Whether it has its roots in elementary school, college, or a local moms' support group, a friendship that could be considered a best friendship is no doubt an incredibly important, heartening, and wellness-boosting relationship for any woman. Research supports it, especially as people grow older: A study published in the journal Personal Relationships found that having supportive friendships in old age was found to be a stronger predictor of well-being than having strong family connections.
Some of the research, which involved 270,000 people in nearly 100 countries, found that both family and friend relationships were associated with better health and happiness overall.
And at advanced ages, people who said they had strong friendships were the ones who maintained that improved health and happiness.
Maintaining those friendships could be as simple as making and keeping phone dates, chatting over text, sending lengthy emails, catching up over brunch, or planning annual vacations together. Months may go by when it's hard to keep in touch, but most lifelong friendships seem to have a way of picking up right where they left off.
Obviously, the holiday season presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate, honor, and share joy with loved ones. For that reason, plenty of moms are determined to find their BFF the ultimate holiday gift.
Here are 20 gifts for a bestie that are perfect for the merriest time of the year — or anytime, really.
Personalized Illustration
This illustration features a sweet quote and could bring to mind a special memory.
Personalized Illustration (from $29, ThestoryoftheFall/Etsy)
Soul Sister
This instant print is truly heartwarming.
Soul Sister Print ($4, LittleGiraffePrints/Etsy)
Amethyst Air Plant Garden
This crystal air plant garden is as unusual as it is eye-catching.
Amethyst Air Plant Garden (from $24, AirFriend/Etsy)
Blue Agate Coasters
Blue agate is a crystal that is said to help with maintaining friendship, and these pretty coasters are perfect for hanging out with the BFF on wine night.
Blue Agate Coasters ($9 each, ConnectCo/Etsy)
Layered Tassel Jewelry Gift Box
For the bestie who loves jewelry, this gift set — created by female artisans at Penh Lenh in Cambodia — is a gorgeous choice.
Layered Tassel Jewelry Gift Box ($76, The Little Market)
Crystal Bag for Friendship
This crystal collection features gems that promote friendship and comes in a little organza bag.
Friendship Crystals Collection ($8, AllAboutTheBoxUK/Etsy)
Bestie Candle
This candle comes in a variety of outrageously yummy and serene scents, like birthday cake and lavender. What's more, each purchase supports female refugees at Prosperity Candle in the US.
Bestie Candle ($30, The Little Market)
Long-Distance Friendship Lamp
Uncommon Goods's twin lamps are truly cool. When one person touches theirs, the mate lights up in the same way for them as it does for their loved one who's miles away, thanks to a shared Wi-Fi connection.
Long-Distance Friendship Lamps ($85 for one, $170 for two, Uncommon Goods)
Best Friends Star Necklace
This star necklace sports a beautiful quote to remind even the busiest BFFs that they are always there for one another.
Triple Star Necklace ($15, Amazon)
Personalized Vertical Bar Necklace
Available in a variety of metals and completely customizable, this pendant is the perfect way to create a unique gift that brings to mind an inside joke or memory.
Vertical Bar Necklace (from $13, MignonandMignon/Etsy)
BFF Succulent Mug
This succulent is foolproof to take care of — it's faux! — but sports such a heartwarming message.
Best Friend Ever Mini Mug Succulent ($16, Francesca's)
'You Know Too Much' Box Sign
This box sign is as sassy as it sentimental.
"You Know Too Much" Box Sign ($15, Francesca's)
Unbiological Sister Bracelet
For the BFF who is basically a sibling minus the DNA, this bracelet is a must.
Unbiological Sister Bracelet ($12, AllyriaSky/Etsy)
Pinky Promise Pin Set
This sweet set comes with writable backing cards to leave a message for that special partner-in-crime.
Pinky Promise Enamel Set ($20, dakotahsmithdesignco/Etsy)
Long-Distance BFF Pillow
This pillow is a pretty, heartfelt way to celebrate a friendship that spans the miles.
Long-Distance Best Friend Pillow ($38, CreativePillowLV/Etsy)
Personalized Makeup Bag
Custom script over a custom color makeup bag make this a glamorous and thoughtful choice for a bestie.
Personalized Monogram Makeup Bag ($12, ThreeTwol/Etsy)
Awesome Box
For the bestie who has everything but would love to be reminded how special she or he is, this lighthearted gift box is a solid choice. It includes a fresh succulent in 2.5 inch pot, polka dot matches, High Five scented candle, two soft chocolate chip cookies, a small envelope of tissue paper confetti, and a personal greeting.
"You Are So Incredibly Awesome" Box ($38, ConfettiGiftCompany/Etsy)
Besties Wine Glasses
For that favorite drinking buddy/BFF, these stemless glasses are chic and fitting.
Bestie Wine Glasses ($20, Macy's)
'Reasons We're Friends' Wall Art
This personalized art makes for a truly meaningful gift.
"50 Reasons Why We're Friends" Canvas (from $34, OCCanvasStudio/Etsy)
'Why You're My Bestie' Journal
This fill-in-the-blank book helps put into words why a BFF is so special.
Why You're My Best Friend Book ($10, Last Call)
