Creative birthday gift ideas for your best friend

Your best friend’s birthday is just around the corner, and you want to surprise them with a gift that’s one-of-a-kind. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some creative birthday gift ideas that will show your best friend just how much you care.

Emily Lowe
Emily Lowe
June 30, 2023

Personalised gifts for a unique touch

Choosing a personalised gift is a great way to add a unique touch to your best friend's birthday present. It shows that you put thought and effort into the gift, and it's something that they will cherish for a long time. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Customised jewellery

A piece of personalised jewellery is always a thoughtful gift. It's something that your friend can wear every day and will always remind them of your friendship. Consider a necklace or bracelet with their initials or birthstone. Alternatively, you can also choose a piece of jewellery with a meaningful message engraved on it.

When choosing customised jewellery, it's important to consider your friend's personal style. Do they prefer simple and understated pieces, or do they like to make a statement with bold and colourful jewellery?

Some brands we recommend include: Milly Maunder, Daniella Draper and Tyger By The Tail

Monogrammed accessories

If your friend loves accessories, a monogrammed piece will add a personal touch to their gift. A monogrammed wallet or phone case is a great option. Not only is it practical, but it also shows that you put thought into the gift. Or, you can consider a monogrammed keychain or travel bag for their next adventure. This will make their travels more stylish and personalised.

A company that is great for this is: Not On The Highstreet

Personalised photo gifts

You can also create a personalised gift with your best friend's favourite memories. Consider creating a customised photo book, canvas print, or even a personalised phone case with a memorable photo. This will showcase your friendship and make a thoughtful gift that they will treasure.

When choosing a personalised photo gift, think about your friend's favourite memories and moments that you have shared together. This will help you choose the perfect photo to use in the gift.

Some brands we recommend include: Photobox and Milk

DIY gift ideas to show your love

If you're looking for something unique and budget-friendly, a DIY gift is the perfect solution. Not only is it a thoughtful gesture, but it also showcases your creativity and love for your friend. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Handmade scrapbook or photo album

You can create a scrapbook or photo album that celebrates your friendship. Gather old photos and memorabilia and put them together in a unique and creative way. You can add in little notes and captions to make the album even more personal. To make it even more special, you can create a theme for the scrapbook or photo album. For example, if you and your friend share a love for travel, you can create a travel-themed scrapbook from memorable holiday.

Some scrap book brands we recommend include: Papier and Aspinal London

Knit or crochet a cozy blanket

Another DIY gift idea is to knit or crochet a cozy blanket. Choose your best friend's favourite colours and create a warm and comfortable blanket that they can curl up with. You can even add in some personal touches like their initials or a special pattern to make it even more unique.

You can get your own knitting kit at: Wool Couture

Create a custom recipe book

If your friend loves to cook, a custom recipe book is a great way to show your appreciation. Collect your friend's favourite recipes or create some of your own and compile them into a unique and personalised cookbook. This will showcase your creativity and love for your friend. You can add in pictures of the dishes, little notes about why the recipe is special, and even include some of your own personal anecdotes. To make it even more special, you can get the recipe book printed and bound professionally.

Brands we recommend to help get you started include: Bags of love and Papier

Experience gifts for unforgettable memories

When it comes to celebrating your best friend's birthday, you want to make sure that the gift you give them is memorable and special. One way to achieve this is by giving them an experience gift. Here are some ideas that will leave your friend with unforgettable memories:

Plan a surprise trip or outing

Plan a surprise trip or outing for your friend's special day. It could be a day trip to a nearby town or a weekend getaway to a scenic location. Consider a spa day, wine tasting, or a trip to a nearby city. You can also plan a surprise picnic or a hike to a scenic location where you can spend quality time together.

Brands we recommend include: Canopy and stars, Virgin Experience Days, Get your Guide and On the table for the perfect picnic boxes

Book a private Nomad chef

When it comes to celebrating your best friend's birthday, nothing beats the idea of bringing together their closest family and friends in the comfort of their own home. And what better way to make it truly special than by hiring a Nomad Chef, a renowned private chef platform in London, known for catering dinner parties at affordable prices that rival those of fancy restaurants.

Imagine the delight of your best friend as they savour restaurant-quality food, expertly prepared by a talented Nomad Chef, all while enjoying their favourite wines at a fraction of the cost of dining out! By opting for a private Nomad chef, you not only eliminate the hassle of shopping, cooking, and cleaning but also create an intimate and unforgettable experience that your friend will deeply appreciate.

If you're concerned about the cost of hiring a private chef, fret not! You can still treat your best friend to this amazing experience by purchasing a voucher that they can contribute to their next dinner party with loved ones. This way, they can indulge in the luxury of a Nomad Chef's culinary skills while surrounded by the warmth of their dearest company.

Book a private chef here.

Concert or event tickets

Finally, you can surprise your friend with concert or event tickets. Whether it's their favourite band, comedian, or sports team, attending a live event together will create memories that you'll cherish forever. You can also plan a pre-concert dinner or drinks to make the experience even more special. This will not only be a fun night out but also a chance to create new memories that you can look back on for years to come.

Subscription boxes for ongoing surprises

If you're looking for a gift that can keep on giving, consider a subscription service for your best friend's birthday. Here are some options:

Beauty or grooming subscription boxes

Subscription services like Birchbox or Dollar Shave Club will deliver a monthly surprise of beauty or grooming products to your friend's doorstep. This is a fun and practical gift that your friend will surely appreciate.

Book or magazine subscriptions

If your friend loves to read, consider gifting them a book or magazine subscription. This will keep your friend entertained and informed with new content every month.

Food or drink subscription services

Finally, you can also consider a food or drink subscription service like Riverford Organic, Origin Coffee or On The Table Co. These services will deliver delicious treats straight to your friend's home on a regular basis, and will add a touch of adventure to their daily routine.

With these ideas, you're sure to find the perfect gift for your best friend's birthday. Whether it's personalised, DIY, experiential, or a subscription service, your friend is sure to cherish your thoughtful gift for years to come.

Hire a local private chef for your special occasion. They buy the ingredients, cook and do the washing up.
Prices start at £30/head. Search here.

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