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37 No-Fail Gift Ideas under $40 Your Bestie Will Love

Gift giving can feel like such a minefield. First, you have to consider who you’re getting a gift for. While you don’t need to worry so much about people that you’re not close with, shopping for your bestie can be nerve-racking experience. On the one hand, you want to get something awesome. But you also don’t want to get something so extravagant that your friend feels forced to repay the favor. You want to pick something that not only is budget-friendly, but also doesn’t look like you snagged it from the bargain bin at the local dollar store.

So, what’s a friend to do when they want to get something nice that isn’t too expensive but will be welcomed by their bestie? They check out this cool list of 37 awesome finds that will have your friend jumping for joy and your bank account looking at you approvingly.

Editorial Note: We review everything independently. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
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A Refreshing Beauty Treat

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If you know your bestie like the back of your hand, then you should know whether they’re obsessed with all things skincare or not. If they are, then they’ll appreciate getting this firming eye gel from Eva Naturals without giving you the side eye. This gel is packed with matrixyl 3000, vitamin E, and plenty of amino acids that help to plump the skin while encouraging collagen production.

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Recognize the Mamas in Your Life

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Motherhood is far from easy. And this little token of appreciation will help the mamas in your friends’ circle feel seen. This simple 14-karat gold necklace is available in white, yellow, and rose gold and can be worn alone or layered for a more modern effect. Along with being hypoallergenic, this chain measures 16 inches with an additional two-inch extender.

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Essentials for Crafters

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We’ve all got a few crafters in our friend group. So, it makes sense that you’ll also want to consider some practical gifts that you know they’ll use again and again. This three-pack of heat resistant silicone sheets from Popco is a smart investment that your friend will appreciate. Each sheet measures 16.5 by 11.7 inches and is made from food-grade silicone. And it’s durable enough that your friends can cut on them without worrying about damaging the sheet.

A Friendship for Forever

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If you’ve been through the ringer with your bestie and then some, pick a gift that lets them know that you’ll be there for them forever. This simple infinity bracelet is a great unisex option with an adjustable rope design that’s easy to get on and off their wrists. Available in six cord colors, the infinity charm is made from stainless steel for added durability.

For the Bold Friends

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If you’ve got those friends who are always creating makeup looks and going live on social platforms, this fun eight-pack set of black light neon body paint is going to be a welcome addition to their makeup kit. This body-safe paint is richly pigmented. More importantly, they are UV and black light functional, making them a great two-in-one solution.

Supplies for Your Next Sip and Paint Event

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All right, we’ll admit that this is a shared gift. But if you and your crew like to get together and sip wine while you let your creative impulses go free, this large 12-pack of canvases is a smart gift. Each canvas measures eight by 10 inches and is compatible with oil, acrylic, or even watercolor paints. The canvas is made from 100% cotton. While we’re showing the eight by 10 selection, there’s a wide range of styles, and you can even opt for more canvases in the pack if you prefer.

For the Beauty Economist

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Hold on, we know that this gift might not look like much. But serious beauty fans know that considering how much you can spend on makeup, you want to get every last drop out of those bottles! This Beauty Spatty is a slim spatula designed to do exactly that. With a six-inch handle, it will fit in nearly every kind of makeup, serum, or even lotion bottle.

A Dainty Chain for Layering

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You can never go wrong with jewelry. And this dainty 14-karat gold butterfly necklace is a great option that will be generally well received by practically anyone. With 14-karat gold plating, you can also be fairly confident that it won’t cause irritation even for that friend with super sensitive skin. Note that this is a 16-inch chain with a two-inch extender.

A Cool Pair of Dangly Earrings

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For that trendy, fashion-forward friend, it’s time to get them some accessories to help complete that outfit. This set of dangling turquoise earrings is set on 14-karat gold chains, making them perfect for casual or more dressed-up settings. And you’ll like that these are hypoallergenic, too.

A Stylish Bag They’ll Always Use

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Straw handbags don’t have to look basic. And this fun rattan bag from BagDepot is a serious style elevation. This handmade bag is fully lined and comes with a carrying strap so that your friend can easily rock this look. They’ll know that this bag is perfect for day or night.

This Makeup Palette Has Got Me Blushing

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I’m a sucker for a good pun, especially makeup puns. This Flamingoals blush palette has the cutest names for each color that are perfect for different occasions. Their blushes are vegan/cruelty-free, made with highly pigmented colors that last. Plus, they make the perfect gift because they work on all skin tones!

Mama Mia! This Face Wash Has Got It All

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Skin routines are annoying because there are so many steps involved. That’s why my bestie got me this glycolic acid face wash that has everything I need in one bottle. It gently exfoliates your skin making it smoother and brighter with a refreshed feel. It also treats scars, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of aging. Perfect for lazy peeps like me, ha!

Day to Night Gold Earrings

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If your friend loves hoops but can’t rock their big ones when they’re at the office, this is a nice set of braided 14-karat gold hoops that work for corporate and casual settings. These chunky hoops are hypoallergenic and still make a statement even if they’re not oversized.

The Perfect Pick for Cozy Days

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Not every day has to be spent getting into trouble with your crew. Sometimes you just want to stay home. And this set of slipper socks from Luther Pike Seattle is the perfect way to stay cozy when the weather turns cool. With a wide range of colors, you’ll like that the soles have grip for safety but that these are lined with fleece for added warmth. You’ll want to get a pair for yourself, too!

This Leather Journal Makes Me Feel Important

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I’m a notebook hoarder and I’m proud. I love collecting pretty notebooks and this one is by far my favorite! This vintage top grain leather journal is especially good for diary entries because it has lined paper and a designated spot for the date in the top right corner. I also got this beautiful sun and moon design because, well, I couldn’t resist!

Bolder Artwork with Glow-in-the-Dark Paint

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You can never have too many media when you’re an artist. This eight-pack of glow-in-the-dark paints from Luminous is the perfect gift for that artist in your social circle. Along with long-lasting phosphorescence, these paints can be used on canvas, wood, metal, plastic, and more. Each pot contains 0.7 fluid ounces of paint.

A Brush for Flawless Skin

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This might seem like an unlikely gift. But again, if you know your friend, and know that they’re obsessed with skincare, this pick is spot on. This exfoliating body brush is designed to banish ingrown hairs and razor bumps and is meant to be used in the shower. So, for that friend who is always focused on achieving baby smooth skin, this is going to be a gift that keeps on giving. Choose from three colors.

A Ring to Satisfy Their Inner Goth

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If you have that friend that used to be all emo or goth back in the day, and still likes to let their alternative flag fly from time to time, these rings are a great option. With three different styles to choose from, and sizing that works for both men and women, these Blaze Belts dragon rings are a great way for your friends to channel their inner goth or emo energy without going all out. These rings are made from stainless steel for added durability and to protect sensitive skin. Choose from sizes five through seven for women, and size 10 for men.

Get a Little Cheeky with This Keychain

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There’s something fun about those tongue-in-cheek gifts. This fun keychain is a twist on that popular coffee chain and also gives a nod to your hard-working friends. This cute novelty gift is the perfect little item to give to show you care.

An Essential Kit for Designers

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If you know someone who loves to design clothes or even create home decor, then this smart sewing kit from Artika is a must-have. It comes with everything they need to sew, or get started with crocheting. Along with scissors, you’ll get wonder clips, goldeneye sewing needles, 40 pearl sewing pins, 38 popular sewing thread colors, as well as a thimble and threader. Plus they’ll get other essentials such as a 4.0 millimeter crochet hook, extra buttons and safety pins, and measuring tape.

Low-Maintenance Jewelry for Free Spirits

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Not everyone is into gold jewelry. So, for those low-maintenance friends, this simple rope braided bracelet from Wind Passion is a great alternative. Available in a wide range of colors, you’ll like that it stays secure thanks to the built-in magnet. This is the perfect gift for a friend who likes the idea of jewelry but is always spending time outdoors in more intense activities where traditional jewelry won’t make sense.

An Essential for the Outdoorsy Types

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If you have a friend who’s always hiking or hitting the water in a kayak, they need a solid solution to keep their essentials dry. This dry bag from Wise Owl Outfitters is the perfect solution. This three-pack comes with three sizes — five, 10, and 20 liters. The waterproof material and smart construction is designed to keep their gear dry. Meanwhile, these packs are lightweight and won’t become a liability when they’re out in the field.

A Jewelry Set They’ll Always Rock

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Some people prefer simple jewelry that also makes a statement without as much fuss. This two-piece necklace and bracelet chain set is the perfect everyday jewelry solution. Designed to look like paper clips, you’ll get 14 karat gold jewelry that’s hypoallergenic. The necklaces measures 15.5 inches with a two-inch extender. Meanwhile the bracelet is seven inches with a two-inch extender.

A Gift for Road Warriors

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Once again, when you know your friends, even the most mundane gift can be much appreciated. Our phones are essential these days. So, getting that one road warrior friend a car charger adapter is a good idea. This way, they’ll never send you that “my phone died” text again simply because they were on the road with no way to charge their phone.

For the Tech Obsessed

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We all have that one friend who can’t get enough of the latest and greatest tech gadgets. If you (or they) aren’t up for spending a crazy amount of money on the latest gadget, your wallet will appreciate this affordable set of VR goggles. They’re compatible with both the latest model Android and iPhone smartphones. Better still, they weigh less than a pound.

Give Their Home an Upgrade

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If that one friend keeps dropping hints that they want to add mood lighting to their home, they’ll appreciate this LED light strip. It’s easy to install, and is designed to offer 15 ambient colors, as well as 10 brightness modes. It can be quickly attached to the back of their television and even comes with a remote for easy controls.

Help Them Create Order Out of Chaos

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For those friends that still rock physical DVDs instead of streaming everything, this storage box is a smart upgrade. Help them organize their movie collection with a box that can store up to 26 DVD cases. This pick measures six by 8.2 by 16.5 inches. And it’s rather stylish with a sturdy black frame accented by chrome hardware.

Don’t Laugh, They’ll like This One

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Before you raise your eyebrows, let’s just agree that all of us struggle to scratch our backs alright? This LiBa back and neck massager is the perfect solution for when you’re home alone and have that one annoying itch that your hands just can’t reach. The curved design makes it easy to reach those difficult areas. Choose from seven colors, and let your friend know that this can also double as a massager.

Keep Their Fitness Goals on Track

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If you’re tired of hearing “new year, new me” and then your friends letting that resolution fall apart two weeks into the year, this set of fitness cards is the perfect way to keep them on track. You’ll get a total of 50 different exercise cards, each measuring 3.5 by five inches. The large workout routine cards show step by step instructions for popular bodyweight exercises that are guaranteed to create results. And these are made from moisture-resistant plastic materials.

So They Stop Sleeping in Their Makeup

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It’s 2022, and we all should know by now that sleeping in your makeup is a great way to end up with bad skin. But if you have that one friend who keeps claiming that they forgot to take off their makeup, this Nano Towel makeup remover washcloth is the perfect solution. They can remove makeup simply by wetting the towel — so no more excuses.

The Perfect Tool to Stay Limber

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Whether you’ve got a friend who’s training for a marathon or is simply focused on staying in shape, this calf stretcher from ProStretch is a smart investment. It’s designed to keep their muscles in tip-top condition, and can also work for people struggling with foot issues like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. And the small size won’t take up much space in their home.

Big Hair Don’t Care

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For that friend who’s always trying to add more volume to their locks, get them this eight-pack set of ceramic rollers from Kitsch. Made with a vented design, they’re self-gripping and can be used with blow dryers to lock in volume. This set comes in a range of sizes — 1.5, two, and 2.25 inches so that they can be used all over their head.

An At-Home Spa Experience

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Help your friend unwind without the need for an appointment at their favorite (and probably expensive) spa. This facial mask from PerfeCore has gel beads, which can be put in the microwave or freezer for hot and cold therapy. Choose from four colors. Bonus: this is also a great solution for that friend who suffers from migraines.

A Quick Workout That Can Go Anywhere

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This is for that one friend who keeps saying they want to start working out but that they don’t have time to go to the gym. These core slider discs from URBNFit can be used on hard or carpeted flooring. And all you need is just a little bit of space to start exercising. That means there are no more excuses for getting a total body workout.

The Perfect Yoga Accessory

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If we’re being honest, not all yoga mats are created equal. And if you don’t have one that’s made with EVA foam, some of those yoga poses can put more punishment on your knees than you’d like. So, this yoga knee pad from Florensi is the best accessory to get that yoga friend of yours who’s always complaining about their knees. Note that it can also work for any activity where your friend has to spend extended periods kneeling.

Hair-Friendly Scrunchies for That Tress-Obsessed Friend

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Especially if you have a friend with curly or coily hair, you’ve probably heard them say that they don’t use just any hair tie in their hair. These silk scrunchies from Kitsch are the perfect alternative. Designed to glide over hair rather than snag it, they’re ideal for preventing friction. More importantly, they won’t get tangled in even the curliest or coiliest hair types.

These Eye Gels for a Fresh-Faced Look

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In a perfect world, looking rested would simply be a matter of getting enough sleep. But that can be a tall order for some of us. If you have that one friend who’s always obsessed about making their under eyes look better, this set of 24-karat gold eye mask gels is the perfect gift. They’re vegan and cruelty-free. But more importantly, they help to improve the look of your under eye area and help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

For Ponytails without the Dreaded Crease

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Ponytails may be a staple, but the annoying crease that traditional hair ties can create is less than ideal. This eight-pack of coil hair ties from Kitsch aims to make that frustration a thing of the past. And your friends will like that these come in a variety of colors to better match most natural hair colors. But you can also pick clear, all black, and different colors if they prefer.

The Ultimate Fitness Accountability Partner

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Having an accountability partner when you’re exercising means that they keep you on track and don’t let you slack. While this is usually another person, sometimes seeing your goals written out can be just as motivating. Help keep those friends on track with this fitness journal from NewMe. It helps to track weight loss, muscle gain, gym workouts, and even personal health.

Ensure Their Feet Are Always Baby Soft

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Foot peeling masks have been all the rage for a while now. And that means that no one’s going to get offended if you slip this into a gift. They’re the perfect way to keep your feet summer ready, even when you can’t head to your nail salon for a pedicure. This two-pack set of foot masks works in one to two weeks, revealing baby soft skin that your friend will want to show off in their sandals.