Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

There'southward no 1 who knows you quite like a friend does. But even if you know their Yellowjackets-level hush-hush or all almost their fondness for dabble-leaf figs, it tin still exist a claiming to discover them a gift. Yous want something that seems similar they'd own (but don't) and somehow manages to be genuinely (and delightfully) surprising. We did the work for you — all of the picks below are from our archives, either written by or recommended to us. Read on for gifts for friends with all sorts of interests, including something for the one who'due south the lensman of the grouping chat and the one who always knows whether Mercury'due south in retrograde.

Le Creuset Petite Salt and Pepper Mill Set

If their pepper factory and cast-iron pan take to exist the same color, this set comes in shades of "cassis," "cerise," and "Caribbean area." Chef Shimi Aaron tipped us to them, explaining that the "happy-looking shakers" will go with colorful Staub cocottes just as well every bit ones from Le Creuset.

'Atlas of Interior Design,' by Dominic Bradbury

If Architectural Assimilate simply doesn't practice information technology for them anymore, this might be the interior-design fix they're looking for. The Atlas of Interior Design is one of our favorite recent releases in the java-table volume sphere. "From minimalist Axel Vervoordt–designed mansions to maximalist, heavily wallpapered Bavarian dachas, there'south inspiration hither for anyone whose love for interiors extends beyond Instagram," writes Strategist writer Kat Gillespie.

Haavitek Oil Infuser

This looks only like any stove-meridian percolator at first glance. Simply it'south really the almost affordable cannabis infuser recommended to u.s. by experts. Jeronimo De Miguel of gourmet cannabis eatery Gusto Green uses it to brand his ultra-low-dose cannabis oil (which he puts in his daily smoothie, too). The piece of cake-to-clean infuser helps brand a mean green compound butter, too.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup-Removing Cleansing Balm

For their Euphoria-esque experiments, this drag-queen-approved cleansing lotion will cook away their foundation, concealer, and all that glitter. Farrah Moan, who competed on RuPaul'due south Drag Race twice (including All Stars), explains that at that place's almost no way to get off all a drag queen's makeup in one step, and then she's a double-cleanse devotee. The balm "annihilates makeup," making the second wash so much easier.

Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck in a Tin

This centennial version of classic Passenger cards is the most popular deck by far, according to writer and tarot-card reader Jerico Mandybur. It pays tribute to the original illustrator Pamela Colman Smith (who wasn't credited for her work) and is specially useful for beginners, Mandybur adds.

Hooga Book Light

To get through the concluding 100 pages of the latest 720-page novel from Hanya Yanagihara (of A Little Life fame), a few nocturnal reading sessions might be necessary. Author Molly McGhee likes to do all her reading in bed — and this nightlight has been a "truthful game changer." McGhee adds, "The bister hue keeps the blue-light blues at bay." In our Strategist Clandestine Santa, senior editor Simone Kitchens gifted information technology to me — it's at present a nightstand essential for its sunsetish glow.

Nemat Amber Perfume Oil, 10 ml.

Photograph: retailer

This Nemat oil has a much subtler scent compared to the woodsy muskiness of Santal 33. And there's somewhat of a cult surrounding information technology, explains Strategist contributor Natalie Toren. Odor educator Tracy Wan tipped Toren to it, describing the whorl-on as "pure sorcery" (it's the smell that earns Wan the almost compliments) with "a laundry smell" thanks to the white musk notes.

Casper Weighted Blanket

A cooling weighted blanket does the double duty of reducing stress while keeping hot sleepers from burning up. Casper's is one of the few highly giftable blankets out there — with a quilted design that won't look out of place on a couch. It uses a cotton fiber cover, instead of a traditional (and very warm) fleece.

Soffe Authentic Short

Senior Strategist editor Simone Kitchens, a former cheerleader herself, swears past these Soffe shorts — which are a worthy dupe for Patagonia Baggies or the Outdoor Voices Relay Short. Instead of triple-rolling the waistband like she did when she was a teen, she leaves them unrolled for a look best described as "less early-aughts thot, more Dazed and Confused."

Giant Pansy Viola Flower Mix Color 200 Seeds
Seed Needs White English Daisy Twin Pack of 1,000 Seeds

Watering cans, shears, gardening clogs — the list of worthy gifts for gardeners is long. Just you can't plant a garden without some seeds, and we love the thought of giving a mix of packets that will grow into a lovely bouquet. And once those flowers have fully bloomed, the bloom-pressing tin begin.

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat

The Manduka PROlite yoga mat was the near-mentioned mat amongst xiii yogis nosotros talked to. Instructor Kyle Miller prefers to practise in all Manduka gear. "The Manduka mat is indulgent — information technology's grippy, soft, and breaks in very well," Miller says. Then it'll concord upwards despite their daily 60 minutes-long sessions.

Bala Bangles Wearable Weight Set

Bala Bangles are "a far cry from their beefy Jazzercise-era counterparts," explains our senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson. These bracelets will add together a bit of resistance to aerobics and yoga exercises.

Moxi Skates Rainbow Riders

If they're going through a Boogie Nights rewatch–induced phase, these affordable roller skates for beginners were recommended by ii roller skaters, including Toni Bravo, who felt "like a star" the first time she stepped into them.

Hobonichi Techo Planner

The Hobonichi Techo is a longtime Strategist favorite — three staffers have used it for years to stay organized. The cult Japanese planner has a "hard-wearing cover, sparse (merely quality) pages for a slim profile, prevarication-flat opening, and meaty size," co-ordinate to associate editor Louis Cheslaw.

Georg Jensen Elephant Bottle Opener

Or but bookmarks Danish Design Shop lounge chairs. This adorable bottle opener comes courtesy of Danish design house Georg Jensen (it counts the queen of Denmark as a client). Furniture designer Ben Kicic first found it at a friend's house — "clearly it works equally a conversation starter" — and plans on giving information technology to the next friend who moves.

Eastpak Springer Canvas Belt Bag

So they don't accept to attain deep into their backpack: This fanny pack volition go on their tickets and passport near. Our writer Dominique Pariso uses it for her essentials — not having to look for them is "a win for both me and my traveling companions."

Fjallraven Kanken Mini

There's enough spare space in this archetype Fjallraven, which is a favorite among Strategist staffers. Pariso compares the haversack to "Mary Poppins'due south magic handbag: You tin fit way more than stuff within than seems humanly possible given its petite size."

Harlem Candle Company Speakeasy Luxury Candle

Somehow, they're always up for all-dark clubbing adventures — even when the music stops and the hangover starts to prepare in. But when they've decided to accept the night off, this candle "smells like slow-dancing in back rooms." Candle influencer Kudzi Chikumbu (or @sircandleman to his followers) describes it as decadent and "definitely decorative — it'south the kind of candle you would want to have out."

Polaroid Go Instant Camera

This small just mighty Polaroid photographic camera is a favorite of Strategist tech writer Jordan Bowman, who prefers information technology over Fujifilm'due south Instax Mini. "Information technology still has that winsome Polaroid look that nosotros bedlam for when using instant cameras. Using it taps into that nostalgia pleasure center of the brain," he writes in his review.

AIXPI LED Ring Light 10-Inch With Tripod Stand & Phone Holder

The right ring light will give them a filtered glow that'll await great whether they're on official Zoom calls or unofficial FaceTime calls. We heard about information technology from our colleagues over at the Strategist U.k., who noted that reviewers liked how illuminating it was.

Topo Designs Dopp Kit

If it takes ten steps and at to the lowest degree ten products to get their beard merely right, a Topo Design toiletry kit is a necessity. The brand was proper noun-checked three times in our guide to the best Dopp kits. This travel kit has "the triangular shape [that's] deceptively roomy," according to the Trevor Project'southward creative director Thomas Pardee. Plus, Evan Shinn of Dewy Dudes points out that the loop handle can hang in places without counter-height surfaces.

Libbey Capone Speakeasy Coupe Cocktail Glasses

These "speakeasy-style" coupe glasses are a favorite of Kimberly Hunter, founder of Strong Pours. A coupe'southward wider rim ways she can "sip Champagne without fearfulness of losing my bubbles."

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

This mask kept Strategist contributor (and pare-care guru) Rio Viera-Newton asleep until noon on a Saturday. She's tried many sleep masks for some close-center, but this memory foam is a standout — information technology's "thick, bouncy, and cushiony" and seals her eyes from whatever exterior calorie-free.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy beyond the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals tin can expire and all prices are subject area to change.

The All-time Altogether Gifts for Friends