Best Christmas Gifts 2019 | Best Friends Gift Guide

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Best Christmas Gifts 2019 | Best Friends Gift Guide.

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She’s your best friend, your confidant, your BESTIE… she’s the best! And you want to buy her (or all of your besties) something that will not only be cool but a gift that will truly touch her heart, make her laugh or remind her of a special memory the two of you share.

You’ve not only found the right Gift Guide but the guide I was most excited to put together!

“Your friendship is a special gift… generously given, happily accepted, and deeply appreciated.” ~ Author unknown

As a former Hallmark and Gift Shop Manager and Buyer (Click here to read the Kimberly’s Joy Story), I loved my job and loved our bi-annual buying trips to the San Francisco Gift Show in California, as well as our occasional trips to Chicago, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas for Catalog buying. 

One of our biggest focuses was always selecting unique and special gift items for “girls”… friends, moms, daughters, teachers, bridal party members, and so many others!

With that in mind, my daughter Destiny and I recently went on a “scouting trip” to find you the BEST gift ideas for your pals and other special ladies in your life!

All items can be easily viewed on Amazon by clicking on the highlighted titles/links or pictures! But PLEASE don’t even THINK of buying unless you’re using Amazon Prime’s free shipping options.

Not an Amazon Prime Member yet? Be sure to read about the Amazon Prime Free 30-Day Trial Offer and take advantage of the FREE SHIPPING! Click here to read all about it! 7 Reasons to Try the Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial Offer for Christmas 2019.

DID YOU KNOW? According to Forbes.com, “116 million Americans left home to spend time and money in brick-and-mortar retailers during Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend in 2017”.

Who wants to “hang out” with 116 million people? Hang out with us instead!

LET’S GET SHOPPING! (Shall we?)

Best Friends Gift Guide: Angels

Willow Tree (Angel Figurines)

Willow Tree, created by artist Susan Lordi, is a gift line that is a favorite to many!

I fell in love with it initially because I love angels; especially at Christmas. But Willow Tree offers gift-giving opportunities in so many areas. I’ve even given a few in times of grief and sorrow as they seem to provide an instant feeling of peace. In fact, the company states: “Willow Tree sculptures express love, closeness, healing, courage, hope… emotions of a life well-lived”. They are absolutely beautiful!

Each resin Willow Tree figurine comes boxed and ready for gift-giving.

But if you’re not looking for a figurine, perhaps you’d like other Willow Tree items!

Willow Tree also offers a wide variety of lidded boxes, ornaments, and beautiful Nativity sets.

To view details on one of the items above, simply click on the photo to open. To view the whole Willow Tree collection, click “here”. 

Best Friends Gift Guide: Photo Frames, Wall, and Home Decor

Malden International Designs (Photo Frames)

I love Malden Frames! Malden International Designs is a company known not only for its great “sentiments” frames but also for its “Coastal Living” selection. (So cute if you like “beachy” decor!).

I love the fact that they offer items to fit every style of home decor. Whether your friend likes informal, country, or something a little more “fancy” in the area of decor, you will find a great gift item from Malden International Designs. Click on a photo above if you see a frame you like, or click “here” to see their entire collection!

Various Companies (Photo Frames)

Even though the companies that make these two frames don’t have a big enough offering to feature them individually, I had to include these two designs! How could I not include one with “friends are like stars” sentiments for long-distance friendships and the “you know too much” sentiments… well… just because it’s so fun?

What you are seeing directly above is:

• “Friends are Like Stars” by Banberry Designs
• “We’ll Always Be Friends” by Elegant Designs

There are hundreds of friendship frames available with a simple click. (No joke). To check out more options, click “here”!

P. Graham Dunn (Wall Decor)

P. Graham Dunn wasn’t a line I was familiar with before working on this guide, but I just love it!

The bright colors and positive words instantly spoke to me. There are also a few religious items as well if that is something you are looking for! (To see their selection of crosses, click “here”).

To read more about the items above, click on the picture, or to see their whole collection, click “here”.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention something. They also offer personalization on some pretty neat items. To see their “Personalized Home and Gift” selection, click “here”. (Note: if interested in personalized items, always allow extra time!)

Primitives by Kathy (Box Signs)

I LOVE words and quotes, and I LOVE inspiring and lifting others! (Is anyone else shaking their head with me?).

If I had a brick and mortar store, I would have a nice big display of this line! (And if I was rich and had endless space in my house… I’d have one of each item in my HOME!). 

This line is considered: #verykimfunk.

Pretty darn cute, don’t you think? Primitives by Kathy offer a lot of great wood items covering a lot of favorite subjects! You’re seeing a few box signs from the “Friends” category but they also have a wide variety of items in other categories too! (You’ll see a few of the wine selection items further down the guide). 

Click on a photo to view, or click here to see the collection!

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Best Friends Gift Guide: Best Friend Clothing

This is a category that Destiny and I had a lot of fun with! We found a few super cute items to share which in turn gave us an idea for a contest! (Be sure to join our email list to find out more and follow us on social media!).

** Important t-shirt shopping advice **

1. Look for sizing guides for each individual item and use them!
2. If in doubt, choose a size “up”.
3. Watch for free shipping and the best deal – many shirts are offered by multiple companies.
4. The BIGGIE for Christmas! Once you select your size, look over to the right of the page to see WHEN it will be arriving. “Arriving Monday” sounds great, but “Arriving between December 15 and January 8” does not! So please be sure to watch for that. Delayed arrival dates do sometimes happen with custom clothing items like t-shirts.

First, we’ll show our favorite “friend” shirts!

Dutut (T-shirts)

Dutut was thinking “outside the box” when they came up with the Peanut Butter and Jelly Best Friends t-shirt set! 

These matching Best Friend T-shirts are sold individually. Choose the Jelly option (red), or the Peanut Butter (grey). This could also be fun for a couple and perhaps even as a Halloween costume! Great idea.

And to show a little more of what Dutut has to offer, we selected a design for our “Country-loving” friends!

We think the “Country Music and Beer, That’s Why I’m Here” shirt would make a great gift item! (Don’t you agree?).

Selectees (T-shirts)

Next, we found a collection honoring those well-known “Friends”: Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross, and Joey!

We couldn’t do a Best Friends Guide without a few t-shirts from the show, “Friends”!

The Selectees Company offers a couple of “Friends” designs (the one on the left above is available in wine red and black), and other fun items as well! Click on a photo to view item details or check out their complete line by clicking “here”. 

Found a few “honorable mentions” from other companies as well. Click on the photo to view! 

Zicotour (T-shirts)

When I saw the “Be Kind” shirt with the BEE on the top, I fell in love it! But the Momma Bear sold me even more (because I AM that mom… don’t mess with my kids!). Destiny and Tyler, take note, I need one of these!

I love the red heart shirt as well. Zicotour calls it a Valentine’s Day shirt but with the buffalo plaid background, I see Christmas! Cute for any time of the year I guess!

To view the details on an item shown above, click on the picture. Or to see the entire Zicotour collection, click “here”.

Strong Girl Clothing (T-shirts)

Oh my goodness! I was scrolling through t-shirts when the blonde/brunette besties shirts instantly grabbed me! What a cute idea! 

The Strong Girl Clothing design of the “Blonde Bestie/Brunette Bestie/Best Friend Shirt” is available in TWENTY color options; black, white, charcoal + 17 “heather” colors including Heather Sunset (peach color shown above), Heather Mint (think seafoam), and Heather Military. These shirts are sold INDIVIDUALLY, which means you can pick your favorite color, or choose your bestie’s first. Either way, a super fun idea!

I must admit when I opened the page, I was pleasantly surprised to find not only this best friend design but literally PAGES of creative designs including some for parenting/family, holiday, bridal party, AND teacher! (woohoo!). 

Although Strong Girl Clothing (love the name!) offers a pretty quick turnaround considering their work is custom, I did NOT see an option for free shipping, so just be mindful of that. (Love this line). 

Click on a photo above to open the details page or click “here” to view the entire collection!

Various Companies (Be Kind t-shirts) *win one!*

When Destiny and I chose our FAVORITE “be kind” t-shirt design, we chose this one hands-down. One of “Mom’s” (that’s me) favorite sayings… AND it has a heart… AND a funky font… what’s not to love?

The only thing we couldn’t agree on was the SHIRT STYLE. (Sigh).

I said traditional crew neck t-shirt in white… because I love white t-shirts and Destiny said definitely a v-neck with COLOR.

So we decided to feature both!

Shown above are:

• Be Kind crew neck t-shirt in white by Mom’s Care
• Be Kind v-neck t-shirt in blue by Hellopopgo

Both of these companies offer a variety of fun color options and we must now ask you an important question…

Would you like to WIN one of these cute shirts? (Yay, we love contests!)

Read all the way through to the end of the guide to find out how! 

* SPOILER ALERT! * I’m going to let you in on a little secret… (shhh) there’s another way to earn an entry into this contest in a super-easy way. When you’re done reading through the guide, add a comment to the comments section and tell us if you prefer crew neck tees or v-neck. Or just say, “I’m with Kim!” or “I’m with Destiny!” Either one will earn you an extra chance to win a free t-shirt. Woohoo!

(Now back to the guide!).  

Various Companies (Canvas Tote Bags)

I found a BUNCH of cute canvas tote bags to share, but these were a few of my favorites!

Above you are seeing (L to R):

• “Friendships are Like Quilts” by CafePress
• “I love books” by Kate Spade New York
• Floral Initial tote bag by Zexpa Apparel

Searching under “decorative canvas tote bags” brought up over 600 options, (click “here” to view), but I must say the CafePress selection was impressive. Their selection includes hobbies, pets, holidays, and… Snoopy and The Peanuts Gang! 

Best Friends Gift Guide: Wine and Beverages

Kate Spade New York (All That Glistens Bar Accessories)

Cute, cute, cute. The All that Glitters line by Kate Spade includes bar accessories and a few office accessories as well and are just darling.

The “I need a vacation” flask caught my eye with the fun sentiments, funky font, and pretty silver-plated “gold” surface. It holds 5 ounces of “fluids”, (although I don’t think it matters – wink, wink).

The picture of the “Spin the Bottle” bottle opener doesn’t do it justice, so you may want to enlarge that one for a better visual. 

Click on an individual item to view details or click “here” to see the official Kate Spade New York page!

Primitives by Kathy (“WINE” Box Signs)

Pretty darn cute, don’t you think? Primitives by Kathy offer a lot of great wood items covering a lot of favorite subjects! (They were also mentioned above in another section).

You’re seeing a few of their box signs from the “Home” category but they also have a wide variety of items in other categories too! Seasonal, Patriotic, Pet, Beach, and Camping are just a few of the other categories! 

If you like what you see above, simply click on the photo to view, or click “here” to visit the official page of Primitives by Kathy to see their full Amazon offering!

Various Companies (“Wine” Coasters)

“Novinophobia”? What? No – vino – phobia. Seriously? And Sip Sip Hurray?

I was only going to share two sets of coasters but I couldn’t choose! They are all cute and would make a really fun gift for a favorite wine buddy. (Or they could be broken up to share with a group).

Many companies offer coasters, but here is what you’re seeing above (left to right, then move on down and left to right again):

• “Watercolor Wine” by Carson Home Accents
• “Coffee and Wine” by Carson Home Accents
• “Wine Me Up” by Highland Company
• “Vino Please” by Vino Please

Note: I didn’t include links for these companies as most of these items are sold by multiple sellers. (So watch for free shipping offers and competitive prices!). You can also search “here” to see all of the coaster items Amazon offers!

Pufuny (Wine Tumblers)

How do I know about Pufuny Wine Tumblers? Because one of my “besties” bought me one! (Thanks, Laura!) Mine is the first one featured but in a copper-look finish. 

These 12-ounce stemless insulated wine tumblers will keep beverages cold AND hot for hours, are BPA and lead-free, and are so cute! They have sealed lids to prevent spills and come in a wide variety of sayings and colors. 

If you see one you like pictured above, simply click on the photo to view, or click “here” to visit the official Pufuny Company page! Cheers!

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Best Friends Gift Guide: Garden

Various Companies (Suncatchers)

For your friends who love nature, fresh air, and the great outdoors, how about a pretty suncatcher? They can be hung on a string anywhere or with a suction cup on a window (my preferred method). They make a great gift that can be enjoyed all year round!

Although Joan Baker Designs has been my favorite suncatcher company for YEARS, clicking “here” will take you to a selection of almost 400 beautiful suncatcher items provided by several different companies. 

Note: “Holiday Joy” offers the “World’s Strongest Suction Cups with Hooks” and that would be my personal choice for suction cups. I’d recommend the medium size for suncatchers, but they also offer a variety pack. Holiday Joy also offers outside light hooks, Christmas lights, table cloths, and other holiday items. 

Various Companies (Stepping Stones)

I think Spoontiques stepping stones are a great gift idea as they can be used outside OR anywhere in your house!

Stepping stones as gifts provide a lot of display options. Most of these stones come with the option to hang on a wall (see details on each individual item), but can also be used with an easel inside or outside.

I’ve had stepping stones inside on an easel, but I love using stepping stones on an outside easel to create a bit of height and personality as part of a garden vignette. Very cute!

Or of course… they can be used as a normal STEPPING STONE, flat on the ground. What a concept! (I just like options). 

For an inside easel, I’d choose the Gibson Holders Adjustable Wire Display Easel and here’s why. This easel is coated in heavy vinyl which means it will protect the stone, protect your furniture, and STAY PUT (no sliding). Part of the benefit is the attached support bar behind it which is completely adjustable. Click “here” to see the item. As a long-time gift shop retailer, we used these (and reordered them) frequently for our fragile and/or heavy items. This one measures 5.5 x 8.75 and should work perfectly for a stepping stone. 

For an outside easel, I recommend the Garden Stone Stand by Uiki. This decorative display stand comes with a stabilizing rod to keep heavy items from toppling (smart!). Carson Home Accents also offers a basic Garden Stone Easel. This option doesn’t have a stabilizing bar but should still do the trick and is about half the price. 

I mentioned the company Spoontiques because it is a longtime favorite of mine. However, their items are offered by so many Amazon sellers, that I’d click “here” to see their entire stepping stone selection (and compare pricing and shipping options). You may also click on any photo above to see that individual item. 

Natural Life (Succulent Planting Pot)

Natural Life is one of my favorite brands ever. In fact, if I was to open a brick and mortar store, this would be one of my first companies to approach along with Primitives by Kathy (as mentioned previously).

These cute little Succulent Planting Pots come in a set of 4, which means you can give them all to someone or divide them into multiple gifts! Each one has a little sentiment written on it. There are other options online but my favorites above have the following sentiments on them:

• Elephant Critter: “Always remember you are loved”
• VW Van: “Follow your heart”
• Hedgehog Critter: “It’s the little things”

Note: Succulents not included. 

A friend is a gift you give yourself. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Best Friends Gift Guide: Lidded Boxes

Lidded boxes are ALWAYS great gift items for dear friends or other lovely ladies. They come in all sorts of options from decorative to jeweled to prayer boxes. Here are a few of our favorites!

J Devlin Glass Art (Decorative Stained Glass Boxes)

All I can say is wow! What a find! I can’t even remember the last time I saw a selection of stained glass lidded boxes in a gift store. I really can’t. Some might say these are old fashioned but I think they are just COOL! (A perfect Best Friends Gift Guide choice!).

J Devlin Glass Art has an absolutely stunning selection of stained glass boxes and other items including picture frames, ornaments, lighting items, vanity trays and more.  They even offer personalization on some items.

To view one of the lidded boxes above, click on the photo to open. To see their entire selection, click “here”! 

Natural Life (Prayer Boxes)

Natural Life does an excellent job with their prayer boxes. Each delightfully decorated tin box (think of Sucrets) comes with positive or motivating sentiments inside the lid, along with a small pencil and note pad. Jot down your thoughts and prayers and keep them safely inside! DARLING gift idea. 

Seen above are:

• “Warrior not a Worrier” Prayer Box
• “Cream and Pink Roses” Prayer Box
• “I Can do all things through Christ” Prayer Box

Note: Natural Life is sold by multiple sellers so do be sure you choose an option with free shipping!

Various Companies (Prayer Boxes)

There are several companies offering prayer boxes, click “here” to view them all. Seen above are (L to R):

• “Thoughts, Feelings, Prayers” by C.R. Gibson (sold by many sellers)
• “Give Thanks” by Eccolo World Traveler
• “My Prayers” by Christian Art Gifts

Best Friends Gift Guide: Kitchen and Cooking

Kate Spade New York (Teapots and Mugs)

When I think of Kate Spade, I don’t think, “kitchen” so this was a fun discovery!

The “Deco Dot” polka dots stole my heart, but then I saw the beautiful colors and had to add a few of those teapots as well. 

These teapots/kettles hold 2.5 ounces of fluid, are made of enamelware (handwashing is definitely recommended), and would add a pop of color and FUN to any stovetop. (And the mugs are just cute!).

Click on a photo above to open or…

To see the entire line of Deco Dot products, click “here”. (There are over 125 items).

To see the official Kate Spade New York page, click “here”. 

Pavilion Gift Company (Teapot and Cup for One)

A teapot and cup for one combo… what a cute (and useful) gift idea! 

These cute little sets designed by artist Amylee Weeks for Pavilion Gift Company include a 15 oz teapot and an 8 oz mug. Both are microwavable and come boxed and ready for gift-giving.

Note: Although they are “dishwasher-friendly”, handwashing is recommended in order to extend the life of the decorative design decals. 

I also found these cute related items! 

The Teacup Candles are 5.7 oz and are made from soy with a “neutral” scent, and the stoneware jewelry dish is 4.5 x 4.5 inches – perfect for a little spot on any dresser or desk!

To view an item above, click on the photo or to visit the official Pavilion Gift Company page, click “here”.

Ganz (Measuring Spoon Sets)

Random, cute, fun! These 4-pc Measuring Spoon sets by Ganz look too decorative to be functional but they are real measuring spoons! Click on a set you like above to view the item or click “here” to see the whole collection. Super cute!

Ganz has “oodles” of gift items to peek at (but be careful, you could get lost!). Click “here” to see the official Ganz page.

Note: Although most of the sets list care instructions as top dishwasher rack safe, washing by hand is recommended. 

Waechtersbach (The Red Plate)

The Waechtersbach Company is well known for the “Red Plate” also known as the “You Are Special Today” plate. It is one that can be delivered as a gift alone, as a plate full of cookies, or as a set with the newer “You Are Special Today” mug. 

Christmas 2019 could be the year you start a tradition with friends who then pass the plate on to another friend on a special occasion, or the gift receiver could use it to celebrate special dates within their household.

The Red Plate is offered by multiple sellers on Amazon, but the official Waechtersbach page offers the best price and Amazon Prime free shipping. 

Various Companies (The Giving Plate)

The Giving Plate is an idea that has been picked up by MANY companies. The great thing is that there are options in many different materials and designs geared towards specific groups such as families or neighbors. Take a peek at the entire Giving Plate selection by clicking here. I selected a few favorites above, which you can also click on as well!

The Lakeside Collection (The Giving Plate)

The Lakeside Collection offers its version of the Giving Plate in a very affordable set of 3 Melamine plates (hand washing recommended). When purchasing a set, the suggestion is to write a brief message on the back with a permanent marker, fill it with treats or a favorite dish and then encourage the receiver to pass it on in the future.

Their “Giving Plates” read: “This plate shall have no owner for its journey never ends. It travels in a circle of our family and friends. It carries love from home to home for everyone to share, The food that’s placed upon it was made with love and care. So please enjoy what’s on the plate then fill it up again, Then pass along the love it holds to your family and friends”.

This item is a #verykeri item. (This is totally something one of my besties, Keri, would purchase and hand out as a sweet gesture during the holidays. I wonder what she’ll think about being featured in the Best Friends Gift Guide!).

The sets are available in two different patterns: Snowman or Traditional Garland.

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Best Friends Gift Guide: Fun little extras

What are extras? Those fun little items that you find at the front register and must have. Or cute little sentimental items that work well as a sweet gift item or as an add-on/topper for a package. No Best Friends Gift Guide would be complete without them, so here are a few of my current favorites! 

Ganz (Car Charms)

The Ganz Company Car Charms are so cute! Click on each photo to view or click “here” to see entire collection. 

Ganz (Guardian Angel Pins)

Variations of Angel on my Shoulder pins have been around for years and are always a great gift item. Click on an item above if you see one you like or click “here” to see their entire selection. They also have sports and hobby pin options.

Best Friends Gift Guide: For Sentimental Reasons.

Terra Studios (The ORIGINAL Bluebird of Happiness)

The original Bluebird of Happiness by Terra Studios has been a long-time favorite gift choice for nearly 40 years. 

They are a simple but sweet gift to bring “joy” to the receiver, so it seems only right for Kimberly’s Joy to wrap up our Best Friends Gift Guide with this special item!

Jim and Dorothy Roberts, owners of Roberts Hallmark, where I was manager and gift buyer, carried it long before I arrived on the scene. We reordered the “Bluebirds” constantly as they were a true “staple” and customer favorite and I still think it is a GREAT item. (Those little birds will always have a special place in my heart!). 

To order an “original” Bluebird of Happiness, click “here”. (Note: Terra Studios just made the decision (November 2019) to longer make these special items starting in January 2020 so if you want an original, now is the time!).

There are other companies that create Bluebird of Happiness items and do a nice job with them as well and you can find them by clicking “here”! (Including the newer “Pink Bird of Hope”).

Oh – my – goodness! 

I had no idea when I started this “little” project called, “Best Friends Gift Guide” that it would grow into such a big list! The gift buyer in me definitely came out again!

There were a few items and gift lines that I wanted to include and actually DID start to add… but due to either poor reviews on quality, low quantities left in stock, or just a gut feeling, I didn’t include them. I personally don’t want to include anything with my name on it unless I can endorse it 100%.

Here are a few crazy numbers for you regarding the preparation of this guide… (just for fun!):

• Featured item count (with photos): 115
• Additional links: 40+ (many with hundreds of additional options per link)
• Word count: 4639
• Edits/Revisions: 248
• Hours spent: I’m thinking roughly 60 hours… but it may be a little bit more…

Guess I took this pretty seriously, huh?

I hope you enjoyed it!! I’d love it if you’d leave a comment down below AND… don’t forget to enter to win one of our favorite “Be Kind” t-shirts! There are TWO ways to win within this post alone! (Hint: One is directly below this paragraph).

Be sure to look at our home page for ALL of our gift guides!

🙂 Kim

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