13+ BEST Gifts for Online Friends To Make Them Smile (2023)

Are you looking for the perfect gift to show your appreciation for a special online friend?

Whether it’s a long-time buddy from chat rooms or someone you’ve recently connected with on social media, finding something that captures the spirit of your relationship can be difficult.

With so many possibilities out there, it’s hard to know what will make the best gift – but don’t worry!

We have some great ideas that are sure to make them feel appreciated.

Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most thoughtful and creative gifts for online friends.

Why Give Gifts to Online Friends?

In a world that is often divided along physical and digital boundaries, online friends can be the people who bring us together.

In addition to being able to connect with people from around the globe, forming an online friendship results in a unique bond that deserves to be rewarded.

Strengthening the Bond

When we give gifts to our online friends, it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate and strengthen our relationships with them.

It helps keep conversations going, shows appreciation and encouragement, and creates special moments of connection between two individuals despite the distance.

Expressing Gratitude

Showing gratitude for friendships formed over social media is important too.

Whether your friend has been there for you through tough times or helped you grow professionally by providing valuable advice – saying thank you doesn’t always come naturally but gifting can be a great way of doing so! 

A gift doesn’t need expensive or luxurious; even something small like a funny mug or customized T-shirt can make your friend feel appreciated and create memories out of an ordinary moment.

Factors to Consider

No matter what kind of gift you choose, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind when selecting the perfect present for your online friend.

Here we discuss budget, interests, and hobbies, as well as age and gender.

Budget

When shopping for gifts online, it’s important to stick to a budget.

You don’t want to overspend on something that won’t be appreciated or go overboard with an extravagant gift.

Depending on how well you know the person and how long you have been friends, think about setting aside the right amount of money.

That way you can find a thoughtful present without breaking the bank!   

Interests and Hobbies

Looking into someone’s interests and hobbies is another great way to ensure they will truly appreciate their gift.

If your friend enjoys reading books or playing video games, consider getting them something related such as literature from their favorite author or a new game release they have been wanting to try out.

It doesn’t have to be expensive either – even something small like e-books makes for an excellent surprise!

Age and Gender

Before purchasing any item for your online friend make sure that it is appropriate for their age and gender.

You don’t want to get them something that they won’t be able to use or enjoy, so always keep this factor in mind when shopping for a present. 

Things like clothing, accessories, toys, and books should all take their age and gender into consideration before buying!

Gift Ideas For Online Friends

Digital Gifts

Digital gifts are becoming increasingly popular as an easy and thoughtful way to show your appreciation for online friends.

For those of us living in the digital age, there’s something special about giving a gift that can be shared across the world with just a click of a button!

Here we’ll share some unique and original ideas for digital gifts perfect for any occasion.

Show You Care With A Gift Card

A simple yet effective gesture, sending your online friends their favorite store or restaurant gift cards is sure to put a smile on their faces!

Whether it’s Amazon, iTunes, or their local coffee shop – they will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind such an effortless present.   

Brighten Their Day With Subscriptions

How about gifting them a monthly subscription box filled with items based on interests and hobbies?

From book subscriptions to beauty boxes – you can find something quality suited to anyone’s taste!

Send Them An E-Card

Sometimes all it takes is an encouraging message or a funny meme.

Everyone loves receiving virtual love via email, so why not send your online friend an e-card telling them how much they mean to you?

Share Music & Movies

Have you watched a great show together over video chat, or listened to the same old tunes?

If so, gifting them a digital music or movie download is sure to bring back memories and show that you care.

Digital Artwork

Surprise your online friend with an original piece of art from local artists via print-on-demand websites such as Etsy.

Not only will it make for a beautiful addition to their home decor but they’ll know you put thought into finding something unique just for them.   

These are just a few ideas that could be perfect gifts for online friends! 

Whether you opt for the classic present of coffee shop gift cards or get creative with personalized artwork – whatever you choose, your virtual bestie will love it!

Subscription Services

Subscription services can be a great way to show your appreciation for someone you care about who you only know via the internet.

From streaming services and snack boxes to beauty products and craft supplies, there’s something out there that is sure to make any online friend feel special.

Not only are subscription boxes fun surprises to look forward to in their mailbox, but they also create a sense of connection knowing that every month or quarter your special online friend will be receiving something from you sent with love.

Here are some of our favorite subscription services for those who don’t live close by:

Streaming Subscriptions

Whether it’s on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, having access to exclusive content is an exciting gift idea no matter what type of television show or movie they like!

Beauty Products Subscriptions

Perfect gifts for anyone interested in skincare and makeup!

Look into brands like Birchbox and Glossybox that offer monthly packages tailored specifically toward their interests.

Craft Subscriptions

For the creative types out there, gifting a subscription to a craft box can be a great way to encourage them and provide the tools they need to explore their artistic endeavors!

Companies like KiwiCo specialize in boxes for kids and adults of all ages.   

All these services are unique, thoughtful gifts that show your online friends how much you care about them – even from afar!

Personalized Gifts

If you’re looking for a special and meaningful gift for an online friend, personalized items can be a perfect choice.

Not only will they show your appreciation but it also proves that you’ve gone the extra mile to create something unique and personal.

Here are some ideas for thoughtful, customized gifts you can give to your online friends:

Custom Photo Album

Put together a selection of pictures from one or multiple memorable events featuring your online friend and other members of their “online family”.

Use especially made software to arrange them into a beautiful photo book with captions underneath each image.

This could even include funny messages between both parties that capture the spirit of your friendship.

Personalized Mugs

Create coffee mugs for your online friends which feature their name, an adorable quote about friendship or life in general, or even surprise them by adding photographs taken during Skype calls or video chats!

It’s an inexpensive way to make them feel special every time they have their morning cup of coffee at home!

Custom Logo T-Shirts

Would it not be fun if both of your groups had custom t-shirts made with inside jokes on?

Whether it is just graphics representing funny stories from your shared memories or an image of your favorite video game character, this is an easy and inexpensive way to demonstrate how much you all care for each other.

Personalized Keychains

You can find dozens of websites where you can customize keychains with photos and quotes.

Get one for yourself and each member of your crew; it’s a classic gift that will make them smile whenever they reach for their keys!

Matching Friendship Bracelets

If you want something more traditional, why not try making matching friendship bracelets?

Online stores offer cheap materials like wooden beads, colorful gemstones, or simple thread from which you can create different patterns. 

It’s a small token of appreciation that both parties will treasure forever!

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, showing appreciation and care to your online friends is important, and gifting them is a great way to do so.

We hope our guide to the best gifts for your virtual BFFs has given you some inspiration to surprise and delight your cyber companions.

From sentimental presents to quirky gadgets, there are many thoughtful and fun options to choose from.

So, go ahead and spread some joy and friendship across the digital world, and let your online friends know how much they mean to you!

FAQs on Gifts for Online Friends