34 Unique Gifts for the Person Who’s Impossible to Shop For
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It can be a daunting task to come up with thoughtful, unique gifts for your friends or family members that aren’t just your run-of-the-mill soaps, candles, or socks (though we love those too). Maybe you’re trying to find the right present for the dad who seems to have everything, the girlfriend who prefers experiences over stuff, or the nitpicky, ultra minimalist boyfriend who scoffs at novelty gifts but still expects a considerate, useful gift.
Fortunately, there’s a slew of impressive, unique gift ideas out there for all occasions. You’ll find customizable perfumes from Scentcrafters for your hard-to-please mom, a cozy tabletop fireplace for your gadget-loving sister, and luxurious Brooklinen sheets for the loved one who could use a great wellness gift.
From water bottles with storage compartments to cocktail smokers, collapsible popcorn bowls, and Cameos from their favorite celebs, below, we’ve rounded up a range of unexpected gifts for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and beyond, many of which you can find at Amazon, Nordstrom, Target, Uncommon Goods, Huckberry, and Etsy. We recommend shopping now for the holiday season, as there are plenty of Black Friday sales now and there will certainly be shipping delays going to December.
For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2022.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey1
Tushy Classic Bidet
This SELF Fave bidet might just take the cake in terms of unique gifts, but it’s definitely one your loved ones will thank you for endlessly. The Tushy bidet attachment is simple to install and includes a self-cleaning nozzle with adjustable water pressure and angle. If you upgrade to the Tushy Spa, they can adjust the water temperature, or you can splurge for the Tushy Ace, which has a heated seat and dryer too. This present is maybe a bit too perfect for the partner who spends more time in the bathroom than with you.
- Huckberry2
Flikr Fire Personal Concrete Fireplace
Though installing a whole damn fireplace for your cottagecore loving partner or pal may be a tad extra, this small cement and stone tabletop fireplace will add a cozy aura to cold nights. The Flikr Fireplace runs on simple rubbing alcohol, and makes for a minimal decorative piece when not in use. It’s a great gift for the dad who is downsizing his empty nest or as a housewarming gift for people who have moved to chillier climes.
- Casper3
Casper Glow Light
This sleek, unassuming capsule-shaped light serves as a portable bedside lamp and self-dimming night light that’s a great gift for both adults and kids. And, for that loved one who is particularly hard-hit by SAD each winter, the glowlight has a handy sunrise-simulating wake-up function.
- Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey4
Trade Coffee Gift Subscription
With its selection of more than 450 ethically sourced, craft roasts, SELF Certified Trade offers a subscription service tailor made for the coffee lover in your life. Each shipment comes with beans from US-based indie roasters, origin and tasting notes, and brewing tips.
Cost: Prices range from $15 to $22 per bag, depending on customizations. Shipping is free.
- Amazon5
Huoto Portable Wireless Charger Keychain for Apple Watch
This Apple Watch-compatible wireless charger keychain is a super useful gift for friends or family who are always on the go—or always seem to forget to charge their watch. The Apple Watch magnetically connects to the charger, which has a rechargeable power bank that can charge at the same time as the watch.
- Amazon6
W&P The Popper Microwave Bowl
Drop some kernels in this clever, collapsible bowl, stick it in the microwave, and within two minutes, they’ll have fresh popcorn ready for all sorts of toppings. This makes a great white elephant gift or stocking stuffer for the habitual snacker (and is one they’d likely not expect).
- The Birthdate Co.7
The Birthdate Book
For the person who regularly reminds you that Mercury is in retrograde or offhandedly remarks that so-and-so is “such a Gemini,” the perfect gift is a personalized astrology book that maps out the qualities and horoscopes associated with their birthday.
- Our Place9
Our Place Mini Always Pan
The SELF Fave Our Place Mini Always Pan can replace all their dingy old skillets, acting as a space-saving, oven-safe cooking tool that sautés, sears, braises, and strains. It includes a slot for their spoon to rest and comes in a range of colors.
- Brooklinen12
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set (Queen Size)
Gift nights of luxurious, decadent sleep with buttery soft sheets that will never be sidelined for the guest room. With more than 16,000 five-star reviews, Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set have a proven cult following.
Available in twin to California king sizes.
- Oura13
Oura Ring Generation 3
This SELF Certified gift is a tech gadget geeks and fitness lovers will adore. The Oura Ring is a Bluetooth-enabled activity tracker and in-depth sleep tracker condensed into a sleek, sterling silver band. Its companion app walks wearers through their daily health and wellness stats—a thoughtful gift for aging parents or a family member struggling with their health.
- Amazon17
Stonemaier Wingspan Board Game
Board games have come a long way since the early days of Clue and Monopoly. This gorgeously designed, award-winning strategy game has been a hit since its release in 2019, charming play-to-win diehards and casual players alike. Equipped with beautiful cards your giftee may be tempted to frame, each gameplay is different from the last, and you only know who wins when the game ends. Bonus: Game designer Elizabeth Hargrave is an ornithologist, making this a delightful gift for the birder in your life.
- Amazon18
Kodak Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer
Gone are the days of queuing at CVS or ordering prints online: This printer connects via Bluetooth to most smartphones, making for fast, painless photo printing in seconds. Your soon-to-be teenager will love the mini, portable printer, which can print sticker-backed photos they can press right into a journal or onto a poster board. It’s a unique gift for new parents, college students, best friends, and scrapbook-loving moms alike.
- The Met19
The Met Store Serpentine Hoop Earrings
Inspired by the Renaissance-era work of Queen Elizabeth I’s goldsmith, these serpentine hoops are a part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s own collection. Made of 14k vermeil with sterling silver posts, the artful riff on classic hoops offers a surprising snake detail only visible up close. They’re a unique gift for many tastes, from history buff to stylista.
- Anthropologie20
Anthropologie Composite Agate Cheese Board
This bold and colorful agate cheeseboard is many shades grander than the simple wood cutting boards or plain marble charcuterie platters floating around. A unique housewarming or wedding gift, your loved one will wow guests with this masterpiece of a plate.
- Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey21
Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
Should they deserve a spa-grade massage but you don’t have the budget for that, here’s a SELF Fave gift that keeps on giving: a massager they can wear around their neck that works out upper back and shoulder tension with the use of various nodes, massaging patterns, and—best of all—heat.
- Scentcrafters22
Scentcrafters Create Your Own Perfume Gift Card
Perfume or cologne can be a risky present if you don’t know exactly what scents they like best. Scentcrafters takes out all the guesswork, letting you gift your picky person the opportunity to create their own perfect fragrance.
- Backcountry23
Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack (20 L)
For the friend who bikes to work (or who throws parties in the park), this classic cooler backpack is a great gift. It’s lightweight, leakproof, and keeps cans of their favorite drinks icy cold for up to 36 hours. With its padded straps, it’s the perfect backpack for hiking the woods or even a new city.
- Artifact24
Artifact Gift Card
Does grandma have beguiling stories about her wild youth abroad? Does your dad go misty-eyed when talking about his college days? This professional podcast-making service will take an interview with loved ones and turn a memory into a keepsake podcast episode that’s sure to be treasured for years to come.
- Uncommon Goods25
Uncommon Goods Storm Cloud
- Amazon26
Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer
This cute rechargeable pocket hand warmer is a handy gadget for loved ones of any age. It comes in fun patterns with a useful lanyard and torchlight and takes just two seconds to heat. Best of all, it’ll stay warm for three to four hours.
- Uncommon Goods27
Uncommon Goods Himalayan Salt BBQ Plank
While barbecue and grilling gifts for dad may seem a tad trite in 2022, this beautiful Himalayan salt plank is one anyone would “ooh” over. It can be chilled and turned into a serving platter for cold cuts, or heated on the stovetop or grill to cook fruits and veggies. Plus, the salt adds complexity.
- Cameo28
Cameo Gift Video
Surprise the impossible-to-shop-for friend with a personalized Cameo video message from one of their favorite (or least favorite, honestly) celebrities or personalities.
- Book of the Month31
Book of the Month Gift Subscription
For the avid reader in your life, there’s no subscription gift box better than one full of books. The Book of the Month club lets subscribers choose one book (or more) each month from their favorite genre, and they can even choose to defer if they’re feeling too busy.
Cost: A three-month gift subscription is $50; six months is $100; one year is $180.
- Courtesy of the brand33
Evapolar Evachill Portable Conditioner
The perpetually hot person will appreciate this desk-appropriate device that uses evaporation to cool (instead of just blowing around air).
- Etsy34
Lightning Farms Edible Crystallized Flower Confetti
This flower confetti is a visual treat that will take your foodie friends’ latte art and cupcake decorating up several notches. For coffee lovers, Great British Bake Off enthusiasts, and green thumbs alike.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
