How Much Should You Spend on a Friend’s Christmas Gift?

Let’s be honest: Christmas gifting can be stressful. We’ve all been there, staring at our shopping lists, wondering how much is too much (or not enough) when it comes to buying for our friends. Is there a sweet spot when it comes to your bestie’s Christmas present? Do you splurge or keep it low-key? Whether you’re shopping for your ride-or-die or someone you’ve just become friends, here’s how to navigate the tricky waters of knowing how much to spend on a friend’s Christmas gift.

It’s the Thought That Counts – But How Much?

You’ve heard it a thousand times: "It’s the thought that counts." And while that’s 100 per cent true, we all know there’s still an underlying question of how much thought (and cash) you should put into your friend’s gift. The answer really depends on a few key factors:

• How close are you?
  Your childhood bestie of 15 years? You might want to go all out. A new friend from work? Something a little more low-key could do the trick.
• What’s their personality?
  Are they the kind of friend who treasures meaningful, personalised jewellery and gifts, or are they someone who’s all about the latest trends?
• What’s the unspoken budget?
  If you’ve done gift exchanges before, what’s the usual vibe? Matching last year’s price range can help keep things balanced.

So... How Much to Spend on Friends at Christmas?

On average, most people tend to spend between £20 and £50 on their friend’s Christmas present. Of course, there’s no hard and fast rule, and the perfect gift doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Sometimes, a little thought goes a long way (and hey, Treatfully has you covered whether you’re looking to splurge or save – more on that in a bit).

Here’s a quick guide to help you budget based on your friendship level:

• Best Mate (AKA Your Platonic Soulmate)
  You know each other inside out, and you’ve probably shared everything from late-night deep convos to major life moments. You’re likely going to want to spend a bit more, maybe around £40-£50. Think a piece of jewellery that’s personal and reflects your friendship, like Treatfully’s Droplet Initial Necklace or the Real Handwriting Bracelet featuring your own, handwritten personalised message.
• Close Friends (But Not Quite BFFs)
  If you’ve got a solid group of close friends, your gift doesn’t need to break the bank – somewhere in the £20-£30 range feels just right. Something stylish and versatile like the spinning bar necklace that can feature four words, names or dates , or a personalised candle, a must-have for cosy season.
• New Friends or Work Mates
  If you’ve just started getting close with a new friend or are involved in a Secret Santa situation at work, there’s no need to go big. A budget of £10-£20 works perfectly.

What if You’re Feeling Generous?

You know what? If you’re feeling extra generous this year and want to go all out for a friend, there’s nothing wrong with that. Maybe you’ve had a particularly meaningful year together, or you just love the idea of spoiling them. In that case, feel free to push the budget up to £50-£100.

Something like the Organic Pebble Necklace feels special enough to be a ‘wow’ gift, but it’s still versatile enough for everyday wear, making it a thoughtful investment for someone you truly value.

Friendship Group Gifting: The Easy Solution

If you’re part of a friendship group and want to spoil a mate without the individual cost, why not team up with others? Group gifting is the perfect way to pool your money together and treat your friend to something amazing. That means you can get an amazing present from the whole crew, and the cost won’t feel so daunting when split between a few of you.

The Thoughtful Touches That Don’t Cost Much

If your budget is on the lower end this year, don’t sweat it! There are so many ways to make a gift feel special without spending a fortune. It’s all in the details – maybe write a heartfelt card, get a little creative with the wrapping, or add a sentimental touch like a framed photo of the two of you.

The bottom line? When it comes to gifting your friends, it’s more about thoughtfulness than price tags. Pick something that reflects your relationship and their style, and you’re golden.

Ready to Gift?

Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of how much to spend on a friend this Christmas, why not start browsing for that perfect piece? Treatfully’s got a whole range of Little Luxe poetry earrings, personalised jewellery and personalised candles that won’t break the bank – from cute stocking fillers to personalised, standout pieces. No matter how much you’re spending, you’re guaranteed to find something that’ll make their Christmas sparkle.