The Ultimate Guide to Gift Ideas for Friends

If you’re looking for gift ideas for a friend, it’s clear that you care. Your nearest and dearest deserve the world, and what better way to show it than with the perfect present? Choosing the right gift isn’t always easy, though - in a 2023 survey, nearly half of people said they find present selection stressful.
Luckily, this handy guide is here to help. Discover tips on how to come up with gift ideas, and explore present inspiration for all your friends - even those who are hard to buy for!
How to come up with gift ideas
For some friends, it’s easy to know what to buy. But for others, choosing things they’ll actually want can be more difficult. Next time the calendar’s counting down to a big occasion, check these tips to help you think of the perfect gift.
Keep a running list of ideas in your phone’s notebook
Sometimes gift inspiration comes out of nowhere - maybe you spot something they’d love as you’re walking down the high street, or perhaps they mention something as you’re chatting.
When an idea springs to mind, write it down straight away in your phone’s notebook. Then, when you need gift inspiration six months later, you already have a list to start from..
Brainstorm it
Remember brainstorming from school? It can be a great way of coming up with gift suggestions for friends.
Grab a sheet of blank paper, add a title like “Julie’s 50th birthday ideas”, then jot down any thoughts that come into your head. While scribbling notes, consider their hobbies and interests, brands and products they like, even their particular taste in fashion or homeware.
Think about their current situation or plans
Take inspiration from what’s happening in their life right now. Perhaps they’re off on a cruise around the Med next month - a pair of sandals would be super helpful! Have they just had their house redone? Maybe some new kitchen bits would be the perfect final touch.
Use AI
Play around with AI and see what gift ideas it might suggest. Start by choosing an app like ChatGPT, then open a free account. Finish by entering some prompts about what you’re looking for and what your friend is interested in.
For example: “It’s my friend’s 55th birthday, please provide gift ideas. She’s interested in baking, wine and reading crime thriller novels. My budget is £30”.
You never know - it might conjure up an idea that would never have crossed your mind!
Different categories of gifts
Find yourself always falling back on socks and chocs? Don’t worry - you’re definitely not alone. But if you’re ready to spice up your gifting, it can be helpful to consider the different ‘categories’ of presents before you start your search.
Items for fun, enjoyment or pleasure: These are your ‘classic’ gifts, like perfume, clothing, candles, mugs, collectables, and so on.
Practical gifts: These might not be as ‘fun’, but they’re always thoughtful, personal, and super useful. Consider gifting some homeware, garden equipment or handy electricals.
Experiences: Presents don’t always need to be physical items. Instead, why not choose an experience day? Look at passes to iconic landmarks, a ticket for a sports activity, or maybe a well-deserved spa day.
Food and drink gifts: The way to the heart is through the stomach, so never rule out gifting their favourite treats, whether that’s alcohol, luxurious biscuits, or a jam-packed food hamper.
Vouchers: If you know they prefer to make their own choices, an e-gift card is a really thoughtful way to make sure they get exactly what they want.

Gifts for female friends
Every woman’s unique, so her gifts should be too. Keep scrolling for extra inspiration, and find something she’s sure to love.
Fashion gifts Yes, we know - choosing clothes for other people can be hard. But there are a handful of reliable options that always make great gifts.
Scarves Perfect for chic layering and wrapping up against the winter chill. Choose colours and patterns that match her style.
Handbags No one can have too many handbags. Try picking something special for her next event or big night out.
Jewellery A necklace, a friendship bracelet, a pair of earrings… The options are endless, and they’ll all be loved. Take inspiration from the styles she usually wears.
Discover jewellery for her
Beauty gifts
For those who deserve to be pampered, a beauty gift is always a great idea. Treat her to something she wouldn’t buy for herself, and add a little bit of luxury to her daily routine.
Skincare From moisturisers to soaps and summer holiday sets. Gift all she needs to protect, repair and hydrate her skin.
Fragrances You can never go wrong with gifting a fragrance, whether you choose her favourite perfume or a new scent you know she’ll love.
Bath and body Bring spa days home with a bath and shower gift set. Spoil her with restorative bath salts, sumptuous soaps, enriching body creams, and more.
Discover bath and body gifts for her
Homeware gifts
Make her house a home when you wrap a gorgeous gift for her bedroom, bathroom, living room or kitchen.
Candles Encourage her to relax, unwind, and create a soothing atmosphere at home with a serene scented candle.
Discover candles for her
Diffusers If she’s all about fragrance, why not surround her with her favourite scent? Gift a diffuser and fill her home with fresh, soothing aromas.
Discover diffusers for her
Mugs and drink holders Perfect for comforting cups of tea or that coffee-fuelled caffeine kick, she won’t go a day without using the mug or drinks holder you gave her.
Discover mugs and drinks holders for her
Festive gifts
Discover the present that’ll make Christmas extra special, and you’ll jump straight to the top of her gift list.
Sweet treats It’s the most indulgent time of year, so make sure she has a box of her favourites under the tree.
Discover confectionery for her
Winter fashion When it’s cold outside, a woolly hat, scarf and gloves will always go down a real treat.
Discover winter fashion for her
Games Give her the gift of family time this year, and surprise her with a fun board game or Christmas puzzle.
Discover games for her

Gifts for male friends
If you find him hard to buy for, we’ve got you covered. From belts and bags to gloves and gaming, we have something that’s sure to put a smile on his face.
Style gifts If he’s got a knack for style, he’ll always love a fashion gift. Take note of what he likes to wear, and use that to inspire your present picking.
Watches Nothing says class like a tasteful watch. Choose a design and strap that matches his look and lifestyle.
Discover watches for him
Belts Whether you pick a smarter style or a more laidback look, he’ll love to add one of these accessories to his collection.
Discover belts for him
Bags From sports duffles to commuter satchels and hiking packs, we have a bag for every man - whatever his style, whatever his routine.
Discover bags for him
Self-care and grooming gifts
The men deserve some TLC too. Help him feel his best every day with male grooming gifts he can easily add to his routine.
Aftershave Show him he’s special with a sophisticated aftershave, whether you choose his go-to fragrance or a fresh scent you know will be his new favourite.
Discover aftershave for him
Hair styling Whether he’s all about that slick style or a messy morning look, gift him the gels, waxes and creams that’ll leave every strand in place.
Discover hair styling for him
Skincare From shaving to everyday wear and tear, men’s skin goes through a lot. Give him the refresh he deserves with these moisturising creams and foams.
Discover skincare for him
Practical gifts for men
If you’re searching for a gift you know he’ll use, a practical present is the way to go - he’ll love that he won’t have to fork out for it himself!
Gardening equipment For green-fingered gents, why not spoil him with the equipment and power tools to help him spruce up his space?
Discover garden equipment for him
Headphones Whether he’s into music or podcasts, upgrade his headphones so he can listen in style.
Discover headphones for him
Kitchen gear If you’re shopping for a foodie, he’ll love being kitted out with the latest pots, pans and dining essentials.
Discover kitchen gear for him
Festive gifts for men
Whatever he’s into, discover his favourite things right here. It’s simple festive shopping for you, and a Christmas to remember for him!
Food and drink If he enjoys a festive tipple or a seasonal snack, stock up on his favourites so he’s all set for Christmas.
Discover food and drink gifts for him
Gloves Perfect for cold and frosty mornings, he’ll always love to unwrap a new pair of warm gloves.
Discover gloves for him
Gaming From games to consoles and VR headsets to controllers, we have everything you need to level up your gifting.
Discover gaming gifts for him

Thoughtful gifts don’t have to be complicated
Sometimes the best gifts are the simple things, like knowing their favourite treats or buying the blouse they said they liked once. But in the end, the fact that you’re buying anything shows how much you care.
Explore our huge range of fashion, homeware, electricals and experience days, and find the perfect present they deserve.