The Unique Holiday Gifts You Won’t Believe We Found On Amazon
We're all aware that Amazon is a treasure trove of products at every conceivable price point. There are very few places you can purchase a 24-pack of toilet paper, a limited edition ADA-approved water flosser, and a housewarming succulent all in one go. But beyond Amazon's endless digital shelves of Instant Pots and practical fare are some truly unique items that make for great holiday gifts — but who’s got the time to looking?
That’s where the Shopping team comes in. We dove in deep looking for those giftable treasures that are creative enough to earn you brownie points with the toughest of giftees but can still be considered crowd-pleasers (at least for anyone with a decent sense of humor). Get your wrapping paper at the ready and sift through our favorite holiday finds ahead. If it's the effort that counts, no one needs to know you found your, crowd-pleasing diamond-in-the-rough present from this thrifty little gift guide.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
BYCHARI Gold-Filled Initial Ring
Leave it to Oprah to uncover a sweet and sentimental jewel buried like treasure on Amazon. This high-quality gold-filled ring can be customized with an initial of your choice, making it an affordable way to remind someone that you’re thinking of them this holiday season.
Bychari Gold-Filled Initial Ring, $, available at Amazon
Art-o-Rama Pablo Picasso T-Shirt
A modern-art tee bearing a message that we can all get behind.
Art-O-Rama Pablo Picasso T-Shirt, $, available at Amazon
Baker’s Edge Nonstick Brownie Pan
Everyone knows that “edge brownies” are superior, offering multiple levels of chewiness that improves the already-enjoyable brownie-eating experience. Help the baker in your life achieve peak brownie with this all-edge nonstick pan.
Baker's Edge Nonstick Brownie Pan, $, available at Amazon
The Air Plant Shop 3-Pack Of Large Xerographica Air Plants
This extra-large trio of air plants is easy to care for and looks like it may have come from another planet — unique-gifting gold.
The Air Plant Shop 3 Pack of Large Xerographica Air Plants, $, available at Amazon
The Original Tamagotchi
Whether you're buying this for a child, a 30-something, or for yourself, the gift of an OG Tamagotchi is a timeless choice. This little glittery gizmo (available on Amazon!) has the original programming from its iconic birth year — meaning you'll be able to feed, play, prescribe medicine, clean, and raise this virtual pet like it's 1997.
Tamagotchi Original Tamagotchi - Majestic, $, available at Amazon
Fred Cloud Catcher Cotton Swab Holder
We recognize that a cotton-swab holder doesn’t sound like the most exciting gift, but how about one that arranges all of your cotton swabs into a neat, peaceful cloud formation?
Fred CLOUD CATCHER Cotton Swab Holder, $, available at Amazon
The CrunchCup® A Portable Cereal Cup
We recognize that this is quite the specific gift, but if you know a cereal-lover (or are one *raises hand*), you know that this portable cereal will be THE GIFT that keeps on giving in 2020. (Imagine the camping trips!)
CrunchCup The CrunchCup® - A Portable Cereal Cup, $, available at Amazon
Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels
The alarm clock is nobody’s favorite household object, but when it’s this cute and naughty, it will certainly return to everyone’s good graces.
Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels, $, available at Amazon
Fred Unzipped Hand-blown Glass Bowl
A cheerful trompe l’oeil gift for anyone who appreciates a visual joke.
Fred UNZIPPED Hand-Blown Glass Bowl, $, available at Amazon
DJECO Expression Wooden Mobile
It may be intended as children’s decor, but we think the appeal of this cheerful pop-art mobile is pretty ageless.
DJECO Expression Wooden Mobile, $, available at Amazon
Lego-Compatible Build-On Brick Mug Red
The perfect gift for the Lego-inclined kid in your life — or that kid’s parent.
ThinkGeek Lego-Compatible Build-On Brick Mug Red, $, available at Amazon
Foodie Dice
Having trouble deciding what to cook for dinner? Well, here's your answer. Roll the dice for over 186,000 possible meal combinations to inspire you.
Two Tumbleweeds Store Foodie Dice®, No. 1 Seasonal Dinners, $, available at Amazon
Gummygoods Squeezable Night Light
While this squeeze-on, squeeze-off night-light is meant for kids, it has a kitschy Jeff Koons vibe that we could see working in any room of the house.
Gummygoods Squeezable Night Light, $, available at Amazon
Bitty Boomers Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Child Bluetooth Speaker
This little Bluetooth-compatible speaker is shaped like everyone's favorite character from The Mandalorian — and now that we've seen it, no tech accessory will ever be as cute.
Bitty Boomers Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Child Bluetooth Speaker, $, available at Amazon
Giant Teddy Bear
Be the favorite aunt forever with this 6'5" stuffed animal.
Joyfay Giant Teddy Bear, $, available at Amazon
Grimm Rainbow Nesting Bowls
These nesting bowls are great for kids, but we could also see them doing double duty as chic catch-alls for small objects, jewelry, or bathroom sundries. Gift these to your new-mom friend, with the option of keeping them for herself.
Grimm's Spiel und Holz Design Rainbow Nesting Bowls, $, available at Amazon
Oureamod Cartoon Sock
Fans of the classic anime movie My Neighbor Toroto — or, really anyone who likes cute things — will appreciate these grin-inducing socks.
Oureamod Cartoon Socks, $, available at Amazon
Keri Smith’s “Wreck This Journal”
A journal filled with colorful creative exercises is the perfect way to help anyone kick off a better 2021.
Penguin Books Wreck This Journal, $, available at Amazon
Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer
Pancake people: you know who you are. This super-easy mixing container will streamline the Saturday morning of the most diehard brunch enthusiast.
Whiskware Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer with BlenderBall Wire Whisk, $, available at Amazon
Small Pets Bed
Don't forget to treat your smallest, most loyal friends this year. Give them a new place to kick back and relax that'll make you smile every time you see them snoozing.
Holly Pet Small Pet Beds, $, available at Amazon
Herbivore Botanicals Mini Facial Oil Trio
Get your D.I.Y. frenzied friend onto a skincare kick with a beginner's oil blending kit.
Herbivore Botanicals Mini Facial Oil Trio, $, available at Amazon
Balanced Co. Kermit None Of My Business Enamel Pin
A sweet lil’ something for that one person you always exchange the juiciest gossip with.
Balanced Co. Kermit None of My Business Enamel Pin, $, available at Amazon
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Box Set (Paperback)
An unexpected but seriously comic-book classic for the young (or the young at heart).
Bill Watterson The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Box Set (Paperback), $, available at Amazon
Monkey Business Beanie Cap Silicone Bottle Stopper (Set of Two)
We all have that friend who loves a cozy evening of a fire, a good book, and a bottle of wine. Help keep their wine insulated, too, with a toasty silicone bottle topper.
Monkey Business Beanie Cap Silicone Bottle Stopper (Set of Two), $, available at Amazon
Flensted Mobile Shoal of Fishes Mobile
This chic, Danish-designed would add minimal flair to any room, from a nursery to a living room.
Flensted Mobiles Shoal of Fishes Mobile, $, available at Amazon
Senfai Love Knot Bangle
A simple, sentimental, and affordable way to remind a friend that you’re bonded for life.
Senfai Simple Love Knot Bangle, $, available at Amazon
Hide & Drink Repurposed Denim Bicycle Wine Caddy
We all know that biking is a great way to get around these days. Equip your friends for those socially distant park dates with a cycle-friendly wine carrier made from recycled denim.
Hide & Drink Repurposed Denim Bicycle Wine Caddy, $, available at Amazon
Sojos Blue Light Blocking Glasses
For loved ones who spend a lot of time in front of screens, these chic, top-rated blue-light blocking glasses could help ease tension headaches — or just give them a new-look boost. (Read about the barrage of compliments one shopper received after wearing her pair around for a week.)
Sojos Blue Light Blocking Glasses, $, available at Amazon
Mendini by Cecilio Three-Piece Kids’ Drum Set
Nuture Junior’s musical talent for a song (get it?) with this affordable, pint-sized drum kit.
Mendini by Cecilio Three-Piece Kids’ Drum Set, $, available at Amazon
Umbra Stowit Jewelry Box
Whether you love a neat freak or there’s someone in your life who’s just beginning their organizing journey, this minimal, well-designed jewelry box is sure to please.
Umbra Stowit Jewelry Box, $, available at Amazon
Friends: The Official Advent Calendar
The sure-to-be-runaway success of this gift needs no introductions — and, as an advent calendar, it’s one that will keep on giving for all season long.
Insight Editions Friends: The Official Advent Calendar, $, available at Amazon
Huy Fong Grab N Go Sriracha Packets
Name one person who wouldn't want a packet of Sriracha hot sauce in their bag. We'll wait.
Huy Fong Grab N Go Original Sriracha Chili Sauce (50 Pack), $, available at Amazon
LAPCOS Foot Mask
A self-care gift that anyone with feet can get behind.
LAPCOS Foot Mask, $, available at Amazon
Werewolf: A Party Game For Devious People
For your diehard Cards Against Humanity-loving crew.
Stellar Factory Werewolf: A Party Game for Devious People, $, available at Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8+
A true crowd-pleaser than will delight any analog-technology junkie, no matter their age.
Fujifilm Mini 8+, $, available at Amazon
Room Copenhagen Lego Storage Brick Box
Available in nearly every color under the sun, these stackable oversize Lego storage containers make for a cheerful addition to any space.
Room Copenhagen Lego Storage Brick Box, $, available at Amazon
Areaware Bottle Opener
A simple, aesthetically-pleasing option for your most design-minded loved one.
Areaware Areaware Bottle Opener, $, available at Areaware
Marimekko Notecards
A notecard set from everyone’s favorite heritage textile house will please fashion lovers and vintage nerds alike.
Marimekko Marimekko Notes, $, available at Amazon
Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker
Help a friend make the most of their indoor space — and the precious winter sun — with this dazzling, rainbow-ready window accent.
Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker, $, available at Amazon
Go All Out Peach Emoji Dad Hat
We all have that friend who’s obsessed with this emoji — for them, this embroidered “dad hat” won’t disappoint.
Go All Out Peach Embroidered Hat, $, available at Amazon
Creative Co-op Jute Rope Basket
This multicolored woven vessel will make anything from toys to excess linens to plants look bohemian and chic.
Creative Co-Op Jute Rope Basket, $, available at Amazon
Chronicle Books Mindfulness Cards
This meditative gift will be a welcome addition under the 2020 tree.
, $, available at Amazon
Poketo Colorful Open Dated Spectrum Poster Calendar
2020’s been a dark year, but 2021 is just around the corner and we’re hoping it’s going to be a little bit better. Usher in a positive outlook for your gift recipient with a happy rainbow-hued wall calendar.
Poketo Colorful Open Dated Spectrum Poster Calendar, $, available at Amazon
Jonathan Adler Poodle Ornament
Give the standard ornament a minimal, modern upgrade with Jonathan Adler’s porcelain poodle.
Jonathan Adler Poodle Ornament, $, available at Amazon
Mavogel Modal Sleep Mask
This Eva Chen-endorsed sleep mask will be a godsend for the light sleeper in your life.
Mavogel Modal Eye Mask, $, available at Amazon
What On Earth Paper Towel Holder
We laughed, you'll laugh, they'll laugh.
What On Earth Brontosaurus Paper Towel Holder - 17" High, $, available at Amazon
Hand Cup Pen/Pencil Holder
This everyday desk accessory will ensure your bestie’s WFH setup is functional, but still kooky.
ARAD Hand Cup Pen/Pencil Holder, $, available at Amazon
“Goodnight Moon” Tote
A sweet and beautifully designed gift for any lover of classic books — or fans of famed illustrator Clement Hurd.
Out of Print Goodnight Moon Tote Bag, $, available at Amazon
Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow
A customizable-comfort gift they can twist to support their WFH bodies.
Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Pillow For Lumbar Support, $, available at Amazon
Cactus Dryer Balls
Every needs a little succulent in their lives — or two, when they come in the form of a pair of silicone dryer balls that are too cute to limit to the laundry room.
Kikkerland Cactus Dryer Balls, $, available at Amazon
The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket
You spent all summer on socially-distant friend dates with your bestie. This book will be a reminder of all the time spent together — and will help plan for next summer’s outdoor outings.
Marnie Hanel The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration, $, available at Amazon
MoMA Ramen Fork/Spoon
This stylish fork was designed to maximize ramen slurpage, but will please any aesthete, no matter their food preferences.
MoMA, MoMA Store Ramen Fork/Spoon, $, available at Amazon
Pristine Bamboo Bathtub Caddy
If you can’t be there to treat a loved one to a manicure or facial at their favorite salon, you can help bring a spa-like experience to their home with this top-rated bathtub caddy — it will accommodate creatures comforts like wine or a smartphone for a relaxing bathtime experience.
Pristine Bamboo Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray, $, available at Amazon
Kempf “Go Away” Straw Doormat
Help your sassiest friend send a clear message with this cheeky doormat.
Kempf “Go Away” Doormat, $, available at Amazon
LifeEase Felt Letter Board
A cheerful desk accessory they can customize with daily WFH affirmations.
LifeEase Felt Letter Board, $, available at Amazon
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