The holidays are here again. In my world that means snow, cross-state road trips, big meals with families, and receiving some of the most disappointing gifts imaginable. Sure, it’s the thought that counts, but when that thought leads to another weird car gadget that I’ll immediately forget I own, I have some thoughts. It’s time to try some gifts that are more offbeat and maybe a little strange, but still spark joy without breaking the bank.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
A Necklace With a Message
Amazon
I know a lot of people who are in transition this year. New homes, new jobs, new relationships. These periods can be overwhelming and stressful, and giving something pretty can cheer them up. This necklace has been a favorite. It’s pretty and well made, and I like the message. Look forward to the destination, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
A Cup Holder For Your Luggage
Amazon
Every time I’m trying to wheel a suitcase through an airport while carrying my purse and a cup of coffee, I’ve wondered why suitcases don’t have built-in cup holders. It would make so much sense! This product is the next best thing. There’s even space for your phone, and when you’re not using it, it folds right up. Genius.
Get Insta Famous With Good Lighting
Amazon
I think we all want to be internet famous, if only for a few minutes. To do that we need good lighting or a viral idea, and this ring light can give you the former while you’re waiting for the latter. You can adjust the intensity and tone of the light so you always look your best. It comes with a Bluetooth remote shutter and a tripod that doubles as a selfie stick, so you’re ready to create brilliant content the minute it arrives.
A Fun Summer Activity For the Whole Family
Amazon
I’m not a sports person, but I do love spending time outside with my family in the summer. Rather than playing a game that involves a lot of running and sweating, I liked bocce. It takes patience and skill, and there’s a lot of trash talking involved. The winner or winners of this game get bragging rights and don’t have to do dishes, so it was in my best interest to get a nice set and practice.
A Portable Camp Fire
Amazon
Ok, so this is actually a large candle, but it’s marketed as a portable campfire and I don’t hate it. The wicks are paper instead of cotton, but that’s where the differences end. I love the idea of going to someone’s house and bringing the campfire with me. They claim that the flames can go as high as 4 feet, so it’s not small. I just think it’s really fun and a little silly, and that’s what giving gifts should be all about.
Get Ready For Future Travel
Amazon
Oh, travel, how I’ve missed you. Like so many others I’ve been looking forward to hitting the road for over a year, and when I do I want to be prepared. These compression cubes are like magic. I tend to overpack, and these cubes smush all my stuff into a manageable size so I can bring a smaller suitcase. It’s so cool. I need more of them in my life.
Handmade, Natural Candles
Amazon
I love buying handmade items from small businesses on Amazon, especially if the items are pretty and smell amazing. These candles fit that description. They’re hand-rolled, and as they melt the wax on the outside of the candle gets all translucent and glowy. The company claims that they have a mild honey scent, but to me, they smell like summer sunshine and wildflowers. It’s definitely the scent I want in mid-winter when spring feels very far away.
The Camping Table You’ve Always Wanted
Amazon
There are no coffee tables when you’re camping. It’s a sad fact of life, but some legend is trying to change that. This table folds, which is cool enough, but it also has built-in cup holders, a spot for snacks, and a cooler for reserve drinks. Perfect for tailgating, camping, basically anywhere you might want to hang out with your friends over drinks and snacks.
A Bluetooth Speaker That Brings the Ambiance
Amazon
I know I already included a Bluetooth speaker on this list, but this one is specifically for outside. Imagine you’re sitting on your deck on a summer evening, listening to Frank Sinatra (or Iron Maiden… no one’s judging) by the warm glow of a flickering lantern. Except the lantern is the speaker. Pretty cool, right? I’d love it even more if it had some kind of bug repellent in it. Maybe they’re saving that for version 2.0.
Retro-Style Headphones With Active Noise Cancellation
Amazon
I’ve been really into old-school, over-the-ear headphones lately. My Bluetooth earbuds are fine, but they can’t hold a candle to these from Anker. These are far more comfortable and I don’t have to worry about them falling into the sink when I’m doing dishes. The battery life is insane, going 30+ hours of listening between charges. They also sound great, blocking out much of the ambient noise that I find so distracting. Very pleasing, and reasonably priced to boot.
A Grill Pan That’s Almost As Good As the Real Thing
Amazon
I love grilled food, but I don’t like grilling in the winter. It’s cold, there’s usually snow, and I don’t want to put on shoes. Every grill pan I’ve ever used to mimic the grilling experience has been a miserable failure, but I quite like this copper version. It makes great steaks and grilled veggies. It’s nonstick and easy to clean which makes me even more likely to use it. I still prefer the real thing, but this comes close.
The Last Notebook You’ll Ever Need
Amazon
I’m a lifelong writer, and I’m currently a student. I go through notebooks like they’re water, and while I recycle them, I started to feel bad about the amount of waste I was creating. So I invested in a Rocket Book. They come in cute colors, and you can upload your handwritten notes to the cloud services you already use or email them right from the Rocket Book app. I can keep my notes forever without cluttering up my tiny office, and I can reuse my notebook indefinitely. How cool is that?
An Easy Electric Wine Opener
Amazon
I’ve recently been told that buying wine with screw caps isn’t classy. That’s kind of a bummer since they’re so easy to open, and corks are so… not. I may invest in this electric wine opener to make things easier on myself. You just press a button and bam, wine is open. I appreciate that it’s rechargeable, meaning I won’t have to hunt down batteries for it. It’s definitely classier than screw tops.
A Functional Time Tracker
Amazon
One of my least favorite parts about working from home is figuring out where my time went. I’ll get involved in a project, and before I know it hours have disappeared. Having a time tracker not only helps me monitor my billable time, but it alerts me if I go over the allotted time. It pulls me out of whatever work daze I’m in and allows me to stay on task. We love a good time management tool.
A Cool Looking and Functional Infuser
Amazon
I drink a lot of tea. One of the worst parts of being a tea lover is taking it on the go. The options are either tea bags or… tea bags. Or so I thought before I found this bottle. I can put my leaves in before I leave home, add hot water when I get to wherever I’m working for the day, and have my morning tea. It’s double-walled to keep my tea hot for hours, it’s easy to clean, and it’s pretty.
Fire Burn and Coffee Bubble
Amazon
I enjoy a good mug, especially when it matches my moods. This one is perfect for when there’s a full moon and I’m feeling a little extra witchy. Evils eyes, snakes, and coffee, oh my! It’s also huge for the particularly rough mornings that require extra caffeine.
Keep Your Cords Organized
Amazon
I used to dread packing chargers and computer stuff when I traveled. It was always a mess. When Amazon suggested this bag. It holds all of my chargers, my phone, my mouse, basically everything I need to charge my devices and get work done when I’m away from home.
A Coffee Maker In Your Pocket
Amazon
It can be difficult to find good coffee when I’m away from home. That’s especially true when my family drags me camping. This portable coffee maker has been a lifesaver. I was skeptical at first, since how could it possibly make decent coffee? I was happy to be wrong. In addition to making great coffee, it’s also lightweight and sturdy, so I don’t feel like I’m going to break it every time I take it out of the house.
Give Comfort and Relaxation
Amazon
I suffer from anxiety and cold toes, so I obviously love my weighted blanket. I thought it was a total gimmick, but my first nap with my weighted blanket changed my life. I now have one for my sofa, one for my bed, and a spare in the car just in case I get stranded somewhere. It’s like sleeping under a reassuring hug.
Listen To Your Podcasts Without Freezing
Amazon
I enjoy a good multi-tasking product, especially when it involves putting headphones in other things. Headbands, sleep masks, and now beanies. Winter is cold and snowy where I live, and that means time outside shoveling. I worry about my earbuds falling into the snow, and my hat doesn’t fit over my headphones, so these are a necessity.
A Massaging Product For Everything That Hurts
Amazon
When I’m done with all of that shoveling and every muscle in my body aches, I need this massager. It has heat and rollers, which I love, and I can change its position to massage everything. Back, feet, legs, all benefit from this handy tool. It’s also far less expensive than other heat massagers.
A Coffee Gift Box For Your Coffee Loving Friends
Amazon
I love coffee and trying new blends whenever possible. I really like getting sampler boxes like this for the holidays. It takes the pressure off the giver to know exactly what I like, and I get to try a bunch of new stuff. I’ve found some real gems in these boxes that I’ve now been drinking for years.
Tiny Speaker, Big Sound
Amazon
JBL makes really nice-sounding speakers, and this little dude is no exception. I really can’t get over how cute and tiny it is. You can take it anywhere and still have JBL sound. It comes in a bunch of colors, and it’s water-resistant. I keep mine in the shower for epic show tunes sing-alongs while I’m washing my hair.
The Ultimate Toiletry Bag
Amazon
Another item to get ready for future travel is this hanging bag. It holds a ton of stuff without being too cumbersome, and the interior pockets keep spills contained. They’re easy to clean, and it’s easy to see all the stuff in the bag through the mesh pockets. I love that it can hang out of my way and comes in colors to match the rest of my luggage.
Make Epic Sandwiches
Amazon
If you thought the panini press was dead, you were wrong. Toasy, melty, hot sandwiches never go out of style. This Hamilton Beach model is basic but gets the job done. There’s a light to let you know when it’s hot, a floating lid so you’re not crushing your sandwiches, and that’s about it. You can’t beat it for the price.
A Hefty Water Bottle For Your Biggest Thirst
Amazon
If you’re like me you already own too many water bottles. Most of them sit in a cupboard, forgotten and abandoned in favor of this one. Not only does it come in gorgeous colors, but it’s also super functional. It keeps drinks cold for an entire day, and it comes with multiple lids, straws, and brushes to clean said straws. I have the 40 oz. version but there are many to choose from, so you can find one to fit your needs.
Decor For the Game Enthusiast
Amazon
Gamers need cute decor too, which is why someone made this adorable neon sign. Whether you hang it on a wall or set it on a shelf it’ll look really cool. It doesn’t use a lot of power so you don’t need to worry about leaving it on. The neon is actually an LED tube instead of a neon bulb, so it won’t get too hot and crack. It would make a great gift for anyone who likes console gaming.
Some Work From Home Friends
Amazon
I’m bad at plants but I really like the way they look. They make a room seem a lot more friendly and welcoming, and having something growing in your office can help improve your mood. These little friends will keep you company while you’re working from home and not be too mad at you if you forget to water them for a while. They come in multi-packs, so even if you do kill one, you’ll have a spare.
A Woodsy, Sexy Scent
Amazon
Burberry is a luxury brand, so it’s no surprise that their perfumes are so expensive. Luckily they make these travel sizes that allow the masses to try their gorgeous scents. This one might be my favorite. It’s like woods and amber and some sweet notes. It’s what I wear when I’m feeling cute and going out for drinks with my friends, or when I’m a little depressed and need a pick me up. If you’re looking for a luxurious, sexy scent this might be for you.
A Custom Map So You Can Always Find Home
Amazon
I like giving maps as gifts. They show people where they’ve been, where they come from, and where they could be going. I have a map wall hanging of my neighborhood in my hometown and it brings me joy every time I see it for exactly those reasons. These are even more custom, allowing you to add names and a full address, rather than just a bit of map. This could be good for someone who’s moved around a lot or has an affinity for a particular location.
A Bar Set To Impress Your Most Demanding Guests
Amazon
I’m always impressed by people with the skills to make actual drinks. More than two ingredients and I’m basically useless behind a bar. Having a set like this might put me a little closer to my dreams of flipping bottles in the Bahamas, if only because it comes with a recipe book.
A SAD Lamp To Make You Happy
Amazon
It’s Seasonal Affective Disorder time again, so I’m pulling out my SAD lamp. I’ve had many over the years but this one is my favorite. It’s small and unobtrusive and I get to decide how bright the light should be. I can also hang it on a wall if I want to. I like having it out of my way but easily accessible. It was a great buy and would make an excellent gift for anyone who gets the winter blues.
Delicious, Melty Cookies
Amazon
I can’t lie – these cookies made this list because they remind me of visiting my grandma as a kid. She always had some kind of yummy cookie in a tin she kept on the top shelf and only brought out for company. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and I fully intend to give these to my cousins so they can have the same experience.
Baking Pans, To Promote Cookie Making
Amazon
T’is the season for baking. I want to support my friends and family in their baking endeavors because it usually results in an influx of baked goods into my life. I’ve given this set of pans to several people and they seem to enjoy them. The bread and cookies keep coming so I must have done something right.
Perfectly Slice Almost Anything
Amazon
My mandoline might be my favorite kitchen gadget. I’m fundamentally lazy and hate doing prep work, so I end up using it almost every day. It makes quick work of almost any vegetable and it’s easy to clean. Pro tip: use the hand guard. Keep your fingers.
Take a Bath In Style
Amazon
Taking a bath is a luxury I indulge in as frequently as possible. Every time I get in the tub I wish I had one of these trays. It’s perfect for relaxing with your tablet, watching Netflix or reading. You can adjust the viewing angle for optimal Netflixing, there’s space for your phone, and a handy slot for a wine glass. It’s also water-resistant so it won’t get gross or warped from being in the bathroom.
The Hair Tool That TikTok Loves
Amazon
Volumizing brush hair dryers have been everywhere this year. Revlon made the original, but Hot Tools perfected it. It dries my hair in a fraction of the time of a traditional dryer, and it gives me gorgeous, shiny hair. I can keep some wave in my hair if I want or make it totally straight. I love it. I’ll have one forever.
A Handy Makeup Mirror with Music and Magnification
Amazon
I use this mirror every day. Skincare, makeup, it’s vital. The lighting is surprisingly good for a mirror at this price point, and the magnifying mirror is a good size for plucking my brows or making sure there’s nothing in my teeth. I like that there’s a Bluetooth speaker included. It doesn’t sound great, and when I take calls it sounds like the caller is underwater, but I appreciate that it’s there. It’s a great mirror for the price.
A Pretty and Unique Bracelet
Amazon
I don’t see a lot of jewelry like this, and I think it’s really pretty and unique. It reminds me of chainmail almost. The tough, unstoppable women in my life can wear it and feel like they’re wearing armor. It’s sterling silver so it won’t tarnish or turn anyone’s wrist green, and it comes in different sizes to be accessible for almost everyone.
Keep Your Hands Warm and Your Phone Charged
Amazon
I don’t like the cold, but sometimes spending time in it is unavoidable. Sporting events, holiday events, bonfires, all fun but require being in the cold. Having one of these is vital to keeping my hands warm and my phone charged. The battery is large and lasts between 8 and 15 hours, depending on the settings. Could this be the perfect gift for the hunters and sports enthusiasts in my life? Perhaps.
The Coziest Robe In History
Amazon
This robe is amazing. It’s not super expensive and it comes in a huge variety of colors and sizes. It’s so ridiculously soft and plush. I love that it has a hood. I end up wearing it over my clothes like a housecoat and I stay nice and toasty, even in my freezing cold office. Love it. Highly recommend.
A Rack For Wine and Wine Accessories
Amazon
This is a really nice tabletop-sized wine rack. It holds six bottles of wine, and there’s space for glasses and a corkscrew or whatever else you need handy when you’re having wine night. It’s really sturdy and attractive, so if you or someone you know are wine lovers, this would be a great gift.
