Introduction
Friends are the family we choose.
Buying for them shouldn't be stressful-it should be fun. But in 2025, the standard "mug and socks" combo won't cut it. Your friends are curating their spaces, inspired by "Dopamine Decor" and "Cozy Minimalist" trends on social media. They want gifts that make their apartments look good and feel even better.
Whether you are shopping for your fashionista bestie, your gamer guy friend, or the "hostess with the mostess," we've analyzed the top trends to bring you 10 gifts that they will actually post on their Instagram story.
What Friends Want as Christmas Gifts in 2025
We analyzed social media search volume and consumer behavior to see what is actually trending this holiday season. Data from 2025 Consumer Holiday Spending Reports (Mintel / Etsy Trend Guide)
| Trend Category | Search Growth (YoY) | The "Vibe" They Want |
|---|---|---|
| "Dopamine Decor" | +85% | Bright colors, playful shapes (squiggles/swivels), and velvet textures. |
| "Tech-Integrated" | +40% | Furniture that hides wires (Smart tables, charging lamps). |
| "The Cozy Era" | Stable | "Hygge" is back. Think bouclé fabrics, faux fur, and warm lighting. |
| "Host Mode" | +30% | Items for entertaining: Bar carts, extra seating, and glassware. |
Top 10 Christmas Gifts Ideas for Friends
We've curated this list based on the hottest interior design trends of 2025, ensuring there is a perfect match for every personality in your friend group. From the tech-obsessed gamer to the cozy homebody, here are the top 10 picks that blend style, function, and holiday cheer.
Gift 01: WJS Velvet Swivel Sofa For The Fashionista & Content Creator
$769
Instantly makes a room look expensive; Velvet fabric is soft and highly photogenic; Swivel base is perfect for social chatting.
Velvet requires a lint roller (attracts dust).
"I bought this for my bestie's new apartment. We literally sat in it and talked for hours. She says it's her favorite thing in the room!" - Jessica K., Verified Buyer
This is the ultimate "main character energy" gift. If your friend is always updating their home decor or loves taking outfit photos, this sofa is the perfect backdrop. The WJS Swivel Chair comes in trending jewel tones (Emerald, Rust, Teal) and offers a 360-degree spin that makes open-concept apartments feel dynamic. It's not just a seat; it's a studio prop.
Gift 02: Smart Side Table with Speaker For The Gamer & Tech Lover
$289
Eliminates messy cables; Decent sound quality for a small room; Looks modern and sleek.
Must be plugged into a wall outlet.
"Got this for my guy friend who is impossible to shop for. He actually uses it every day for his phone and gaming setup." - Mike T.
For the friend who always has low battery. This smart table replaces the clutter of charging bricks and Bluetooth speakers. It features a built-in wireless charging pad on the surface and a 360-degree speaker base. It's perfect for a bachelor pad, a dorm room, or a small studio where multi-functionality is key.
Gift 03: WJS Cloud Ottoman For The Apartment Dweller & Lounger
$1,169
Fits in even the smallest apartments; Washable cover (essential for red wine spills); Matches almost any existing sofa.
Requires occasional fluffing to keep the shape.
"My roommate and I fight over who gets to put their feet on this. It's so soft." - Sarah L.
The most versatile piece of furniture you can gift. A cloud ottoman serves three purposes: a footrest, an extra seat when the "squad" comes over, and a coffee table (if you add a tray). The WJS Cloud series uses down-blend cushioning, making it soft enough to actually sit on comfortably for hours.
Gift 04: Candle Warmer Lamp For The Cozy Friend & Pet Owner
$45.39
No smoke or soot; Safer for pets/kids; Establishes a "moody" lighting vibe.
Bulb can get hot to the touch.
"I gifted this to my friend who has three cats. She loves that she can finally have nice scents in her house safely." - Amanda B.
Candles are a classic gift, but candle warmers are the 2025 upgrade. Using a halogen bulb to melt the wax from the top down, it releases the scent without an open flame. This is safer for friends with cats or apartments that ban open fires, and it makes the candle last 2x longer.
Gift 05: Gold Finish Bar Cart For The Hostess & Party Planner
$69
Mobile (wheels lock in place); Adds vertical storage; Looks great even when empty.
Requires assembly (bring a screwdriver).
"My best friend turned this into a 'Coffee Station' instead of a bar. It looks adorable in her kitchen." - Rachel G.
For the friend who is always hosting "Taco Tuesdays" or pre-drinks. A rolling bar cart organizes their bottles and glasses into a stylish display. It frees up cabinet space and adds a touch of "Great Gatsby" glamour to their living room.
Gift 06: Checkered Faux Fur Throw For The Gen Z Trend Follower
$82.8
Extremely trendy/Instagrammable; Very warm and heavy; Affordable price point.
Bold pattern might clash with busy rugs.
"So soft and thick! My friend opened it and immediately wrapped herself in it like a burrito." - Chloe D.
The "Checkered" pattern is the biggest design trend of the year. This throw blanket combines that trendy aesthetic with high-pile faux fur warmth. It's an easy way for your friend to update their old sofa without spending money on new furniture.
Gift 07: Portable Mini Projector For The Movie Buff & Homebody
$64.99
Creates a huge screen experience anywhere; Compact and easy to store; Fun for group hangouts.
Room needs to be very dark.
"Best gift for girls' night in. We projected a movie on the ceiling and lay on the floor. 10/10." - Sam W.
Turn any blank wall into a cinema. This small projector connects to phones or laptops to stream movies. It's the ultimate gift for friends who love hosting movie marathons or have a bedroom too small for a giant TV.
Gift 08: Aesthetic Coffee Table Books For The Design Lover
$120
Timeless decor; Shows you know their interests (Fashion/Travel/Art); Zero maintenance.
Heavy to wrap/carry.
"I got the 'Travel' one for my friend who loves Italy. She keeps it open on her table as art." - Verify Buyer
Sometimes the best gift is just something beautiful to look at. Large hardback books featuring travel, fashion (like Tom Ford or Chanel), or architecture serve as "pedestals" for decor. They elevate the look of a coffee table instantly.
Gift 09: Disco Ball Planter For The Plant Parent & Fun Lover
$34.99
Unique and unexpected; Creates magical lighting effects; Inexpensive but high impact.
No drainage hole usually (use a nursery pot inside).
"My friend screamed when she opened this. Her living room looks magical at 5 PM now." - Taylor S.
Plants are great, but a plant inside a disco ball is better. When the sun hits this hanging planter, it scatters light speckles all over the room. It brings a "Golden Hour" magic to any apartment and is purely fun, joyful decor.
Gift 10: WJS "Cloud" Body Pillow For The Sleep Lover & Side Sleeper
$1,079
Deeply supportive for sleep; Luxuriously soft cover; Great for reading in bed.
Takes up a lot of bed space.
"I bought two of these for my best friends. They both texted me the next morning saying it was the best sleep they've had." - Morgan P.
For the friend who loves their bed more than going out. This isn't a standard pillow; it's a long body pillow filled with the same down-blend as the WJS Cloud Sofa. It provides support for side sleepers or serves as a headboard substitute for daybeds.
What to Consider First Before You Buy A Christmas Gift for Your Friends
Friends can be tricky-you don't want to get too personal (like hygiene products) but you don't want to be generic. Use this 3-step guide to ensure your gift is a hit.
1. The "Aesthetic" Audit
Before you buy, look at their Instagram or think about their living room.
-
Is it Beige/Cream/White?
Stick to the Cloud Ottoman or Candle Warmer. Do not buy them bright colors.
-
Is it Colorful/Maximalist?
Go for the Velvet Chair or Disco Planter. They will love the pop of energy.
2. The "Shared Space" Rule
-
Do they live with roommates?
If yes, avoid large shared furniture (like a coffee table) unless you know it fits. Personal items like the Projector (for their room) or Body Pillow are safer choices.
-
Do they live alone?
You have more freedom to buy statement pieces like the Bar Cart.
3. The "Function vs. Fun" Balance
- The Practical Friend: Wants the Smart Side Table (It solves a problem).
- The Fun Friend: Wants the Disco Ball Planter (It brings joy).
- The Mix: The WJS Velvet Chair is the perfect middle ground-it looks fun but acts as necessary seating.
Online Shopping Checklist for Christmas 2025
Don't let logistics ruin the surprise. Use this checklist before you click "Buy."
| Status | Category | Actionable Advice & Details |
|---|---|---|
| [ ] | Shipping Deadline | Check the "Order By" date. For 2025, most carriers recommend ordering by December 12th for standard ground shipping to ensure arrival by Christmas. |
| [ ] | Gift Receipt | Did you check the "This is a gift" box? Ensure the price is hidden on the packing slip so the recipient doesn't see the cost. |
| [ ] | Return Window | Look for "Holiday Extension" policies. Many customer-friendly brands extend their return window until January 31st for holiday purchases. |
| [ ] | Fraud Protection | Verify site security. Ensure the website uses SSL (look for the lock icon in the URL bar) before entering any credit card information. |
| [ ] | Package Hiding | Secure the delivery. Add a specific delivery note (e.g., "Please hide behind the planter") to avoid porch pirates. |
Things to Watch Out For Before You Buy Christmas Gifts Online
Buying furniture online requires extra care. Avoid these common pitfalls:
1. The "Dollhouse" Effect (Size Matters)
Always check dimensions! A chair might look huge in a photo but turn out to be tiny in real life.
Tip: Use painter's tape to mark the size on the floor before buying.2. "Some Assembly Required" Nightmares
Don't gift your friend a chore. If an item has 100 parts (like a complex bookshelf), offer to come over and help them build it as part of the gift.
3. Color Discrepancies
Screens vary. "Teal" on your phone might look "Green" in real life. Check customer photos in the reviews to see the true color under natural light.
Conclusion
Friends help you make a house a home.
Whether it's the chair you gossip in, the projector you watch movies on, or the table that holds your drinks during a party-furniture is the backdrop to your friendship.
This Christmas, skip the gift cards. Give your friends something that adds comfort, style, and "vibes" to their daily life.
Ready to find the perfect piece? Shop the WJS Home "Sales" Collection Here .
