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The 30 most unique gifts you can buy anyone

Surprise them with these clever gift ideas ... like socks personalized with their dog's photo!

Tidbyt clock, Minted heart puzzle, Rellery birth flower necklace
Take the unconventional route with these anything-but-ordinary ideas for him and her. (Tidbyt, Minted, Rellery)

Check your calendar at any given moment and it seems there’s a gift-giving occasion on the horizon. Maybe it’s a major holiday or something more personal like a birthday or anniversary. Whatever the case, chances are you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to thinking up new and exciting gifts for the loved ones who are on your list year after year, or even multiple times a year. So why don't you let me help? I'm sort of an expert on this subject, and I've rounded up ideas for literally every single person on your gift list.

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How exactly do I define "unique"? Some of these gift ideas — the handy golf ball retriever, for example — are made for niche audiences and interests, whether you're shopping for a trendy teen or newly minted grandma. Others are simply new-and-improved variations on classic standbys (say, a jigsaw puzzle that doubles as a murder mystery game). Below, find everything from personalized gifts like these doggy socks to small gifts like this fun card deck.

As Yahoo's gifting editor, I will do everything in my power to steer you away from basic (read: boring) gifts. I've searched high and low to compile a list of out-of-the-box gift ideas that you probably haven't seen before. Trust me, even the hardest-to-please person on your list — ahem, your mom or dad — will find something to love about these finds.

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Unique gifts for everyone

Finding a signature scent is no easy feat. Instead of putting all your stock in one fragrance, give them a sample of three Tocca scents — all of which have floral and fruity notes.

$28 at Amazon
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$28 at Ulta Beauty$28 at Nordstrom

Keep this waterproof cooler on hand to store beer, wine and refrigerated snacks on the fly. Choose between four sizes, the largest of which can hold 18 cans and keep it cold for up to 24 hours. And if you’re planning to head into the water, no worries because it can float right beside you.

$85 at Amazon

This dynamic duo made Oprah’s Favorite Things list last year, and we can see why. Pack makeup into the small pouch and stuff it inside the larger drawstring one, which also turns into a chic crossbody thanks to the removable strap.

$35 at Amazon

Tell him to keep this pouch in his backpack so he’s ready for anything, anywhere. There’s a durable blanket with built-in sand pockets inside.

$25 at Amazon

Pull a card from this deck to get the conversation going. Each card will prompt couples with a question in one of six categories: health, finances, work, relationships, personal growth and mindfulness.

$25 at Amazon

Alleviate minor aches and pains with this weighted wrap. Pop it in the microwave for two minutes to activate heat, or stick it in the freezer for an hour or two for cold relief.

$24 at Amazon

Renowned chef José Andrés’s nonprofit World Central Kitchen has traveled the world, providing aid to those who need it the most. This cookbook highlights the food they’ve discovered along the way, along with personal favorites from supporters like Michelle Obama and Guy Fieri. Best of all: All author proceeds will go toward World Central Kitchen’s emergency response efforts.

$22 at Amazon

Store all your keys on this brass key ring, featuring red, blue, black or white enamel. Light, strong and sturdy, it’s very easy to use and weighs little even when loaded. "No more broken nails getting keys on and off,” one satisfied shopper wrote. 

$20 at Craighill

Did you know there are olive oils meant for cooking and oils meant for consuming right out of the bottle? Turns out, you shouldn’t use the oil you “sizzle” as the oil you “drizzle,” and vice versa. Upgrade the culinary experience in any household by introducing this combo pack and teach someone on your list a thing or two about olives. 

$37 at Graza

No coffee shop nearby? No problem! Add coffee grounds and hot water to your favorite to-go mug, give it a good stir and filter out particles with this stainless steel straw. 

$28 at Amazon

Give pottery a spin before you head to the wheel. Make your own trinket dishes, planters or vases by using the materials and instructions in this beginner-friendly kit. 

$65 at Amazon

Now their best buddy will always be with them. Send in a funny photo of their fur baby and this Etsy maker will print it on a pair of colorful crew socks. 

$16 at Etsy

As they piece together this 500-piece puzzle, they’ll solve one of two mysteries: the combination to Uncle Gregory McGough’s safe or the truth behind the death at the international clairvoyants’ convention. 

$19 at Uncommon Goods

Part of the joy of reading a good book is sharing it with others. Your bookworm can mark their favorite reads with this self-inking stamp to help the borrower remember whose library it came from. 

$21 at Etsy

Put your favorite family photo at the heart — get it? — of this 252-piece puzzle. My suggestion: Go with a snapshot they haven’t seen in a while so it takes some time for them to piece it together. 

$42 at Minted
Uncommon Goods

The next time you’re cooking up something in the kitchen, you’ll be reminded of the place you call(ed) home. Each stoneware spoon rest is sculpted by hand, which means no two will look the same. Talk about a one-of-a-kind gift!

$28 at Uncommon Goods
Tidbyt

Keep tabs on your home team, the stocks you’ve invested in or the upcoming weather on this customizable smart display. Curate a newsfeed out of the hundreds of Tidbyt apps, then set a schedule to ensure that you actually see them. 

$179 at Tidbyt

Unique gifts for her

Pick between a three-, six- or 12-month subscription (starting at $49) and Rocksbox will do the rest of the work for you. Each month, they’ll send a box of hand-selected baubles — earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, you name it — to the recipient, who has the choice to keep them for good with their monthly membership credit.

$49 at Rocksbox

Take a cue from Rellery fan Selena Gomez and engrave this gold or silver necklace with your birth flower. For something less conventional, pick out the flower that corresponds with your anniversary or child’s birthday. 

$135 at Rellery

If you’re shopping for a gal who lives in a colder climate, chances are she laments having to wear a beanie when it means hat hair. Fear not. This messy bun beanie has little holes in the back so she can wear a ponytail without ruining her do. Available in more than 125 colors – yes, you heard that right – this hat is ideal for just about anyone on your list with long hair.

$18 at Amazon

Divide bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings and hair accessories into the three compartments in this faux leather travel case. Leave it open when you’re staying put, then roll it closed when you’re ready to hit the skies.

$14 at Amazon

This weighted silk eye mask made Oprah’s Favorite Things 2022 list, and thousands of Amazon shoppers agree that it’s worth the hype. “I feel like I am in a spa. It blocks out all light and smells amazing,” said one well-rested reviewer of the lavender-scented mask. Remove the inner pouch to make it lighter or slide in the cooling gel mask to wake up tired, puffy eyes. 

$20 at Amazon
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$20 at Target$20 at Walgreens

Fun to build, beautiful to display and lasts much longer than a real orchid plant would — this bestselling Lego set makes a great addition to a deskside or windowsill plant menagerie or even a stylish dining table centerpiece. The set comes with 608 pieces, including the flowers. 

$40 at Walmart
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$40 at Amazon$40 at Target

Paper bucket hats? Walmart is making it a thing with this one, available in natural or black.

$15 at Walmart

Unique gifts for him

This flying camera captures photos and videos from the sky. It comes with high praise from Yahoo’s tech editor Rick Broida, who called it his “favorite gadget of 2023” (and let’s just say he’s tested quite a few). And if the price tag is deterring you, take it from Broida who said “there's no other flying camera that's as smart and easy to use as this one.”

$479 at Amazon

Rather than bending down to pick up each ball he hits, he can simply use this bestselling grabber tool to retrieve it from the ground or the hole.

$22 at Amazon

A perfect gift for the nostalgic gamer who grew up playing Super Mario and now just needs a place to set a drink without damaging their coffee table. This cheeky set of four coasters is designed with your favorite characters of yore. 

$13 at Amazon

Give his timepieces a designated place to rest. Go with the larger box if his collection is on the bigger side (up to five watches) or if he has plans to expand it soon. 

$99 at Pottery Barn

Build your own wooden plane with this kit, then fly it up to 20 mph using the PowerUp app. Analyze thrust levels, turn angles and speed changes while it's in the air. 

$125 at Huckberry

This is one of those things you’ll be happy to have — especially the next time you drop your keys between the seats or a tiny screw behind an appliance. Switch on the light to track the item down, then extend the flexible neck until you can reach it. 

$19 at Amazon

Shopping Guides: See all of our gift guides in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — men, women, teens, kids, you name it.