Gifts for a friend in the US

Start with a habit, not a budget

A good gift for a friend solves a small annoyance or feeds something they already enjoy. Before you look at prices, think of one thing they do every week. They lose their keys, they read on the subway, they drink pour-over, they go to concerts, they carry a drink everywhere.

Each of those points at a pick. The key loser gets an AirTag on an iPhone or the Orbitkey tracker on Android. The reader gets the Kobo Clara. The coffee friend gets the Chemex or a bag of Kicking Horse. The gig-goer gets the Loop earplugs. If you cannot name a habit, plan an outing together instead.

What to spend

Under $25 covers coffee, chili crisp and small add-ons. Fine for a casual friend, a Secret Santa or an extra with a card.

From $25 to $80 is normal for a close friend's birthday: the iFixit kit, the Arc'teryx toque or waist pack, the Chemex, the Stanley tumbler, a month of The Sill.

Over $100 is for a milestone birthday or a friend you have known since school. The Marshall speaker, the Bose speaker, the Kobo and the Instax printer sit here. If several friends want to give something big, pool the money for one of these.

Mistakes to avoid

Check the phone. The AirTag needs an iPhone or iPad. Giving it to an Android user creates a return.

Do not give a subscription that renews without telling them. The Sill bills monthly after the first box, so cancel after your gift period or hand the account over. Skip scented gifts unless you know their taste.

Airbnb cards bought in the US only work for US residents with a US payment method, so do not send one to a friend abroad. For a friend who lives far away in the US, order a week ahead, more in December, and 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.