Women spend much of their lives in the company of a best friend or blood relative with whom they can laugh, cry and plot the future.
That bond of sisterhood is something special, and once or twice a year there's an excuse to truly celebrate it with a thoughtful gift.
So with the holiday season approaching, we've chosen 13 fun, thoughtful gifts that give you the chance to do just that.
1. Frame your friend's favorite meme
For all the times you and your bestie shared GIFs to laugh or spark a deep conversation about Internet culture, this gift is for you. Find a high-quality still of her favorite meme, print it and frame it so the inside joke can adorn her wall or desk.
2. Splurge on an overnight getaway
If you share a mutual love for luxury, book a night at a hotel or spa and then have a grown-up slumber party by ordering room service and watching movies on demand. Use an app like Cinamatic to turn your getaway into a short film you can share with each other.
3. Relive that binge
Being obsessed with the same TV show can create a lifelong bond — just think what Scandal, Orange is the New Black and Sherlock have done for countless friendships. Try gifting one or more seasons via Apple or Google, or purchasing a Netflix gift card. Then, binge it together. (Or she can watch it on her plane ride to visit you.)
4. Personalize her iPhone
Bad Girl. Tag your friends A photo posted by iPhone Cases Official (@iphonecases) on Oct 7, 2015 at 7:45pm PDT
Since she can't live without it, make her iPhone truly special by giving her a unique case. Plenty of Etsy artisans specialize in iPhone cases, but you can also try a service like Shutterfly, which uses graphics and personal photos to make a memorable statement.
5. Give deliciousness to your gourmand
Cured meats cure all cases of the Mondays. A photo posted by Chop Shop (@chichopshop) on Nov 2, 2015 at 5:35am PST
Nothing says eternal friendship like a basket of charcuterie and fancy cheese. Local butcher and cheese shops can offer recommendations on pairings, or you can opt for a regular shipment of delectable meats and cheeses. New York-based Murray's Cheese and California-based Cowgirl Creamery are good places to start.
6. Help her pour a stiff one
What's more symbolic of certain female friendships than the glass of Syrah, highball of whisky or stein of craft beer? If that sounds like you and your bestie, keep it simple by getting her favorite brand of booze. If you want to go over the top, sign her up for a tasting service like Tasting Room or Craft Beer Club.
7. Find the perfect cozy accessories
New #free pattern by Simply Maggie is up on my blog! These mittens are so warm and cozy. Link is in my profile. #knitmittens #mittens #chunkyyarn #simplymaggie #knit #fall #armknitscarf A photo posted by Amanda Bassetti (@simplymaggieblog) on Nov 2, 2015 at 2:41pm PST
It's cliché but true: Countless female friendships have grown stronger thanks to commiserating over cold weather. Beautiful, hand-knit mittens, scarves and other cozy accessories are a nice reminder of just how much you get each other. For a tech-savvy friend, consider socks heated via lithium ion batteries ($99.95).
8. Hit the pavement together
Amazing morning run with the @Momtrends ladies! #mtrun #runkeeper A photo posted by Runkeeper (@runkeeper) on Oct 22, 2015 at 7:31am PDT
Friends who start the New Year ready to run can look forward to meeting their goals — and exceeding them. Help your bestie get motivated by gifting her the upgraded Runkeeper Go app ($39.99 per year). Make it personal by mapping a new run for the two of you that incorporates her favorite spots.
9. Curate your favorite tunes
Mix tapes or playlists are about nostalgia or discovery. Curate the songs you obsess over with each other, or gift her a playlist with whatever theme you choose. Add an iTunes or Google Play gift card for something a little extra.
10. Help her get caffeinated
Coffee all day. @hungryghostbrooklyn killing it in the cappuccino department. : @hungryghostbrooklyn A photo posted by Stumptown Coffee Roasters (@stumptowncoffee) on Oct 10, 2015 at 2:08pm PDT
Friends who can share a cup of coffee or tea and talk for hours, are often friends for life. To celebrate that ritual, get your bestie a bag of speciality beans or tea leaves and include the fancy press or teapot she wants but won't buy herself. If she's super serious about her caffeine, introduce her to apps like Kohi ($2.99) or AeroPressTimer ($4.99), which include brewing tips and a brew timer.
11. Get personal with custom jewelry
Christmas is around the corner! I can make a map necklace, cufflink set, key chains, and more of almost any city/country in the world! Find it at kimiko611.etsy.com or Facebook.com/thegreendaisy #thegreendaisy #kimiko611 #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #maps #mapjewelry #travel #familyhistory #christmasshopping #christmasgift #handmade #crafting #uniquegift #personalized @makersvillage #makersvillage A photo posted by Kimiko611.etsy.com (@thegreendaisy) on Oct 1, 2015 at 10:28am PDT
Carrie Bradshaw may have loved her gold nameplate, but there's more to custom jewelry than just a name. Get creative with a nod to the experiences you shared in college or traveling together by giving her jewelry that incorporates geography or special mementos. Etsy is a great place to look for artisans who can make your vision come to life.
12. Preserve your memories with a photobook
Though @pengtagram‘s work is created digitally– he looks to physical things for inspiration. “My work starts with a memory that I expand on until I have something concrete.” #Ps25Under25 A photo posted by @photoshop on Oct 21, 2015 at 11:29am PDT
Gifting an old-school photo album is a sweet but time-intensive gesture. Try using online services like Zazzle or Snapfish to upload your pics and turn them into a charming hardcover book she can flip through for years to come.
13. Get Selfish with a book of her selfies
If you're shopping for a friend who adores Kim Kardashian West but wouldn't get a thrill out of a traditional photo book, try curating all of her Instagram selfies into a Selfish-style photo book. Chances are you'll surprise her — and prove that your bond is deep and eternal.