No matter how well you know a person, for some reason, finding a birthday gift that they'll love and actually choose is always a challenge. There are millions of items to choose from out there, but that only makes it harder. And as someone who spends a lot of time agonizing over what to get someone, I love a good gift guide.
Another aspect of the gift-buying predicament is that it never ends. I feel like there's always someone I need to buy a birthday gift for, and I don't think I'm alone in that. This is why I set a $100 max for the gift ideas in this story. Yes, it's the thought that counts so you don't need to spend a lot on gifts anyway in most cases, but these items are pretty great regardless of the price—so great that you might be tempted to order one for your friend and one for yourself.
With that, keep scrolling to get the goods.
Lisa Says Gah
Alex Flower Tee
Each of these tees is adorned with the month's flower, and a more perfect birthday gift does not exist.
Jenny Bird
Squiggle Threader Earrings
Since silver jewelry is back, your fashion-minded friends will appreciate these.
Birkenstock
Arizona EVA Sandals
These are so good that your friend won't know how they lived without them.
Old Navy
Straw-Paper Crochet Tote Bag
A beach trip essential.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Classic Chino Cap
There's no bad hair day a good baseball cap can't fix.
& Other Stories
Satin Hair Clips
Speaking of hair, these clips are the prettiest way to adorn it.
Kusshi
Signature Makeup Bag
If your friend loves to travel, they'll love you for giving them this excellent makeup bag.
Le Specs
Avenger Sunglasses
Love a good pair of trendy sunglasses.
Mango
Knots Pleated Shopper Bag
Mango always makes it easy (and cheap) to be on-trend.
Salt & Stone
Black Rose & Vetiver Scented Candle
If you're in need of a last-minute gift, this beautiful candle is on Amazon.
Via Carota
Negroni Set
Via Carota is impossible to get into but now you can enjoy a slice of it at home.
Madewell
Leather Western Belt
This looks so sturdy and expensive.
J.Crew
Freshwater Pearl and Gold Bracelet
Such a timeless piece.
The Outset
Purifying Blue Clay Mask
This fantastic new face mask (which is available exclusively at Heyday) is perfect for your skincare-obsessed friend.
Taschen
Los Angeles, Portrait of a City Book
For what it's worth, this is my favorite coffee table book.
Lego Icons
Flower Bouquet
Someone please get me this weird and wonderful Lego bouquet, my birthday is in June.
Baggu
Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag in Black/White Pixel Gingham
She's cute, right?
Merit Beauty
The New Season Set
I don't know how they do it but every one of these colors is magical on any skin tone.
Urban Outfitters
Party Pooper Cocktail Picks
I think we all have a friend with a sense of humor that would appreciate this highly amusing gift.
Baina
Green & White Roman Pool Towel
Hello, incredibly chic beach towel.
Augustinus Bader
The Foaming Cleanser
They may not spend $70 on a buzzy facewash for themselves, but they'd probably gladly accept one as a gift.
Chanel
Miroir Double Facettes
You're likely to be the only person that gives them Chanel for their birthday.
Ellis Brooklyn
Mini Chapters Perfume Coffret Set
This takes the guesswork out of choosing a perfume for someone (and they all smell amazing).
Comme Si
The Yves Socks
The red sock trend may be random, but it's easy to love.
Smythson
Panama Travels and Experiences Textured-Leather Notebook
Such a thoughtful (and chic) gift for someone who loves to travel.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.