25 New Year Gifts for Friends That Fit Their Interests

Three pocket-size notebooks with blank pages make a modest gift for a friend who likes sketching or capturing ideas on the go. Add a personal note on a separate card.

Best for: A friend who likes capturing ideas on paper

This lightweight reusable tote packs down small, making it useful for a friend who likes to keep a spare bag handy for errands or travel.

Best for: A friend who likes a compact shopping bag

This beginner-oriented crochet project is a gift of time and a skill to try, not a finished decoration. The kit starts with a pre-started piece and offers right- and left-handed instruction; make sure the recipient actually wants a project.

Best for: A friend interested in learning a hands-on craft

The compact banana-shaped pouch holds letter tiles for a word-building game that can travel to a café or game night. It is a good invitation to play together, provided your friend likes word games.

Best for: A friend who likes quick word games

This illustrated book explores gardens and plant-filled spaces through people and places. It is suited to browsing and inspiration; choose a dedicated plant-care manual instead if your friend needs detailed advice for a specific plant.

Best for: A friend who likes gardens, photography, or plant-filled spaces

The SWITCH lets a coffee drinker steep grounds in a glass dripper before releasing the brew into a cup. It is a thoughtful choice for someone who enjoys experimenting with their coffee routine.

Best for: A friend who enjoys making coffee by hand

The 20-ounce wide-mouth bottle is a useful choice for a friend who takes water or another drink on the go. Match the lid and color to their habits, and check the exact selected listing for care and lid details.

Best for: A friend who carries a refillable bottle

A collapsible lantern can provide a little light at a campsite or during a power outage. It recharges through a USB port or its solar panel; check the available charging time and the recipient’s existing gear.

Best for: A friend who camps or keeps an emergency kit

This small keychain tool includes spring-action scissors, a nail file, and other tools for everyday tasks. It also contains a blade, so it is not appropriate everywhere; check travel restrictions and the recipient’s preferences.

Best for: A friend who likes compact everyday tools

A vacuum-insulated mug with a push-button drinking lid suits a friend who takes coffee or tea to work or on a trip. This single 16-ounce mug is the Crystal Sake color; check that it suits their taste.

Best for: A friend who takes coffee on the go

This graphite vertical mouse is designed for smaller hands and the selected model is right-handed. Mouse shape is personal, so check hand fit and device compatibility before buying.

Best for: A friend who wants a different mouse shape

A 500-piece floral photograph puzzle offers a quiet activity for a friend who likes putting images together. It needs a clear surface and a safe place to leave an unfinished puzzle.

Best for: A friend who enjoys colorful jigsaw puzzles

This boxed kit pairs patterned folding paper with illustrated instructions for 17 projects, giving a friend an activity to enjoy alone or together.

Best for: A friend who enjoys a hands-on paper craft

This 2026 collection reflects on friendship through memory, music, and literature. It makes a thoughtful pick for someone who likes personal nonfiction; check the format and whether they already own it.

Best for: A friend who enjoys reflective essays

This cookbook groups snack ideas around ways of serving them, including bowls, toast, and skewers. It suits a friend who likes casual cooking and would rather browse ideas than receive another gadget.

Best for: A friend who enjoys making snacks to share

This small glass teapot has a strainer built into the lid. It is a good fit for a tea drinker who enjoys watching leaves steep, provided they are comfortable handling glass and want a compact pot.

Best for: A friend who brews loose-leaf tea

This instant camera makes small prints and includes a close-up mode. The continuing cost of compatible instax mini film matters, so check that the recipient wants a physical-film camera and has not already chosen another system.

Best for: A friend who enjoys sharing physical photos

This rechargeable clip-on light can illuminate a book without switching on the whole room. It suits someone who likes reading physical books in a dim space.

Best for: A friend who reads paper books in low light

In Codenames, teams use one-word clues to identify their words. The updated edition is a good fit for a regular game-night group; choose it only if the friend does not already own a version.

Best for: A friend who likes team word games

A fountain pen gives a stationery fan a reusable writing tool with a different feel from a ballpoint. Confirm nib preference and ink compatibility, and include a separate card rather than writing inside a new notebook.

Best for: A friend who enjoys writing by hand

The compact Glow Mini pairs Bluetooth audio with a customizable light display. It suits someone who wants a small speaker for music at home or on a trip.

Best for: A friend who enjoys portable music

This power bank has a built-in retractable USB-C cable. Check that it matches the recipient’s devices and travel plans, and read the manufacturer’s current care and airline guidance before carrying it.

Best for: A friend who needs backup charging on the go

A set of 24 colored pencils gives a friend who already likes making art a range of colors to explore. It does not include a sketchbook, so pair it only with supplies they actually want.

Best for: A friend who enjoys drawing or coloring

This blueberry scone mix is a small gift for someone who enjoys baking. It is a project rather than a ready-to-eat snack, so check the package for required additions and allergens.

Best for: A friend who likes baking breakfast treats

This gray countertop garden includes a grow light and space for three plant pods. It is a larger gift for someone with an outlet and counter space who wants to grow herbs; check the included pods and future refill costs.

Best for: A friend who wants to grow herbs indoors