Sure, you could gift your friends and family another Amazon or Starbucks gift card to celebrate a special occasion. But why not get a little more creative (and maybe put in a little bit more effort) and gift them something memorable and unique that they’ll love?
Fret not: We've discovered cool gift ideas, no stress necessary. These products focus on all things home and wellness, ranging from a pizza maker to a back massager. Trust us when we say that you might check everyone off your list with these neat picks, or you'll want to splurge on one for yourself.
Bestselling cool and unique gift ideas
Cold Beer Coats
I’m sorry, but have you seen anything cuter in your life? Dress up your beer with these cold beer coats, which come in four 'coat' color combos.
100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster
The token film buff in your friend circle will get a kick out of this scratchable wall art, featuring 100 of cinema's most iconic works. Just grab a coin and 'scratch' off the movie once you've watched it.
Dude. Your Team Socks
You can't go wrong with a fun pair of socks, especially when it comes to gifting. This pair comes in 12 different color combinations for the perfect striped sock.
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
This LED neck reading light can be bended in any direction you need it to. It’s also easy on the eyes, has a long-lasting battery and contains different color and brightness levels for you to choose from. You can even use it outside of bedside reading, including cooking, sewing, handyman work and other craft activities.
John Derian Sticker Book
Former commerce writer Hannah Baker loves this sticker book, which has over 700 stickers from decoupage master John Derian. “This is the gift that keeps on giving. The larger stickers are frame-worthy, and the smaller ones are fun to add to a blank notecard for snail mail.”
Terrarium Candle
Not only do they smell incredible, but these candles are basically a centerpiece in and of themselves. They are a soy blend and their fragrances include premium fragrance oil in pine and vanilla (cactus) and jasmine and white tea (poppy).
The USB Lighter Company Electric Lighter - The Motli Light
Perfect for lighting candles, this USB lighter is — you guessed it — rechargeable and also has an LED light so it can be used as a mini flashlight. The longer shape makes it great for lighting hard-to-reach wicks, and the pretty design (we love the terrazzo print of this one!) means it'll look great left out on your coffee table.
Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
In essence, this device offers a full-body massage that deeply kneads targeted areas to help relieve tension, stiffness and more. You can wrap it around your hips, over the shoulders or anywhere else that needs some adjustment. It even has a built-in heat function to alleviate any other discomfort you might have. One reviewer wrote, “I have had neck trouble all my life and this is the best massager I have tried ... worth it’s weight in gold for my neck.”
Uncommon Goods Book Nook Reading Valet
The book lover will appreciate all that this book nook offers. It will hold their book in place, leave it on display and even offer a spot for all of their other reading essentials.
iHome Color Changing Alarm Clock
There are seven color changing modes in this alarm clock that you can switch and set depending on the time of day and your mood. The Bluetooth feature means you can play and wake up to your favorite tunes, enhancing the vibe of the room.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
I don’t think I’ve seen a cooler pan out there. This do-it-all piece can replace 10, yes 10, traditional pieces of cookware in just one handy pan. Whether you need to fry, steam, sauté, sear, boil or strain, this pan comes in 10 different colors and includes the pan, lid, stainless steel steamer basket and wooden spatula.
Calpak Luka Duffel Bag
If they’re always on-the-go, they’ll need a bag that suits their lifestyle. Case in point: the Calpak Luka Duffel Bag. Although marketed as a large weekender, this bag can be used for everyday necessities, to hold your gym gear or as an overnight tote. There’s room to hold a few days worth of clothes, a designated shoe compartment, water- and scratch-resistant fabric, multiple pockets and a trolley sleeve. In essence, it seems to have it all.
Cool and unique gifts under $50
Stuffed Bun Maker
This nifty bun maker is the perfect gift for the home cook in your life who's always on the hunt for new kitchen gadgets. Bonus: you're bound to benefit from this gift when they whip up a batch of buns.
Ototo Kitty Cut Pizza Cutter Wheel
Cats + pizza = happiness, it’s simple math! Purrrfect for any cat owners on your list, this pizza cutter is surely an upgrade from their traditional (boring) kitchen tool.
MoMA Design Store New York Coffee Cup
Start their day off right with this dishwasher- and microwave-safe cup, which is modeled after a traditional New York bodega disposable cup. Whether they use it for their morning cup of joe, juice or just keep it on display, it's sure to put a smile on their face.
Hydrascape Infinity Stickers
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger thinks these unique stickers will make for a great gift for those seemingly attached to their water bottles. “These long stickers wrap around and around your water bottle or thermos to create a mountain, arches, or canyon scene, depending on the national park you choose.”
PieceRelax Store 3D Puzzle Planter
Ditch the standard tabletop puzzles, and build a 3D puzzle with no glue required. The option above include everything you need to bring the puzzle to life — literally. In fact, “you’re essentially building your own home decor,” mentions lifestyle expert Patrice J. Williams, who previous joined TODAY, since the puzzles can even be used to store actual plants, too.
Jenny Lemons Large Lemon Slice Hair Claw Clip
Do they have a soft spot for soft serve? Or go bananas for fruit? These hair clips are inspired by foods we all know and love, from tacos to hot sauce, strawberries, strips of bacon and more.
Each claw clip is crafted out of an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, so you can look good and feel even better.
Hex Bots Wall Crawler Gecko Remote Control Toy
Know a young one who loves creepy crawlies? This 'Gifts WE Love' remote-controlled gecko is sure to spook mom and dad, while earning giggles from the youngest of the bunch. It crawls up walls and across floors, mimicking the movements of an actual gecko.
ban.do Strawberry Field Vase
Associate social media editor Dani Musacchio personally owns this vase and has received endless compliments on it. We wouldn’t be surprised to see this product go viral this gifting season.
ban.do Rise and Shine Vase
Another adorable vase? This morning person-approved option is a tall, cheerful (and might we add, citrus-y) vessel that’s sure to brighten their day.
Black History Tote Bag
Looking to support a Black-owned business? This vibrant tote bag from Houston-based designer Trini Gee is adorned with vintage buttons from the civil rights movement during the ‘60s.
SharperImage.com LED Light-Up Word Clock
At first glance, this clock looks like a meaningless jumble of letters — until it lights up. It displays time in five minute intervals for easy reading and is super easy to set up. With such a unique digital display, telling time has never looked more sophisticated.
Minted Red Heirloom Tomato Beeswax Candle
Splurge on a nonsensical gift that is sure to satisfy the foodie in your life. They’ll be shocked to learn that this candle looks like the real deal, down to the fruit sticker. It even shows when the candle was made, or “harvested on.”
Pintoo 3D Puzzle Vase
Here's another 3D puzzle to consider. It comes with three different eye-catching prints, with each coming with 160 puzzle pieces to create your own vase.
Fat Brain Toys Plip Kit
Gifting little ones? You’re in luck. The Plip Kit from Fat Brain Toys offers endless creative fun. With multiple short, long and bendable pieces, they can build everything from sculptures to shapes and whatever comes to their imagination.
Plus, “This comes with a drawstring bag to keep the pieces organized, and the silicone is food safe and machine washable,” Williams notes.
Original Duckhead Matisse Compact Umbrella
“If you’re looking to replace your $5 umbrella that breaks after one use, this seems like a good investment that was made with sustainability in mind,” says senior editor Jess Bender, further noting that “it was designed from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Also, the handle is a duck head. How cute is that?!”
Plants and Blooms Store Just Add Ice Money Tree
Taking care of plants can come with its challenges, but this money tree offers a simple solution. To keep the plant full of life (besides placing it in direct sunlight, only two ice cubes once a week are needed. Yes, really!
Mercato Di Bellina Homemade Pizza Night Gift Basket
This Pizza Night gift basket adds an authentic touch to your pizza making with food products sourced from Italy. The kit is also one of many gift sets from the brand that you can shop on their site.
Crockpot Lunch Crock Food Warmer
Gift someone the means of never having a sad work lunch ever again. This portable food warmer allows you to take your favorite hot meals on the go and not have to transfer it all to a microwaveable dish to warm up and eat.
WS Game Company Boggle Vintage Bookshelf Edition
Whether they’re big into games and puzzles or just want to stay sharp, this vintage-looking book that’s actually a game of Boggle is sure to surprise and delight. According to the brand, it’s best for two to six players and all ages 8 and up.
Paintable Pictures Paint Your Photo by Number Pets Edition
Another gift perfect for pet owners, this paint by numbers kit is completely customizable to their fur baby. Not to mention, this pick was included in Oprah’s Favorite Things last year.
Betty Crocker Countertop Pizza Maker
No oven is needed for this pizza maker. The 1440W nonstick skillet can whip up a cheesy 12-inch pizza in just a few minutes — not to mention it is simple to clean up afterwards. And it is versatile enough to make your favorite quesadilla, omelet and crepe, too.
Birthdate Co. Birthdate Candle
The Shop TODAY team also has their eyes on these unique candles that are specially made for each day of the year. Commerce partnerships coordinator Victoria Herlocker is actually planning to grab a few to give as gifts.
“I think getting anything personalized is so special, which is why I want to give all my astrology-loving friends their own birthdate candle,” Herlocker says. “I’m also so curious about what my own candle says, I might need to get one for myself, too.”
Cool and unique gifts under $100
Hamilton Beach Rapid Cold Brew and Hot Coffee Maker
According to the brand, you should have a fresh cup of brew in a few minutes with this coffee maker. It brews coffee up to 16 oz, and solely uses ground coffee — no pods needed. The slim design also means it shouldn’t take up too much counter space, which is perfect for those with small kitchens or apartments.
Magnolia Bakery Classic Banana Pudding Party Bowl
Magnolia Bakery is a New York staple dessert, but you can actually get their famous banana pudding delivered nationwide. The Shop TODAY team is a fan of the dessert, and social media editor Kara Quill thinks the unique dish could make a fun gift.
“It has a good banana flavor, without being too in your face about it,” Quill comments. “There’s a creamy texture, but it’s not too heavy — I like that in my desserts.”
Polychrome Goods “Less Regrets, More Baguettes” Crewneck
“I wore this during an eight-hour Oktoberfest cruise and got no less than 20 compliments about it while I was out and about,” says Bender. “It’s stupid, it’s comfy, it’s unisex — what more could I ask for?!”
This punny, oversized crewneck is available in six colors and sizes small through 2XL.
Wondery Outdoors 50 States Bucket List Water Bottle
If you have a friend with an ambitious goal of visiting all 50 states, this sticker gift might give them the boost of encouragement they need to keep going.
Snif Crumb Couture
It’s no surprise that Bender — one of Shop TODAY’s resident foodies — has a go-to dessert-themed scent. “I’m not a huge perfume lover, but there’s something so inviting about this fragrance,” she says. “Off the bat, If you need confirmation of how ‘crumb-y’ the aroma is, I wore this over the weekend and my mom said I smelled like a buttery bakery within 30 seconds of seeing me.”
YourParty.com Custom Our Place Matchbox
"I'm obsessed," says associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky about these custom matchboxes. She's been seeing the trendy matches everywhere on social media and loves how you can personalize your box with text or even a photo.
Susan Alexandra Fruit Earrings
SEO commerce writer Jannely Espinal isn't the only member of the Shop TODAY team who's a fan of these giftable, joyful earrings.
"The first time I saw production associate Audrey Ekman wearing these cherry earrings, I knew I needed to buy them," Espinal says. "It's the right amount of flair and fun without weighing your earlobe down. Even if you're wearing black, these will pop thanks to the sparkling beads. This is an excellent gift for someone who wants to zhuzh up their attire and add a hint of elegance to their look."
West & Willow Custom One Pet Portrait
Any pet lover is sure to appreciate this thoughtful and artsy gift. Whether it is to remember their pet or to have another keepsake, they can hang their best furry friend right on their wall forever.
Scavenger Hunt Box
The Shop TODAY team is constantly on the lookout for unique gifts, and former associate editor Fran Sales found this DIY scavenger hunt kit she’s interested in testing out this season.
“My boyfriend and I are always looking for new and fun ways to connect with each other, one of them being two-player games and puzzles,” Sales explains. “So I love that this scavenger kit has everything I need to customize a game that’s both fun and highlights what makes our relationship unique. I always go for inside-joke gifts or fun but useful gifts for him, and I think this one checks off several boxes.”
Personalized Four-Across Game
Put your own spin on Connect Four with this handcrafted version. It can be personalized to carve out your name, anniversary or any other meaningful sentiment.
Jonathan Adler Le Wink Salt and Pepper Set
Add some high-end design to their kitchen with this gold-accented salt and pepper shaker set from Jonathan Adler. They're crafted from high-fire porcelain and accented with sparkly gold.
Nomadix National Parks and Monuments Map Puffer Blanket
Calling all national park lovers! This blanket is a sleeping bag, blanket and warm cloak all in one. Made with post-consumer recycled materials, this blanket will keep any outdoor fanatic comfy and cozy during their travels.
Cool and unique gifts worth the splurge
Deep Sea Sand Art
If they’re desiring a little bit of calm in their lives, Klaus Bosch’s sand sculpture should do the trick.
New York Times Custom Birthday Book
Perfect for any journalist, this fully customizable book features a collection of The New York Times’ front pages from each year since their birth. A few editors on our team have gifted this over the years and it’s always a hit.
Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket
Who doesn’t want a ginormous, 10-foot-by-10-foot blanket? Bender can also vouch for this cozy blanket.
“The Big Blanket on my couch is one of the most-used things in my apartment,” Bender admits. “I pretty much fall asleep under it every night.”
Embark Dog DNA Test
Ever wondered what your adopted dog’s breed actually is? This fun doggie DNA test from Embark screens for over 350 dog breeds, types and varieties, and also tests for 190+ genetic diseases, too.
Misette Floral Plates
These cutie plates will delight that pal who always sets the most beautiful tables.
"I need this set of plates in my life," said Baker. "The floral motif speaks to my '70s-print-obsessed soul. In fact, I want everything from Misette, but especially the Floral Collection. Swoon!"
Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock
Say goodbye to waking up in a panic to your jarring alarm every morning. This neat alarm clock uses a combination of gradual light that mimics a sunrise and a noise of your choosing to gently wake you up. Plus, it can act as a bedside light and even be used as part of your night time wind-down routine.
Simplehuman Cleanstation UV Phone Sanitizer
"I am a complete germaphobe and have a lot of friends who are too," admits social media editorial assistant, Annie Shigo. "I can’t go to sleep without wet wiping my phone, so when I saw this Cleanstation that sanitizes your phone in seconds with a UV ray, I knew it was a great gift. I keep mine in my living room so my roommates can use it too, and the design is so sleek you would never know what it is. I know it is pricy but it beats buying wet wipes in bulk!"
Theragun Prime
For the athlete in your life, the Theragun Prime is the perfect post-workout treatment to relieve sore muscles and recover more quickly. This kit comes with multiple attachments and the Theragun has a 120-minute battery life.
Tinggly Superwoman Experience Box
For that person on your list who loves to travel and try new things, this experience box makes a great gift. According to the brand, the receiver can choose from over 900 experiences in nearly 400 locations, from a zipline tour in Colorado Springs to attending Moulin Rouge in Paris, to find their next great adventure. Even better?
Meet the expert
- Patrice J. Williams is on-air lifestyle and fashion expert.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products and coolest gifts out there. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the most unique gifts on the market that are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the foodie, traveler, coffee lover, gamer, advent calendar enthusiast, film buff, and more in your life.
