25 Unique New Year Gift Ideas for Friends, for 2025
From quirky gadgets to heartfelt tokens, these ideas bring a fresh perspective to new year gifts for friends. Whether you want to inspire, indulge, or simply make them smile, there is plenty to choose from. The 25 handpicked ideas described in this blog will make your 2025 gifts stand out and truly resonate.
The new year is knocking at your door already, and with it comes the ultimate challenge: finding the perfect gift for your friends, that is not just another boring calendar or the cliched ‘New Year, New Me’ mug. Let us be honest – your squad deserves better than that.
Whether your bestie is a gadget guru, foodie fanatic, or the type who can never keep a plant alive – we have rounded up some fun and unique new year gifts for friends, so you can kick off 2025 in style.
25 Thoughtful New Year Presents to Surprise Your Friends
With the ideas described below, get ready to win the ‘Best Gift Giver’ title, and be asked by your friends, “how did you know exactly what I needed?”
Personalised Gifts
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Customised Photo Album
To relive your best memories together, create a scrapbook-style photo album filled with printed photos, colourful stickers, and handwritten captions. For a creative take on cherished moments, fill a decorative jar with mini photo prints and notes.
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Engraved Keychain
A double-sided design featuring a significant date on one side and a personal message or symbol on the other. For a playful option, an engraved inside joke can make the keychain uniquely theirs.
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Monogrammed Leather Wallet or Pouch
A timeless new year gift for best friend that they will use daily, is a classic leather wallet embossed with their initials. For frequent travellers, a monogrammed pouch to store essentials like passports and gadgets adds functionality.
Experience-based Gifts
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Tickets to a Live Concert or Theatre Performance
Surprise your friend with tickets to see their favourite band or artist perform live, for an unforgettable evening. For theatre lovers, tickets to a popular play or musical in town can be a thoughtful gift.
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Guided Wine Tasting or Brewery Tour Experience
Plan a day of indulgence with a guided wine-tasting session at a nearby vineyard – one of the best new year’s gifts for friends. Add a take-home bottle or merchandise to extend the experience beyond the event.
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Escape Room Passes
Challenge your friend to a collaborative puzzle-solving adventure with escape room passes. For added excitement, choose a theme that matches their interests, such as mystery, sci-fi, or historical settings.
Read to know more: The Ultimate Wine Tasting Checklist
Hobby-focused Gifts
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DIY Craft Kits
One of the most thoughtful new year gifts for girlfriend, that will also encourage her creativity, is a candle-making kit featuring wax, wicks, and customisable scents. An embroidery set with colourful threads, patterns, and hoops also provides a relaxing and rewarding activity.
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Premium Paint Set
Surprise your artistic friend with a professional-grade paint set, including acrylics, watercolours, or oil paints. Add a selection of brushes and a high-quality canvas to complete their creative toolkit.
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High-quality Gardening Gloves and Tools
For one of the best new year’s gifts for friends, choose a set of durable, ergonomic gardening gloves, paired with essential tools like a trowel, pruner, and rake. For a wholesome and practical touch, add a seed pack and small potted plant.
Self-care and Wellness Gifts
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Spa Kit
A luxurious hamper – containing aromatic bath salts, soothing essential oils, and rejuvenating face masks – is one of the best new year gifts for girlfriend. Elevate her at-home relaxation experience by including a soft loofah or scented candle.
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Diffuser with Essential Oils
Offer a sleek essential oil diffuser, that fills your friend’s space with calming aromas and creates a tranquil atmosphere. Pair it with essential oils such as lavender for relaxation, peppermint for energy, and eucalyptus for freshness.
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Herbal Tea Sampler
Gift a beautifully packaged sampler box with a variety of herbal teas – chamomile, mint, and hibiscus. Enhance their tea-drinking experience by adding a stylish infuser or a personalised mug.
Read to know more: Tips to Style Your Home with Tealight Holders for New Year’s Eve
Food and Beverage Gifts
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Assorted Cheese Platter with Gourmet Crackers
Surprise your foodie friend with a curated cheese platter featuring a mix of aged, soft, and blue cheeses. Complement the selection with gourmet crackers, dried fruits, and nuts for a complete pairing. Elevate the tasting experience by adding a small jar of honey or fig jam.
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Exotic Coffee Sampler Set
Featuring handpicked coffee beans or grounds from regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Sumatra, this is one of the perfect new year gifts for boyfriend. To help him explore these unique flavours, include tasting notes and brewing instructions. For an upgraded coffee experience, pair it with a manual coffee grinder or French press.
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Artisanal Chocolates or Truffles
Treat your friend to a box of handcrafted chocolates, with premium ingredients and unique flavours like sea salt caramel or raspberry ganache. For variety, opt for an assortment that includes dark, milk, and white chocolate.
Books and Stationery
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Hardcover Novel or Bestseller
Surprise your friend with a beautifully bound hardcover novel from their preferred genre – whether mystery, romance, or fantasy – as a thoughtful new year gift for best friend. For added appeal, look for a signed edition or one with an elegant dust jacket. Include a personalised bookmark to make the gift even more special.
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High-quality Pens or Markers
For those who enjoy writing with finesse, choose a set of premium pens like fountain or rollerball styles. For artistic friends, pick vibrant markers or fine liners ideal for sketching, doodling, or lettering. Include a sleek pen case or stand to keep their new tools organised.
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Desk Planner or Organiser
Offer a stylish desk planner as one of the perfect new year gifts for friends – including sections for goals, schedules, and to-do lists – helping them stay organised. For added inspiration, choose one with motivational quotes or creative designs. Enhance its utility by including sticky notes or clips.
Read to know more: Top 10 Must-Try New Year Home Decor Trends for 2025
Tech and Gadgets
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Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Choose one with waterproof features for outdoor use, or a stylish design that complements their space. To personalise the gift, add a playlist of your shared favourite songs.
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Phone or Laptop Stand
A sturdy and adjustable stand is one of the most practical new year gifts for boyfriend – perfect for video calls, streaming, or following recipes while cooking. Choose a sleek aluminium finish or foldable design for portability. Pair it with a cleaning cloth or cable organiser for extra convenience.
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Wireless Charging Pad
Simplify their charging routine with a sleek pad that supports phones, earbuds, and smartwatches simultaneously. Look for one with fast-charging capabilities and an anti-slip surface for safety. For a clutter-free setup, pair it with a stylish cable organiser.
Home Decor and Utility
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Scented Candles
To create a relaxing ambience, gift a luxurious scented candle with lavender, sandalwood, or citrus fragrances. Opt for candles in unique holders – such as geometric shapes, frosted glass, or artisanal ceramics. For a sophisticated touch, include a candle snuffer or wick trimmer.
Read to know more: Best New Year Gift Ideas for Family for 2025
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Throw Blanket
One of the best new year’s gifts for friends is a soft, oversized throw blanket perfect for cosy evenings. Opt for materials like fleece, cashmere, or chunky knit in colours that match their style. For an added touch, pair it with a matching cushion or a personalised tag.
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Indoor Plants Like Succulents with Decorative Pots
Gift low-maintenance succulents like aloe vera, echeveria, or jade plant in decorative ceramic or terracotta pots. Choose from designs such as ceramic, concrete, or metallic planters, to match their decor style. Add a care card with tips for keeping the plants healthy and thriving.
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Unique Kitchen Tools, such as Marble Cheese Board or Spice Organiser
Add elegance to their kitchen with a marble cheese board that is perfect for entertaining or as a decorative piece. Alternatively, a sleek spice organiser with labelled jars can keep your friend’s cooking space neat and stylish. To complete the gift, include a recipe card or a selection of gourmet spices.
Conclusion
The 25 ideas listed in this blog can help you pick the perfect new year gifts for friends, without breaking a sweat. Whether it is a thoughtful keepsake or a fun experience, there is something for every personality. Make your gift stand out and start 2025 with memorable moments that your friends will always cherish.
FAQs
1.What is the lucky colour to wear in the new year 2025?
The lucky colour to wear in the new year 2025 is emerald green and gold – symbolising growth, prosperity, and success.
2. What are good new year gifts for long-distance friends?
Good new year gifts for long-distance friends are photo frames, handwritten letters, or subscription boxes for their favourite hobby.
3. What are the best 2025 new year gifts for friends who love to travel?
The best 2025 new year gifts for friends who love to travel are scratch-off world maps, portable chargers, or compact travel organisers.
4. What are some new year gift ideas for friends who love food?
Some new year gift ideas for friends who love food are gourmet hampers, cooking kits, or vouchers for unique dining experiences.
