Friendship Day: Best gadgets to gift your buddies that don’t burn a hole in your wallet

Friendship Day isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about knowing your people. The playlist sharer, the serial selfie-taker, the low-key gamer, the one who treats iced coffee like a personality trait. And when you know them that well, your gift should show it.

We’ve curated a hit list of gadgets that are equal parts cool and affordable (under Rs 6,000). These aren’t your run-of-the-mill novelty gifts either; they’re gear that actually gets used. From Polaroid-style cameras to 120-hour earbuds, here’s what to get your crew this Friendship Day without emptying your savings.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11: Instant nostalgia in your pocket

This is your ticket to analogue vibes in a digital world. The Instax Mini 11 auto-adjusts for lighting, delivers dreamy portraits with High-Key mode, and prints credit-card-sized memories in seconds.

It’s stylish, fun, and ideal for your friend who’s always capturing “aesthetic” moments. Think retro charm meets real-time gratification.

boAt Nirvana ION ANC Pro: Peace, bass, and battery for days

These boAt Nirvana ION ANC Pro are budget TWS buds that deliver the goods. You get Hi-Res LDAC audio, active noise cancellation, and a mind-blowing 120-hour battery life. Whether your friend is in productivity beast mode or lost in a lo-fi playlist, these earbuds seal the deal.

Also, there’s features like dual EQ modes and crystal-clear calls without breaking the bank! It’s giving best-in-class on a broke-student budget.

Croma Hair Dryer: Blowouts on demand

Want something under Rs 1,000 that doesn’t feel cheap? This Croma hair dryer is a no-fuss essential that’s lightweight, powerful, and travel-friendly. Its 1100W motor handles frizz, volume, and cold-blast finishing with ease.

Great for roommates, dorm buddies, or that one friend who’s always “just five mins away” but still towel-drying their hair. Plus, it folds, so it’s a gym bag hero too.

Amkette Evo Gamepad Pro 4: Mobile gaming, levelled up

This controller is a great option for the friend who treats PUBG like a full-time job. At a pocket-friendly price of Rs 2,180, it turns any Android phone into a console setup with 16 action buttons, Bluetooth 4.0, and even a telescopic phone mount.

Bonus points for the 12-hour battery life and responsive turbo mode. It gives serious console-level feels without the console-level price tag.

Croma Squad CS Smartwatch: Fitness, calls, and flex on your wrist

Priced under Rs 1,500, this smartwatch is a feature-packed beast. There’s a big 2.01-inch display, 500 nits of brightness, Bluetooth calling, 120+ workout modes, and health tracking; all wrapped in an IP68 water-resistant shell.

ALSO READ: Croma Squad CS smartwatch brings curved aesthetics, fitness features

This one’s perfect for your buddy who’s starting their fitness journey or just wants to take calls mid-run like a boss. And it looks far pricier than it is, too.

Wonderchef Electric Kettle: An essential for hostel life

Whether it’s two-minute noodles or black coffee, this budget-friendly yet classy kettle gets the job done, especially for hostel dwellers. The 1.8L capacity is just right, and the cool-touch body means there’s zero burn drama.

Throw in auto shut-off, rust-free interiors, and a drip-free spout, and you’ve got a gift that’s both cute and clever.

Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth Speaker: Pocket-sized party starter

Don’t let the size fool you, the sound out of this thing slaps (speaking from personal experience). Add to that, 16-hour battery, punchy bass, and a built-in mic for voice calls, and this speaker might just be the cutest little party starter on a budget that your music lover friends will love.

IP67 water-and-dust resistance means it can survive beach trips, hikes, and chaotic house parties. Also, it’s made partly from recycled plastic.

Croma 5-Cup Coffee Maker: A brew buddy for your buddy

Early meetings or late-night brainstorming? This compact coffee machine from Croma brews up to five cups with a heat-resistant carafe and anti-drip design, at under Rs 1,500.

It’s perfect for the caffeine-fueled friend who always orders “the usual”. With auto shut-off and a visible water level indicator, it takes the guesswork out of the grind.

Which one are you planning to nab? Drop a comment to let us know, and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more useful gifting guides.