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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.
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.
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.
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Update, Nov. 25, 2024: We checked all product prices and availability.
Unique gifts for everyone
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Unique gifts for her
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.
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.