Gifts for a friend in the UK

Start with a habit, not a budget

A good gift for a friend solves a small annoyance or feeds something they already enjoy. Think of one thing they do every week: lose their keys, host game night, read on the train, make proper coffee, walk the coast in the cold.

Each of those points at a pick. The key loser gets an AirTag, if they use an iPhone. The host gets Herd Mentality. The reader gets the Kobo Clara. The coffee friend gets the Grind set or the AeroPress Go. The cold-weather walker gets the Finisterre beanie. If you cannot name a habit, book the Crystal Maze and go together.

For a friend who has everything, give something that gets used up, like the tea calendar or the Cowshed set, or an evening out. Neither needs a shelf, and both get used.

What to spend

Under £20 covers Herd Mentality, the colour book and small add-ons. Fine for a casual friend or a Secret Santa.

From £20 to £60 is normal for a close friend's birthday: the Grind set, the AeroPress, the beanie, the iFixit kit, the coupes, the tea calendar.

Above £100 is for a milestone birthday. The Marshall and Bose speakers and the Kobo sit here. If a group wants to give something big, pool the money for one of these.

Mistakes to avoid

Check the phone. The AirTag needs an iPhone or iPad, and the Peak Design tripod needs a MagSafe iPhone or a magnetic case.

Herd Mentality falls flat with three or four players, so buy it for the friend with the big group. The Crystal Maze is London only. Skip the Cowshed set for a friend with sensitive skin.

For a friend in another part of the country, order a week ahead and allow more for Royal Mail and couriers in December. Write a short card that says why you chose it.

Questions people ask

What is a good gift for a friend?

Start from something they do every week. A friend who loses keys will use an AirTag, a reader will use an e-reader, a host will use a party game, a coffee drinker will use a pour-over maker. If you cannot think of a habit, plan an outing together instead. A small gift that fits their life beats a bigger one that does not.

How much should I spend on a gift for a friend?

For a casual friend or a group exchange, $15 to $25 is fine. For a close friend's birthday, $25 to $80 is normal. Save $100-plus gifts like a good speaker or e-reader for milestone birthdays or very close friends, or pool money with others. Friends notice care more than cost, so match the gift to the person first.

What do you get a friend who has everything?

An experience or something consumable. A sunrise kayak or a live puzzle game is something you do together and leaves nothing to store. Hot sauce, chili crisp, coffee or a candle gets used up. A charity gift such as a WWF-Canada adoption works for a friend who likes wildlife and would rather not own more things.

What is a good last-minute gift for a friend?

A digital gift card or an experience voucher, since both arrive the same day. Airbnb cards suit a US friend who travels. Otherwise, book an experience and print the voucher, or buy a party game, a jar of chili crisp or a candle from a local shop. Add a short note saying why you chose it.