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31 unique gifts you can buy anyone on your list

Photo puzzles, birth flower jewelry and more personalized gift ideas that are anything but ordinary.

No candles or whiskey stones here. This list is full of unconventional yet surprisingly useful gift ideas.
No candles or whiskey stones here. This list is full of unconventional yet surprisingly useful gift ideas.

Check your calendar at any given moment and it seems there’s a gift-giving occasion on the horizon. Usually it’s a birthday or anniversary, but somehow it's already holiday shopping season too. It can be a challenge to think up new and exciting gifts for the friends and family members who are on your list year after year. Fortunately, that’s where I come in. I'm sort of an expert on this subject since I spend my days researching and testing products. More importantly, I spend a lot of time thinking about who all of those products would be good for, because not all products would make a good gift for just anyone — but they do exist! With that in mind, I've rounded up unique gift ideas for anyone on your list.

How exactly do I define "unique"? Some of these cool gift ideas — the handy golf ball retriever, for example — are made for niche audiences and interests, whether you're shopping for a trendy teen or newly minted grandma. Others are simply new-and-improved variations on classic standbys (say, a jigsaw puzzle that doubles as a murder mystery game). Below, find everything from personalized gifts like these doggy socks to small gifts like this fun card deck for couples.

Quick Overview

As Yahoo's gifting editor, I will do everything in my power to steer you away from basic (read: boring) gifts. I've searched high and low to compile a list of out-of-the-box gift ideas that you probably haven't seen before. Trust me, even the hardest-to-please person on your list — ahem, your mom or dad — will find something to love about these finds.

Shopping for someone else this year? Check out our list of the best early Black Friday deals going on now.

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Update, Nov. 25, 2024: We checked all product prices and availability.

Whether you’re shopping for newlyweds, a couple who’ve been together for a long time or someone who’s moving to a new house, this custom home illustration is a thoughtful gift idea. Simply send a photograph of their home to this Etsy seller and they'll draw it by hand, along with the address and family name. It's a sweet way for them to enjoy all of the memories made in the home. . Opt to get it framed for an additional cost.

$56 at Etsy

Forget novelty keychains. This classy pick is great for the minimalist in your life. With it you can store all your keys on a brass key ring with a pop of red, blue, black or white enamel. Light, strong and sturdy, it’s very easy to use and weighs little even when loaded. "No more broken nails getting keys on and off,” one satisfied shopper wrote.

$20 at Craighill

Did you know there are olive oils meant for cooking and oils meant for consuming right out of the bottle? Turns out, you shouldn’t use the oil you “sizzle” as the oil you “drizzle,” and vice versa. Upgrade the culinary experience in any household by introducing this combo pack and teach someone on your list a thing or two about olives. 

$37 at Graza

Keep this waterproof cooler on hand to store beer, wine and refrigerated snacks on the fly, perfect for kayaking trips, hiking or camping. Choose one of four sizes, the largest of which can hold 18 cans and keep it cold for up to 24 hours. And if you’re planning to head into the water, no worries because it can float right beside you.

$95 at Amazon

A custom cutting board is equal parts useful and personal, and it makes a great gift for newlyweds, parents or anyone who loves to cook This Etsy seller lets you choose from various fonts and designs when placing your order, so each and every order is unique.

$19 at Etsy

Last year, Executive Tech Editor Rick Broida named this the "best massage gun for self-care." It has a removable extension handle, so you can reach your mid and lower back without help from a partner. It’s the perfect gift for the fitness buff in your family, or anyone with a few aches and pains. "If it’s self-massage you’re after, there’s arguably no better massage gun to buy," he raved.

$60 at Amazon

Renowned chef José Andrés’s nonprofit World Central Kitchen has traveled the world, providing aid to those who need it the most. This cookbook highlights the food they’ve discovered along the way, along with personal favorites from supporters like Michelle Obama and Guy Fieri. Best of all: All author proceeds will go toward World Central Kitchen’s emergency response efforts.

$26 at Amazon

A weighted wrap is a more budget-friendly option to a weighted blanket, but it provides a lot of the same benefits. This affordable option relieves aches and pains by providing soothing comfort to tense muscles. Pop it in the microwave for two minutes to activate heat, or stick it in the freezer for an hour or two for cold relief.

$24 at Amazon

For the coffee lover who likes little clean-up and no waste, we recommend this brewing straw. Add coffee grounds and hot water to your favorite to-go mug, give it a good stir and filter out particles with this stainless steel straw. Plus, it can be used with tea leaves, too.

$25 at Amazon

Give pottery a spin before you head to the wheel. Make your own trinket dishes, planters or vases by using the materials and instructions in this beginner-friendly kit. 

$65 at Amazon
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$65 at Maisonette

Assemble this 500-piece puzzle to solve one of two mysteries: the combination to Uncle Gregory McGough’s safe or the truth behind the death at the international clairvoyants’ convention.

$16 at Uncommon Goods

Now their best buddy will always be with them. Send in a funny photo of their fur baby and this Etsy maker will print it on a pair of colorful crew socks. 

$7 at Etsy

Put your favorite family photo at the heart — get it? — of this 252-piece puzzle. My suggestion: Go with a snapshot they haven’t seen in a while so it takes some time for them to piece it together. 

$42 at Minted

Uncommon Goods

The next time you’re cooking up something in the kitchen, you’ll be reminded of the place you call(ed) home. Each stoneware spoon rest is sculpted by hand, which means no two will look the same. Talk about a one-of-a-kind gift!

$28 at Uncommon Goods

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Pull a card from this deck to get the conversation going. Each card will prompt couples with a question in one of six categories: health, finances, work, relationships, personal growth and mindfulness.

$27 at Amazon

Finding a signature scent is no easy feat. Instead of putting all your stock in one fragrance, give them a sample of three Tocca scents — all of which have floral and fruity notes.

$28 at Amazon

This dynamic duo made Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2023, and we can see why. Pack makeup into the small pouch and stuff it inside the larger drawstring one, which also turns into a chic crossbody thanks to the removable strap.

$35 at Amazon

If you’re shopping for a gal who lives in a colder climate, chances are she laments having to wear a beanie when it means hat hair. Fear not. This messy bun beanie has little holes in the back so she can wear a ponytail without ruining her do. Available in more than 125 colors – yes, you heard that right – this hat is ideal for just about anyone on your list with long hair.

$15 at Amazon

Take a cue from Rellery fan Selena Gomez and engrave this gold or silver necklace with your birth flower. For something less conventional, pick out the flower that corresponds with your anniversary or child’s birthday. 

$135 at Rellery

If she’s the type to stay on top of her festivities (or has mentioned she wants to be better at it) this planner is cheerfully decorated and comes with stickers, motivational quotes, and monthly dividers. It’s undated, so she can start using it at any time.

$27 at Happy Planner

Divide bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings and hair accessories into the three compartments in this faux leather travel case. Leave it open when you’re staying put, then roll it closed when you’re ready to hit the skies.

$18 at Amazon

This weighted silk eye mask made Oprah’s Favorite Things 2022 list, and thousands of Amazon shoppers agree that it’s worth the hype. “I feel like I am in a spa. It blocks out all light and smells amazing,” said one well-rested reviewer of the lavender-scented mask. Remove the inner pouch to make it lighter or slide in the cooling gel mask to wake up tired, puffy eyes. 

$20 at Amazon
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$20 at Target

Fun to build, beautiful to display and lasts much longer than a real orchid plant would — this bestselling Lego set makes a great addition to a deskside or windowsill plant menagerie or even a stylish dining table centerpiece. The set comes with 608 pieces, including the flowers. 

$40 at Walmart
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$60 at Ace Hardware$40 at Target

Sleeping on silk? Say less. With continued use, Fishers Finery claims this pillowcase will help prevent wrinkles, protect hair from damage and regulate sleep temperature. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

$56 at Amazon

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It’s not every day that you’ll find a man with a custom bobblehead of himself. Provide the Etsy seller with personalized details about your loved one, and you’ll get a mini-sized replica of him. Worth noting — prices vary by size selection.

$33 at Etsy

Whether they’re into camping and hiking or prefer to spend their time outdoors at the beach or in the park, this packable blanket is sure to become their new favorite. It’s made of durable, water-resistant materials and includes built-in sand pockets — great for loading up with rocks or sand at the beach to keep your blanket from flying away in the wind.

$26 at Amazon

Do they have a bad back or limited range of motion that’s affecting their game? Rather than bending down to pick up each ball they hit, they can simply use this bestselling grabber tool to retrieve it from the ground or the hole.

$18 at Amazon

A perfect gift for the nostalgic gamer who grew up playing Super Mario and now just needs a place to set a drink without damaging their coffee table. This cheeky set of four coasters is designed with your favorite characters of yore. Note that these coasters are made of pressed cardboard and aren’t suitable for wet glassware.

$15 at Amazon

For the person who has enough watches to match an outfit every day of the week, give them a place to store their favorite accessories. The larger box holds up to five watches, perfect for the person who has plans to expand their collection soon.

$49 at Pottery Barn

For the person who’s a tinkerer, this kit lets you make your own high-tech paper airplane and then fly it up to 20 mph using the PowerUp app. Analyze thrust levels, turn angles and speed changes while it's in the air.

$60 at Amazon

This is one of those things you’ll be happy to have — especially the next time you drop your keys between the seats or a tiny screw behind an appliance. Switch on the light to track the item down, then extend it until you can reach whatever you're trying to grab. 

$26 at Amazon

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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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