Check your calendar at any time and it seems like there’s a gift-giving occasion on the horizon. Maybe it’s a major holiday or something more personal, like a birthday or anniversary. Whatever the case, chances are you’re scraping the bottom when it comes to thinking of new and exciting gifts for the loved ones who are on your list year after year. So why don’t you let me help? I’m something of an expert on the subject and have put together unique gift ideas for each person on your list.
How exactly do I define “unique”? Some of these gift ideas – the practical ones golf ball retriever, for example – are made for niche audiences and interests, whether you’re shopping for a trendy teenager or a newly-made grandma. Others are simply new and improved variations on classic standbys (say, a puzzle that doubles as a murder mystery game). Below, find everything from personalized gifts like these doggie socks for small gifts like this fun deck of cards for couples.
As Yahoo’s Gifts Editor, I’ll 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 you’ve probably never seen before. Believe me, even the hardest-to-please person on your list – Yupyour mom or dad – will find something to love in these discoveries.
The best unique gifts by category:
Unique gifts for everyone
Personalize a mid-year planner with photos of the two of you together. Just upload your photos and choose the binding you want and Papier will do the rest.
The more the merrier – at least that’s their philosophy when it comes to games. This pack comes with 17 pieces compatible with Nintendo Switch games and controllers, including tennis racket accessories, wrist straps, and wheels.
Support their existing hobby or introduce them to a new one. This pickleball paddle set comes with two lightweight paddles, four pickleball balls, and a bag where they can throw it all.
Draw a card from this deck to start the conversation. Each card will prompt couples to ask questions in one of six categories: health, finances, work, relationships, personal growth, and mindfulness.
Keep this waterproof cooler on hand to quickly store beer, wine, and chilled snacks. Choose from four sizes, the largest of which holds 18 cans and keeps cold for up to 24 hours. And if you’re planning on getting into the water, don’t worry because it can float right next to you.
Tell him to keep this bag in his backpack so he’s ready for anything, anywhere. There is a durable blanket with built-in sand pockets inside.
World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization run by renowned chef José Andrés, traveled the world, providing help to those who need it most. This cookbook highlights the food they discovered along the way, along with personal favorites from supporters like Michelle Obama and Guy Fieri. Best of all: all author proceeds will go to World Central Kitchen’s emergency response efforts.
Relieve minor aches and pains with this weighted wrap. Pop it in the microwave for two minutes to activate the heat, or place it in the freezer for an hour or two to relieve the cold.
Store all your keys in this brass key ring, with red, blue, black or white enamel. Light, strong and resistant, it is very easy to use and weighs little even when loaded. “No more broken nails when turning keys on and off,” wrote one satisfied customer.
Did you know that there are oils for cooking and oils to consume straight from the bottle? It turns out that you shouldn’t use the oil that you “sizzle” as the oil that you “drizzle” and vice versa. Upgrade the cooking experience in any home by introducing this combo pack and teach someone on your list a thing or two about olives.
No coffee shop nearby? No problem! Add coffee grounds and hot water to your favorite mug, stir well, and filter out particles with this stainless steel straw.
Take a walk around the pottery before heading to the wheel. Make your own bauble plates, planters, or vases using the materials and instructions in this beginner kit.
As they piece together this 500-piece puzzle, they will solve one of two mysteries: the combination to Uncle Gregory McGough’s safe or the truth behind the death at the International Clairvoyant Convention.
Now their best friend will always be with them. Send a funny photo of your fur baby and this Etsy maker will print it on a pair of colorful socks.
Part of the joy of reading a good book is sharing it with others. Your bookworm can mark their favorite reads with this self-inking stamp to help the borrower remember whose library it is.
Place your favorite family photo in the center – get it? – of this 252-piece puzzle. My suggestion: Choose a snapshot they haven’t seen in a while, so it will take them a while to put the pieces together.
The next time you’re preparing something in the kitchen, you’ll remember the place you call home. Each stoneware spoon rest is hand carved, meaning no two will be alike. Talk about a unique gift!
Unique gifts for her
Finding an exclusive perfume is no easy task. Instead of putting your entire stash into one fragrance, give them a sample of three Tocca scents – all with floral and fruity notes.
If she’s the type to stay on top of the festivities (or has mentioned wanting to be better at it), this planner is cheerfully decorated and comes with stickers, motivational quotes, and monthly dividers. It has no date, so she can start using it at any time.
Choose between a three-, six-, or 12-month subscription (starting at $49) and Rocksbox will do the rest of the work for you. Every month, they send a box of hand-selected baubles – earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. – to the recipient, who has the option of keeping them forever with their monthly subscription credit.
Take a cue from Rellery fan Selena Gomez and engrave this gold or silver necklace with your birth flower. For something less conventional, choose the flower that corresponds to your or your child’s birthday.
If you’re shopping for a girl who lives in a colder climate, chances are she’ll lament having to wear a beanie when it means a hat. Do not fear. This messy beanie has little holes in the back so she can wear a ponytail without ruining her hairstyle. Available in over 125 colors – yes, you heard that right – this hat is ideal for anyone on your list with long hair.
Divide bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings and hair accessories into the three compartments of this faux leather travel case. Leave it open when you’re stationary and close it when you’re ready to hit the sky.
This heavy-duty silk eye mask made Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2021 list, and thousands of Amazon shoppers agree it’s worth the splurge. “I feel like I’m in a spa. It blocks out all the light and smells amazing,” he said. a well-rested reviewer of the lavender-scented mask. Remove the inner pouch to make it lighter or insert the cooling gel mask to wake up tired and puffy eyes.
Fun to build, beautiful to display, and lasts much longer than a real orchid plant would – this best-selling Lego set makes a great addition to a desktop or windowsill plant menagerie, or even an elegant centerpiece. dining table. The set comes with 608 pieces, including the flowers.
Exclusive gifts for him
This Carhartt backpack can take you from work to camp (but, seriously). It’s made from durable, water-repellent polyester and has a designated compartment to hold a 15-inch laptop.
It’s not every day you meet a man with a personalized bobblehead. Give the Etsy seller personalized details about your loved one and you’ll receive a scaled-down replica of them. Worth noting – prices vary depending on size selection.
This flying camera captures photos and videos from the sky. It comes with high praise from Yahoo technology editor Rick Broida, who called it his “favorite gadget of 2023” (and let’s just say he’s tested a few). And if the price is holding you back, take it from Broida, who said “there is no other flying camera that is as smart and easy to use as this one.”
Instead of bending down to catch every ball he hits, he can simply use this best-selling catching tool to retrieve it from the ground or hole.
A perfect gift for the nostalgic gamer who grew up gaming Super Mario and now you just need a place to prepare a drink without damaging your coffee table. This cheeky set of four roller coasters is designed with your favorite characters from yesteryear.
Give your watches a designated place to rest. Choose the larger box if his collection is larger (up to five watches) or if he has plans to expand it soon.
Build your own paper airplane with this kit and fly up to 20 mph using the PowerUp app. Analyze thrust levels, turn angles and speed changes while in the air.
This is one of those things you’ll be glad you have – especially the next time you drop your keys between the seats or a small screw behind an appliance. Shine the light to track the item and extend it until you reach what you’re trying to grab.
Buying Guides: See all our gift guides in one location. We’ve got gift ideas for all the different people in your life – men, women, teenagerskids, you choose.