaevo. They can keep this on their mantlepiece forever - which is far longer than can be said for the average bunch of flowers.
Rose Sparkling Tea, £17.95, Fortnum & Mason
Non-drinkers rejoice! For this rose sparkling tea is beyond delicious and our number one choice for an afternoon in the sun.
Smiley Mirror, £18, Ciate London
Beauty junkies will love this cute hand mirror - and at just £18, it’s a steal too!
Set of 3 Small Scented Candles, £94, Diptyque
We love this curation of Diptyque’s three summeriest scents, featuring packaging gorgeously illustrated by French artist, Matthieu Cossé. But get in quick, as this set is limited edition.
You Got This Ceramic Mug, £12, Oliver Bonas
Remind them that they really do have this, every single time they reach for that refill, with this sweet mug from Oliver Bonas.
Baccarat Rouge 540, £90, Harvey Nichols
Indulge her with this luxe, unisex body oil from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. She will be left silky smooth, and smelling of warm summer nights. Think Jasmine mingling with woody amber.
Personalised Chocolate Bar, £6, Tony’s Chocolonely
For a mere £6, you can design her a completely unique Tony’s Chocolonely bar. And the design tool is really very simple. Select your font, illustrations and flavour, then type in your words and you’re ready to go. If you get stuck then just pop on one of their templates and bam! You have yourself a thoughtful gift for under a tenner.
Personalised Wool Throw, £80, Not Another Bill
You can’t go far wrong with personalisation – especially if you are selecting from Not Another Bill’s chic curation. We love this cozy, luxe throw that would look as good wrapped around them, as it would casually draped on a sofa.
Cat Kitchen Timer, £7.50, Oliver Bonas
Bakers will love this super-useful kitchen timer. It’s sure to raise a smile every single time they use it.
Platinum Plus Hair Straightener, £229, GHD
If she's a hair tech aficionado and you're keen to splurge, make a play for ghd's iconic Platinum Plus edition.
Kona Glass Espresso Cups, £22.50 for four, Oliver Bonas
These retro espresso cups are an inspired gift for coffeeholics. They are not only affordable, but will also add a cute pop of colour to their kitchen shelf.
Tiny Smiley Necklace, £18, SWYC
Remind her to keep smiling with this super-cute, tiny gold-plated necklace from SWYC.
Ilio Hair Mist and Eau de Toilette, from £45, Diptyque
Instantly transport them to the rugged Mediterranean coast with this rich, sunny scent from Diptyque. We love the cute limited-edition illustrated bottles.
Stress Check Mood Manager and Sleep Plus Pillow Spray, from £15, This Works
Help her keep her stress in check with this mini day spray and night-time sleep spray combo, which will help her keep calm, all around the clock. We can personally attest to the fact that this stuff works.
Set of 3 Frida Kahlo Vases, £23, Sass and Belle
Surprise your feminist friend with this cute set of mini Frida Kahlo vases. Flowers or no flowers, they will really make a statement.
Silly Sushi Soft Toys, £16 each, Jelly Cat
Thought soft toys were just for kids? Think again. Pop one of these little guys in her kitchen for a guaranteed smile. And if sushi’s not her thing, then check out all the other food Jelly Cat makes look cute. Brie, anyone?!
Marc De Champagne Truffle and Champagne Luxury Gift Set, £100
This super-luxe set is perfect for a special occasion. Pop the fizz and see how long the three different truffle favours last. (Clue: Not very).
Best-cool-gifts-for-friends-Ortigia-Sicilia-Florio-Bath-Salts
These are the prettiest bath salts we’ve seen in a while, and my god, they smell divine. Think warm, spring florals.
Rouge Beaded Bracelet Stacking Set, £75, Edge of Ember
These pretty layered bracelets are a chic, modern twist on the layered friendship bracelets of those long hazy teenage summers.
Hewa Eyes Bucket Bag, £129, The Basket Room
The Basket Room’s new sisal bag, Hewa, was crafted ethically in Kenya by a small weaving group, and is the perfect way to inject some fun into your mate's/your wardrobe.
Duralex Manhattan Glass Tumblers, Amazon
Drawing inspiration from the Manhattan skyline, these classic reeded tumblers from Duralex would make for a stylish, super-useful, yet affordable gift.
4% ABV Hard Seltzer, £18 for 6 cans, Have a Good One
In the brand’s own words: ‘Life is short. Have a good one’. And we are here for it. Treat her to a mixed pack of these cool craft sodas (the raspberry, basil and lime is to die for) and pray she brings them along to your next picnic.
Sip: 100 Gin Cocktails, Amazon
This smart book from Sipsmith contains 100 gin-based cocktails using, and here’s the clever bit, just three ingredients. The ideal gift to elevate their evening drink.
Tom Ford Eau De Soleil Blanc, from £94, The Perfume Shop
It doesn’t get much summery than this refreshing, unisex scent from Tom Ford that literally translates as ‘white sun water’. Think lazy summer days in the Med.
Olaplex Bundle, £84, Look Fantastic
Buy them the gift of strong, shiny hair with this brilliant set from Olaplex, the brand that beauty eds swear by.
Day of Gratitude Journal, £24, Mål Paper
Set them on the right path each day with this super-positive gratitude journal from Mål.
Discovery Bathing Set, £21, Molton Brown
Treat them to a different shower scent every single day with this cute discovery set from Molten Brown. Comprising ten of the brand’s best-selling bath and shower gels, whether they save this for their holidays or crack it open straight away, it’s a sure-fire winner.
Moonshot Gin, £30.95, Master Of Malt
For a real talking point, why not try this other-earthly gin from That Boutique-y Gin Company. The botanicals have quite literally been shot up into space then combined with lunar meteorite to create this rather moreish gin.