Sure, you can gift anyone a pair of socks or a special gift card this season, but will it feel as special as something quirky, yet unique to their taste and still pretty useful? What if you could blow your loved ones' mind with your thoughtfulness and attention to detail? This holiday, as you wonder what to shop for, think about the things they've been talking about or the tools that can make their day-to-day easier.
If you have loved ones on your list who already have everything/a>, we can help you out. There are tons of unexpected gifts/a> that your friends and family probably don't already own. From a playful checkered pillow with a built-in bluetooth speaker to a smart cocktail-making system, these niche presents will totally surprise and thrill everyone on your list.
Let's shop!
— Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams
This Jungalow: Decorate Wild - by Justina Blakeney (Hardcover) ($20) is filled with clever tips and inspiration images, so they'll never run out of ideas for decorating their space. Display it on their coffee table.
This Happy Face Throw Pillow Bluetooth Speaker ($38) isn't just playful and cozy to the touch, it also plays music. It's honestly one of our favorite finds.
This Only Good Vibes Success and Inspiration Jar ($20) will keep them inspired, and it's a great gift to turn to when you first wake up. It'll set every day on the right note.
If you know someone who really loves wine, this In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar ($135, originally $150) is an awesome gift. Within the 24 mini bottles, they'll definitely find a favorite.
They can watch their favorite movie anywhere with the Packard Bell Home Theater Projector and Screen Set ($98). The compact design makes it easy to move around.
The New World Sourdough by Bryan Ford ($28) is a tasty addition to anyone's bookshelf. The cookbook is here to simplify the process of baking your own sourdough. With practical tips and techniques, readers will feel empowered and excited to dive into the wide variety of baked goods, from warm pita to sweet brioche.
This Smokeless Portable Fire Pit and Grill ($250) is great for campers or even someone who has a small outdoor space. We have a feeling the person who loves to BBQ will truly get excited to open it.
This temperature-control Ember Mug² ($100) will keep their drink at their desired temperature for however long they decide to nurse it. It's perfect for those who need a warm cup of coffee to get through the workday. They can customize the settings in the accompanying app.
This Pierre Thiam Cookbook ($90) makes an excellent gift for adventurous cooks. Since buying it after watching Anthony Bourdain's episode in Senegal, my husband and I have adopted a few recipes into our repertoire, and they have easily been our favorites.
There's a reason The Artist's Way: 25th Anniversary Edition ($14) has sold millions in copies. The book takes anyone on a transformative journey where they will dig deep and address the root cause of their creative blocks. It's worth getting a copy for yourself, too.
Filled with writing prompts and other fun thought starters, The Writer's Toolbox ($22) is a writer's best friend. They will use it daily whether to brainstorm story ideas or engage people during a workshop.
Sweatpants may be more of last year's thing, but these Agolde Kelby Relaxed Sweatpants ($158) will seriously make for fun weekends at home. The intentionally exaggerated volume is a chic take on slouchy loungewear that looks far cooler but feels just as comfy.
Who wouldn't want these splurge-worthy Sleeper Party Pajamas Set With Feathers ($290)? They look so festive, perfect for cozy nights in or elevated slumber parties.
Bucket hats may be out of their comfort zone, but they'll sure be able to warm up with this H&M Padded Bucket Hat ($18). Get it to push them to try something new.
This Turmeric Botanical Bar ($16) will deeply cleanse and nourish the skin, and it's scented with an essential oil blend of bergamot, geranium, and ginger. It's also fortified with turmeric and rose clay, so what's not to love about it?
The Hatch Restore ($130) is such an innovative bedside buddy that will lull them to sleep. It's a smart sleep assistant that prepares them for bed and to wake up with ease. It's a sound machine, a sunrise alarm, a smart light, a meditation app, and an alarm clock all in one sleek gadget.
They can have their own personal assistant with the Amazon Echo Show 10 ($250). They'll be able to enjoy entertainment, keep in touch with friends and family, control their household, stream countless workouts, stay on top of their schedule and errands, and so much more with this one device. They even get a one-year free subscription to Food Network so they can sharpen their cooking and baking skills.
These Linoto 100% Linen Sheet Sets ($269 and up) guarantee a restful night with their supersoft feel. Anyone would be happy to receive new bedding, so these are a failsafe gift.
The Kitsch Blush Satin Sleep Set ($36) is a luxe find that will make them feel like royalty when they go to bed. The set contains a queen satin pillowcase, a satin eye mask, and a satin scrunchie.
The Renpho Eye Massager With Heat & Bluetooth Music ($70, originally $80) is an electric shiatsu eye massager that will help relieve the tension from eye fatigue and eye strain. It's a gift that will truly keep on giving and actually help out.
This Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe ($99) will be their go-to when they're at home. Get rid of that old, stained robe they've had for years, and consider this a major upgrade.
They'll be excited just looking at this Kerri Rosenthal Smile Cashmere Scarf ($298). Once they wrap it around themselves, though, they won't want to take it off.
This S'well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($37) will fit in their everyday tote, and remind them to stay hydrated. It's an effective way of reducing their water bottle consumption as well.
They'll never get a blurry shot (unless that's the goal) again with the 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer For Smartphone ($99). It's the No. 1 bestselling stabilizer on Amazon.
Keep everything clean and sanitary with this PhoneSoap Smartphone Sanitizer ($80-$100). The person who's always sanitizing everything will be so excited to recieve this.
They can grow everything from thyme to fresh rosemary with the Smart Garden Grow Kit ($100). It includes NASA-inspired soil that will give plants the proper amounts of oxygen, nutrients, and water. All they need to do is add water to a capsule once a month and they're set.
They can create endless craft cocktails in the comfort of their home with the Bartesian ($350) cocktail maker. Best part: no measuring or mess; the machine does everything for them. Check out our in-depth review.
They can almost do it all with this Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker ($130). It can replace their old pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, food warmer, sous vide, and sterilizer. It has a variety of one-touch programs so all you have to do is throw your ingredients in the pot and press a button. Cooking has never been easier.
Treat the coffee connoisseurs in your life to the ultimate gift, the Ninja Hot & Iced Coffee Maker ($150). They never have to decide between a hot or cold brew with this gadget. The modern and sleek design will not only make their kitchen look swanky, but it's also perfect for a home filled with coffee-lovers. It's even a wedding-registry favorite.
How convenient is this HoMedics Total Clean Personal Air Sanitizer ($50)? The best part? There is no filter to clean up or replace. We kind of want it for ourselves.
This Langston Luxury Room Spray ($30) will infuse any room with a lively scent of worn leather, aromatic tobacco, vanilla, and a sweet amber incense. It will smell lovely.
Get them this Shower Beer Holder Bluetooth Speaker ($30) for the the ultimate shower experience. It could also hold their morning coffee or water, and they could listen to a podcast while they shower.
Bring on the fun! This Beeropoly Game ($38) will give them and their friends a reason to have their favorite beer while exchanging laughs. Order it early so it's here before the holidays.
Level up their workouts with these stylish Bala Bangles ($49 for two). These one-pound bangles can be worn on their arms or ankles for a full-body, resistance-based workout. They can even wear them while they run errands or do chores to get an extra workout in!
For a statement piece that will have their guests talking, then get the West Elm SIN Weylyn Candelabra ($150) for their dining table. The unique shape will be at the center of conversations.
The popular, handcrafted Estelle Colored Glass Stemless Wine Glass Set ($160) is a customer favorite. Each glass is hand-blown by glass artisans in Poland, and the set of six comes in 11 different color choices.
Elevate their everyday eating experience with the delish Truff Hot Sauce Variety Pack ($70). The rich, truffle-infused sauce set comes in the original, white, and hotter flavors. It's even an editor favorite.
Made from ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and rosemary, this Herb-Infused Avocado Oil Gift Set ($24) belongs in their pantry. It'll make for some pretty tasty at-home dinners.
This odorless Living Composter ($199) will allow them to turn their food scraps (including onion peelings, grain foods, and tea bags) into fertilizer. The composter can process more than two pounds of food a week, so if they cook often, they'll get plenty of use out of it.
They'll be able to create perfectly crispy crusts thanks to this Emile Henry French Ceramic Pizza Stone ($55-$70), which can also be used as a cutting surface. It can withstand super high heat, and go in the oven or on the grill.
They'll swear by this Quartet Magnetic Whiteboard ($12, originally $22) to map out their to-do lists, daily schedule, and to stay organized. It's a gift that'll keep on giving.
If you and your bestie bond over music and love to create playlists for each other, this Personalized Spotify Code Necklace ($11, originally $23) will make such a thoughtful gift. Just create the playlist that's the ultimate soundtrack of your friendship, send over the Spotify code and any other customizations, and enjoy!
Give them a sturdy and reliable suitcase for their upcoming trips with the CALPAK Jen Atkin Carry-On Luggage ($214, originally $285). It'll be easy to locate at baggage claim.
Put their wellness first with this Green Detox Kit ($77), which contains a skin-boosting blend of original turmeric, a debloating mix of cacao turmeric, and a matcha turmeric pack great at supporting skin health, metabolism, and serene focus.
They'll make these Zouxou Trini Loafers ($280) part of their work uniform, because they're so practical and easy to wear. They'll match anything from a jeans and top combo to a maxi and blazer mix.
Your fashion-loving BFF will reach for this Mishe bag by Vavvoune ($495) even for casual errands. It's so chic and glam, plus the lavender color makes it especially elevated.
This EDAS x Cameron Tea Hat ($365) is pure art. It's fashion-forward and definitely worthy of the splurge.
This aromatic McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic 2018 Califonia Zinfandel ($25) packs a bold flavor made of fresh plum, cherry and delicate crush black pepper followed by soft oak notes and a hint of spicy vanilla. It's fruit-forward and delicious.
They'll give their hair some TLC with this Briogeo Besties Clean Hair Discovery Kit ($89), which contains formulas that will help restore dry and damage hair. It includes a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, and hair oil powered by ingredients such as algae extract, argan oil and ceramides to promote hair with moisture, nourishment, and shine.
This Beauty Bakerie Cake to Go Best Sellers Essentials Kit ($32) features a powder, spray, and sponge, making it ideal for when you're on the go. Gift it to your beauty-obsessed friend who's always traveling.