Unusual Best Friend Gifts: Unique Picks That Show You Know Them

An unusual best friend gift is about choosing something that reflects your shared history and their unique personality. The best unusual best friend gifts are items that are quirky and personal, chosen because they reference an inside joke or a shared memory, not because they are generic best friend gifts.

Unusual best friend gifts are unique or unexpected presents chosen for a close friend that reflect your shared history and their personality. They range from quirky finds to personalized items to inside-joke gifts to unique experiences. The best ones are items that are unusual but meaningful, chosen because they fit the friendship, not because they are random.

A good unusual best friend gift is something quirky and personal: a custom item with an inside joke, a unique find from a small shop, a personalized keepsake, a funny-but-functional product, or an unusual shared experience. Skip generic best friend gifts and anything that is unusual without being personal.

If you want to browse options: Unusual best friend gifts search.

The inside-joke approach

The best unusual best friend gifts are items that reference an inside joke or a shared memory. A custom item with a personal message, a book about a topic you both find funny, or a novelty item that references a shared experience are all gifts that are unusual but meaningful because they reference something only the two of you understand.

Good Housekeeping and Oprah Daily both recommend personalized gifts for best friends. The advantage of inside-joke gifts is that they are inherently personal. The drawback is that they require you to know the friend well. Choose something that references a real shared moment.

The unique find approach

A unique find from a shop that specializes in unusual gifts is a good option for a best friend. A quirky item from Uncommon Goods, a unique find from Etsy, or a small-batch product from a specialty brand are all gifts that are unusual in the best way because they are unexpected and quality.

The advantage of unique finds is that they feel chosen. The drawback is that they require browsing. Take the time to find something that fits the friend’s personality and your shared sense of humor.

The personalized approach

A personalized gift is an unusual best friend gift that is inherently unique because it is made for the friend. A custom illustration of the two of you, a personalized piece of jewelry, a custom photo book of your friendship, or a monogrammed item are all gifts that are unusual because they are one of a kind.

The advantage of personalized gifts is that they cannot be duplicated. The drawback is lead time. Order at least two weeks early for personalization and shipping. Plan ahead so the gift arrives on time.

What to avoid

Avoid generic best friend gifts. A mug that says “Best Friend,” a printed t-shirt with a friendship quote, or a random gift basket are gifts that say “I searched best friend gifts.” Choose something unusual and personal.

Also avoid gifts that are unusual but not personal. A random weird item with no connection to the friendship is not a good gift. Choose something that is unusual but meaningful and references your shared history.

FAQ

What is a good unusual best friend gift?

Something quirky and personal: a custom item with an inside joke, a unique find from a small shop, a personalized keepsake, a funny-but-functional product, or an unusual shared experience. Choose something that reflects your friendship.

How much should I spend on an unusual best friend gift?

A typical range is 25 to 75 dollars. The key is choosing something that is unusual but personal. A 30 dollar custom item is a better gift than a 50 dollar generic product.

Where can I find unusual best friend gifts?

Uncommon Goods, Etsy, and local specialty shops are good sources for unique and unusual gifts. Browse for something that fits your friendship.

What should I avoid in an unusual best friend gift?

Avoid generic best friend gifts like mugs with sayings, gifts that are unusual but not personal, and random weird items. Choose something that references your shared history.

Are personalized gifts good unusual best friend gifts?

Yes. A custom illustration, a personalized piece of jewelry, or a custom photo book are gifts that are unusual because they are one of a kind. Order at least two weeks early.

Final verdict

An unusual best friend gift works when it is quirky, personal, and meaningful. Choose something that references an inside joke, a unique find, or a personalized keepsake, and skip the generic best friend gifts. The best unusual best friend gift is the one that makes them laugh and feel known, not the one that could have been given to anyone.

References

• Wirecutter, product reviews and gift guides: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/
• Good Housekeeping, seasonal gift guides and product reviews: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/
• CNN Underscored, gift guides and product reviews: https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/gifts/
• The Strategist, gift recommendations by category: https://nymag.com/strategist
• Forbes Vetted, product reviews and gift guides: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/
• Uncommon Goods, unique gift ideas: https://www.uncommongoods.com
• Vogue, gift guides and style recommendations: https://www.vogue.com
• Cosmopolitan, gift guides and product recommendations: https://www.cosmopolitan.com
• Esquire, gift guides for men: https://www.esquire.com
• InStyle, product reviews and gift guides: https://www.instyle.com