No matter how well you know a person, for some reason, finding a birthday gift that they'll love and actually choose is always a challenge. There are millions of items to choose from out there, but that only makes it harder. And as someone who spends a lot of time agonizing over what to get someone, I love a good gift guide.
Another aspect of the gift-buying predicament is that it never ends. I feel like there's always someone I need to buy a birthday gift for, and I don't think I'm alone in that. This is why I set a $100 max for the gift ideas in this story. Yes, it's the thought that counts so you don't need to spend a lot on gifts anyway in most cases, but these items are pretty great regardless of the price—so great that you might be tempted to order one for your friend and one for yourself.
With that, keep scrolling to get the goods.
Each of these tees is adorned with the month's flower, and a more perfect birthday gift does not exist.
Since silver jewelry is back, your fashion-minded friends will appreciate these.
These are so good that your friend won't know how they lived without them.
A beach trip essential.
There's no bad hair day a good baseball cap can't fix.
Speaking of hair, these clips are the prettiest way to adorn it.
If your friend loves to travel, they'll love you for giving them this excellent makeup bag.
Love a good pair of trendy sunglasses.
Mango always makes it easy (and cheap) to be on-trend.
If you're in need of a last-minute gift, this beautiful candle is on Amazon.
Via Carota is impossible to get into but now you can enjoy a slice of it at home.
This looks so sturdy and expensive.
Such a timeless piece.
This fantastic new face mask (which is available exclusively at Heyday) is perfect for your skincare-obsessed friend.
For what it's worth, this is my favorite coffee table book.
Someone please get me this weird and wonderful Lego bouquet, my birthday is in June.
She's cute, right?
I don't know how they do it but every one of these colors is magical on any skin tone.
I think we all have a friend with a sense of humor that would appreciate this highly amusing gift.
Hello, incredibly chic beach towel.
They may not spend $70 on a buzzy facewash for themselves, but they'd probably gladly accept one as a gift.
You're likely to be the only person that gives them Chanel for their birthday.
This takes the guesswork out of choosing a perfume for someone (and they all smell amazing).
The red sock trend may be random, but it's easy to love.
Such a thoughtful (and chic) gift for someone who loves to travel.
If you can figure out what kind of phone they have, a pretty case is a lovely gift.
Additional size and print options here.
This luxe straightener makes for a seriously impressive gift.
Fun yet still sophisticated—just like your friend.
Summer is coming.
Most of us aren't aware that shower caps this chic exist.
The perfect spring sneakers.
When in doubt, get them a fancy nail polish.
Next up, 25 genius travel accessories I'm having trouble resisting.
-
I'm Buying These 30 Under-$100 Items to Look Trust-Fund Rich During Nordstrom's Early Black Friday SaleReady, set, shop.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor and an Excellent Gift Giver—33 Delightful Holiday Presents I Can't Wait to BuyGet inspired with these chic gift ideas.
-
Power Stylist Karla Welch Told Me Her Incredibly Chic Holiday Present PicksOf course we want everything she recommends.
-
66 Fantastic Gift Ideas Fashion People Will Be IntoGorgeous bags, sweaters, jewelry, and more.
-
6 Under-$100 Nordstrom Staples NYC Fashion People Are Running to Buy on Black FridayReady, set, shop.
-
Prepare Your Wallet: 7 Jewelry Brands Running Deep Discounts for Black FridaySnag that tennis bracelet for 40% off.
-
We're Picky Editors—29 Holiday Gifts We're Putting on Our Wish ListsWe might even gift them to ourselves.
-
Meet This Holiday Season's Most Covetable AccessoriesYes, this is a gifting hint.
