The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to think about gifts for our closest friends. Although your gift should change based on your relationship with your roommate, the most important key to great gift-giving is to be thoughtful. If your roommates do an annual gift exchange, look no further for ideas for every type or roommate and every budget!
(Before you rush to buy a roommate gift, check out our tips on how to plan a successful roommate gift exchange.)
BFF Roommate
Consider things they like and don’t like, activities they’re involved in, and what they like to do in their free time. If you spend a lot of time together, think through the last few outings you did together, inside jokes you established, or comments they made about things they love.
$10 – $20
The career-driven roommate: Career advice books like Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office ($11) for pushing forward
The foodie: Fancy cheese knives ($15) or a new cheese tray for feeling sophisticated at a dinner party
The decorator: Small decorative item from a local shop for a local touch ($10 – $20)
$20+
The hostess: Matching serving trays ($20) for the pride of a pretty set of dishes
The music-lover: Bluetooth headphones ($39) for a comfortable listening experience
The fitness-fanatic: Yoga mat ($20) for comfortable in-apartment workouts
S.O. Roommate — For Him & Her
For your significant other, consider experiences you can share together outside of your normal routine. Living together provides tons of perks, and celebrating with a thoughtful holiday gift is a great way to tell them how much they mean to you.
$10 – $20
For both: RTIC tumbler ($12) for cool and hot drinks
For both: Framed picture ($10) of a fun memory for reminiscing
For her: Makeup brushes ($13) for nights out
$20+
For both: Date night out on the town ($30+) for making new memories
For both: Bluetooth speaker ($28) for your song
For both: Fancy wine glasses ($36) for hosting parties
For both: Fitbit Fitness Tracker ($80 – $100+) for staying healthy
Just a Roommate
If your roommate is just that — a roommate — don’t feel the need to spend a ton of money on them. Be sure the gift is clearly theirs (i.e. don’t buy something to share in the apartment) and think about things they like to do. Again, thoughtfulness is key!
$10 – $20
For the coffee fanatic: Cute mug ($10) for a morning smile
For the quiet reader: The latest bestseller ($15) for an intriguing afternoon
$20+
For the socialite: Gift card to their favorite restaurant ($20) for fun on their own time
