75+ Creative Birthday Gift Ideas for Friends

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Amazingly Awesome Birthday Gift Ideas for Friends

Do you have a close friend celebrating a birthday soon? Yay! Happy Birthday to them! Not only do we love any excuse to party and celebrate, but we especially love giving creative birthday gifts! If you’re a fan of finding cute birthday gifts for your friends, then you’ve come to the right spot! Since birthday’s only come but once a year, we created an entire post with all the best cute birthday ideas and creative birthday gifts so you can come to one place for all your gift-giving needs. Not to mention, these gift ideas are all nearly $5 or less! Talk about a score! Whether you’re searching for creative birthday ideas for a best friend, a close family member, or even creative birthday ideas for a girlfriend, these cute birthday ideas are sure to make their day extra special! Ready to check them out?

I love that all these cute birthday ideas are in one place! Perfect for girlfriends, too! #HappyBirthday #PerfectGift #BestFriends

Before diving in, we just have to tell you that not only are these cute birthday gifts and birthday ideas for a friend the best of the best, but we’ve actually used them ourselves! The response from our dear friends (or family) has always been sheer joy across their faces. Trust us. These cute birthday ideas are all winners!

In addition, you may feel like the creative birthday ideas you’re searching for need to fit a certain style based on the recipient. The good news is that we’ve split up all our cute birthday gifts and ideas into easy-to-browse categories!

Does the birthday boy or girl love candy? We got you covered! Additionally, do you need to gift something small, easy to transport, and cute? We have tons of ideas for that! Lastly, are you going for funny and clever with your birthday gift? Our punny ideas will crack you (and your birthday friend) up! So, sit back and enjoy these creative birthday gifts, and don’t forget to come back again when you have another birthday gift to plan for!

Candy and Food Gift Ideas

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, no one hates candy on their birthday! On that note, we especially think candy or food birthday gifts allow the birthday boy or girl to really treat themselves. Everyone loves a good birthday treat, right? There are tons of creative birthday ideas for a best friend or girlfriend below-involving candy or food that we just know they will love. To make it even more special, consider using their FAVORITE candy or treat in the gift. That’s the ultimate birthday gift, right? All that to say, this list below of cute birthday gifts involving candy or food is as delicious as it is fun! So check them out!

Candy Birthday Gift Idea

  1. Candy Bar Love Notes to say “Happy Birthday” by The Dating Divas – We just really think you can do better than a simple candy bar! Grab one of these adorable notes to tag along to it, really making the birthday boy or girl smile!
  2. Otter Pop Gift with Printable Gift Tag by Somewhat Simple – Do otter pops take you back to your childhood? They sure do for us! On that note, grab a few and this printable gift tag to help your birthday boy or girl feel young!
  3. Popcorn Gift Printable by Breezy Bakes – Since popping popcorn is as easy as one, two, three, we also think this gift is as easy as they come!
  4. Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes + Printable by Tastes Better from Scratch – In our opinion, something about sprinkles just SCREAMS birthdays. This is one of the birthday ideas for a friend you can’t go wrong with!
  5. Donut Gift Tag by Pretty Providence – “Every birthday deserves a donut!” We couldn’t agree more!
  6. Drink Topper and Tag by LandeeLu – Basically, no one on their birthday would turn down their favorite sweet drink! This drink topper and tag are simply perfect to pair with it!
  7. A Bundt Cake Gift & Printable by Dukes and Duchesses – “Wishing you nothing BUNDT the best!” Could that be any cuter?
  8. Jam Birthday Gift & Printable by Happiness is Homemade – Give me warm bread and homemade jam and I’m one happy girl. On top of that, this printable is too cute for words and makes for one of the most perfect and creative birthday ideas for a girlfriend!
  9. Tea-riffic Birthday Gift Idea & Printable by Mom Endeavors – For a fall or winter birthday, warm tea would make a darling gift! Not to mention, we can’t get over the pun! 😉
  10. You’re A Lifesaver Printable by Live Laugh Rowe – We can’t tell you how many times a lifesaver candy has been a true lifesaver #kids. So on that note, this would make the perfect gift for a fellow mama!
  11. Eat More Cake Birthday Gift Idea and Printable by Play. Party. Pin. – Once again, cake on a birthday is an absolute must. Therefore, this “Eat More Cake” cute birthday idea is a win all around!
  12. Merci Chocolates + Hey Birthday Girl french girl printable by Handmade in the Heartland – Did someone just say chocolate? Oh yes! Gifting chocolate as a creative birthday idea for a girlfriend is our definition of a Happy Birthday.
  13. Symphony Bar Brownies by Among the Young – Need something out of this world delicious to gift to the birthday boy or girl? Well, these brownies are it!
  14. Happy Birthday Sweets by A Night Owl – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your birthday should include a treat or two, right? Therefore, this gift of Happy Birthday sweets is perfect!
  15. Birthday Candy Jar by Inside BruCrew Life – Two words: Candy + Jar. That’s all you need to pull off this birthday candy jar and you’ve made your recipients day!
  16. Cookie Monster Birthday Gift Tag by I’m Topsy Turvy – I’m sorry, but the Cookie Monster just never gets old. And, how cute is this cookie jar gift? Obsessed!

Birthday in a Jar Ideas

To start off, anything that comes in a jar is just adorable. Wouldn’t you agree? Not to mention, we happen to think the jar trend is on point these days and we’re all about it. That being said, this list of creative birthday ideas that come in a jar makes our hearts sing! Consider gifting one of these to the next person you know having a birthday. We think any of the ideas below make for one of the most adorable birthday ideas for a friend you could give!

Happy Birthday Jar Gift Idea

  1. Happy Birthday Jar {free printable} by Kiki and Company – This darling printable tag to accompany some cake in a jar is just too cute for words. Not to mention, doesn’t the idea of an individual jar of cake for the birthday boy or girl just sound so fun to eat?
  2. Life Saver: Birthday Gift in a Jar by Here Comes the Sun – This cute candy and jar combo is another creative birthday idea for a friend or girlfriend that we love! Plus this printable is colorful and sweet, just like how their birthday should be!
  3. Orange You Glad Cup by Artsy Fartsy Mama – This classic “Orange You Glad” phrase works so well for a cute birthday idea!
  4. Rainbow Inspired Birthday Gift + Printable by Thirty Handmade Days – Nothing says birthday love like a colorful rainbow! However, what makes this creative birthday idea really unique is that you can personalize the contents of the jar with anything involving rainbow colors (i.e. Skittles, crayons, etc.)
  5. Polka Dot Mason Jar Vase by The Cards We Drew – First off, this is the cutest decoration ever. Second, it makes the most darling birthday gift idea!
  6. Ah-Mason Birthday Gift Idea by Lolly Jane – This creative birthday idea for friend or family only works if you have a Mason jar, specifically. However, once you have one of those, it comes together perfectly!
  7. Birthday in a Jar – Birthday Printable Tags by A Pumpkin and a Princess – Candles, streamers, and more birthday fun all put together in a jar. What could be a cuter gift than that?
  8. Root Beer Float Cake in a Jar by Giggles Galore – We love this cute birthday idea for so many reasons, but the root beer float takes it for us! Creative and delicious!
  9. Free Happy Birthday Printable + Jar by NoBiggie – Take a bigger jar and adorn it with a special gift tag that’s personalized for the birthday boy or girl! We love the look of this!
  10. Buckets of Fun Gift Idea+Free Printable by Craftiness is Not Optional – This idea doesn’t involve a jar, but it does involve a cute bucket and that’s close enough! This birthday idea could also work with Hershey’s kisses inside!

Creative Birthday Ideas for Girlfriend

It’s time to celebrate a close girlfriend’s birthday! Yay! These creative birthday ideas for a best friend are perfect girlfriend to girlfriend gifts. Similarly, any girl would love one of these given to them on their birthday! Make sure to check out all the different DIY jewelry ideas below. In our opinion, these are the most creative birthday ideas for a girlfriend because they’re personalized and homemade!

Cute Birthday Gift for Girlfriend

  1. Manicure in a Jar by That’s What {Che} Said… – Without a doubt, this manicure in a jar gift would make the perfect birthday gift for a girlfriend! Who doesn’t want new polish, a file, and toe spreaders? Nobody we know!
  2. Lemonade Lip Balm by Pretty Handy Girl – Talk about a delicious gift idea! This homemade lemonade lip balm would make any girl squeal on her birthday!
  3. Hair Tie Birthday Gift & Printable Tag by Wait Til Your Father Gets Home – Not all hair styles require a hair tie, but many do! Why not gift the birthday girl some new hair ties? Not to mention, these make adorable wrist candy!
  4. Tea Cup Succulent by Your Homebased Mom – Basically, we love any and all succulents. They are just so fresh and dainty! This is one of our favorite cute birthday ideas!
  5. Swanky Black & Gold Cosmetic Bag by A Prudent Life – Girls love makeup and need a place to put it all, right? This swanky black and gold make up bag would make the perfect birthday gift!
  6. Nail Polish Gift by Southern Hospitality – Polish, on polish, on polish. You can never have too much!
  7. Paparazzi – The PERFECT Friend Gift by Sugar Bee Crafts – Not only is this jewelry beautiful, it makes the best birthday gift for a girlfriend!
  8. Girls Just Want to Have Fun Birthday Gift by A Little Tipsy – Anything that embraces our inner GIRL, we’re a fan of. This movie gift idea is quite possibly our favorite!
  9. DIY Bath Salts using Essential Oils by Unskinny Boppy – A little DIY action in the form of bath salts as a gift idea! We LOVE bath salts!
  10. Paint Can Succulent Planters by East Coast Creative – Another succulent idea that we are obsessed with. On the one hand, this gift will spark joy and contentment. On the other, this is repurposing a paint can and we love that!
  11. Favorite Things Gift Ideas by inkhappi – I don’t know about you, but my favorite things are pretty darn awesome! Why not gift your favorite things to a girlfriend on her birthday?
  12. Toe-tally Cool Nail Polish Gift Idea + Free Printable by Simply Designing with Ashley – Don’t forget about your toes! More nail polish and cuteness in this creative birthday idea!
  13. DIY Humorous Girlfriend Gift by Brassy Apple – If you love back massages, then you’re going to love this cute birthday idea for a girlfriend!
  14. Easy $5 Wooden Charm Bracelet by Craftily Ever After – This charm bracelet is absolutely timeless and any girl would love it!
  15. Five Minute Leather Necklace Tutorial + Birthday printables by Delia Creates – Create a stunning birthday gift that’s timeless for a girlfriend!
  16. Simple Dangle Earring Tutorial by Bombshell Bling – If dangle earrings are the style of your birthday gift recipient, you most definitely have to try these out!
  17. Go-To gift…EARRINGS! by A Girl and A Glue Gun – Want a go-to idea for all your future girlfriend birthday gifts? These easy to make earrings as sweet and simple!
  18. Embroidered Mixed Media Bookmarkers by The Creative Goddess – Have skills with an embroidery machine? This cute birthday idea is for you!
  19. Birthday Facial Kit Gift by The Benson Street – Ahh, a relaxing facial. That sounds nice on your birthday, right?
  20. DIY Jewelry Bookmark by Design Dazzle – This idea is as unique as it is cute! Gift a bedazzled bookmark to the birthday girl!
  21. Hip Hip Hooray, Today is Your Birthday!” Printables + Clay Earrings by The Crafted Sparrow – Your girlfriends birthday is absolutely worth celebrating. Let them know you are too with these easy-t0-make earrings and printable!
  22. Treat Yo Self Printable by Girl Loves Glam – In the words of many, “treat yo self” on your birthday!
  23. Chocolate Facial With Printable by TidyMom – Did you know that chocolate facials were a thing? Well, you do now! And you should try this out as a birthday gift because it’s amazing!
  24. Citrus Whipped Honey Butter Jars by Sand and Sisal – Gift relaxation and moisturization with this yummy birthday gift!
  25. Fruity Body Scrub with Printable by Mad in Crafts – Body scrub is one of the best ways to clean and de-clog your pores. Therefore, this fruity body scrub makes an excellent birthday gift idea!
  26. Magnetic Necklace Charm by Sowdering About – We’re LOVING this magnetic necklace charm for it’s cute and simple style!
  27. “You’re the Silver Lining” Friendship Nail Polish Gift by The Happy Housie – Because we know you can always use more ideas, here’s one more nail polish idea that’s simply perfect!

Punny Ideas for Gifts

In truth, we sort of have a thing for PUNS! They just make us smile AND we think you can make great birthday gifts with them! Therefore, if you’re looking to have the birthday boy or girl crack a smile on their special day, you need to check out this list! Funny, creative, and cheesy is the theme in this list of cute birthday ideas. Scroll down and check them out!

You Are The Bee's Knees Birthday Gift

  1. You are the Bee’s Knees by Love the Day – One of our favorite phrases, and therefore one of our favorite gift ideas!
  2. Have a Flippin’ Awesome Birthday by Dessert Now Dinner Later – Chances are the recipient of your gift is not expecting a spatula for their birthday. However, why not take them by complete surprise? 😉
  3. Hands Down Best Friend Around by Eighteen25 – This idea works perfectly for just about anyone because, hey, everyone washes their hands!
  4. Berry Happy Birthday Printable by Stuffed Suitcase – We think it’s berry nice of you to consider gifting this idea!
  5. Whisk Birthday Gift with Free Printable by Cupcake Diaries – Another kitchen utensil that doubles as one of our favorite creative birthday ideas for a best friend!
  6. Have a Coffee On Me: Funky Coasters by Funky Junk Interiors – You’ll be blown away with this gorgeous gift!
  7. Bath Bomb Easy Birthday Gifts by Tried and True – It’s not overplayed to tell someone, “You’re the bomb!” right? We don’t think so! Plus this idea smells so good!
  8. Ball Jar Printable Tags by The Country Chic Cottage – This jar idea is perfect if you have a jar that clearly says “BALL” on it! We love the punniness!
  9. Wishing you an E “straw” dinary Birthday by Ginger Snap Crafts – Simple and sweet, this cute birthday idea would be a piece of (birthday) cake to throw together! PLUS it doubles as a party utensil!
  10. Beyond Measure Birthday Printable by Like Mother Like Daughter – Since most everyone uses these when they bake, it makes for the perfect birthday gift idea!
  11. A Latte for Two + Printables by One Krieger Chick – Without question, this “latte for two” gift idea gives us all the cuddly feels!
  12. Happy Bee Day with Printable by Just Another Day in Paradise – The bumblebee theme for this creative birthday idea is cuter than words!
  13. UBER Lucky to Have You in My Life by Maybe I  Will – We think this birthday gift idea is UBER cute and UBER creative!

Thoughtful and Creative Birthday Gifts

Sometimes having that personal touch or making that extra effort on a birthday gift means the most. That being said, have you ever received a gift from a close friend or family member that was perfectly intentional for you? In short, it feels AH-MAZING knowing that they thought about what you would like most and made it happen. We love giving that experience to others! On that note, these thoughtful and creative birthday gifts below stood out to us. Without question, we think they will to you too! Check them out!

Straw and Napkin Creative Birthday Gift

  1. Turn Today Into a Celebration by Dolen Diaries – Firstly, birthday’s are for CELEBRATING! Second, this gift idea is thoughtful and practical!
  2. Birthday Balloon Gift + Matching Free Print by Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke – This is one of those cute birthday ideas that just has it all!
  3. Stamped Cocktail Napkin + Printable by Delineate Your Dwelling – Wow! We are floored at the creativity on this birthday idea!
  4. Fishtail Loom Bracelet by I Should Be Mopping the Floor – Not only is this creative birthday gift idea colorful, but it would also be perfect for a child to help make!
  5. Quick Note for Your Birthday Printable by Liz on Call – Aren’t we all always scrambling for a piece of paper to write something down on? That being said, this is the perfect gift idea!
  6. Paper Plate Gift Idea by Crafting in the Rain – One word to describe this gift: GENIUS! Without a doubt, everyone can always use more paper plates!
  7. DIY Cocktail Napkins by kojodesigns – If you’re a wizard with a sewing machine, this is your type of gift! Not to mention, it’s so cute!
  8. Quote Book by Reasons to Skip the Housework – Want a thoughtful, inspiring gift idea for a best friend or girlfriend? This will absolutely move them to tears!
  9. Iron On T-Shirt Gift by Becoming Martha – T-shirts are life! Right? Not to mention, a custom shirt for the birthday girl? A top notch and creative birthday idea for sure!
  10. Reusable Monogrammed Solo Cup by Mom 4 Real – The cuteness factor of this gift is off the charts! Additionally, it’s reusable so they can enjoy it again and again!

Phew! What a list of cute birthday ideas, right? While we are sure you found something perfect to gift, if not, consider our Birthday Kit that is PERFECT for friends or family members!

In addition, we know that birthdays mean yummy treats. Therefore, if you need an idea for something yummy to make for someone you know having a birthday, check out this huge list of Birthday Treats Ideas. Not only is it filled with delicious ideas, but you’ll likely find the perfect treat to request on YOUR birthday! 😉

Enjoy the birthday festivities!

Tara

I am an outgoing and fun-lovin’ gal who was lucky enough to marry the man of my dreams! You could probably say I am an “extreme extrovert” as I LOVE to talk and be around people! I love ANYTHING creative and am not a fan of the “norm.” My favorite things in life are my family… especially my HOT husband, my friends, and my faith! After a long infertility journey, we brought two miracle babies into this world via IVF and then a SURPRISE bundle of joy recently decided to join us. I have a passion for life and I am having a BLAST running this website with some of my closest friends. Life just keeps getting better and better!

Learn more about Tara
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