The Most Random Things On the Internet That Make For Great Holiday Gifts

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I’ve spent a decade covering holiday gifts, and the selection of actually cool things can be bleak at times. Sure, get them a candle, some slippers, whatever and it'll work—but it won't blow them away. Lately, I've found that my gifting taste has taken a turn. When I can't sleep at night and I've had just enough doom scrolling, I find myself in an even deeper darker place on the Internet: Page 58 of Amazon Top Sellers. Some of the items on there seem so insanely random, but I do find myself thinking what great gifts things like an automatic bird feeder with a video recorder might be.

This made me realize that the best gifts of all aren’t the basic ones you can read in every roundup you can find on Google. The best gifts are the quirky, eccentric things people don’t own and probably didn’t even know existed until you found it for them. And this one gift you choose for that special someone is highly specific and based on their unique personality, making it a more thoughtful way to go too.

So this year is different, instead of more slippers (even though they really are a great gift), they’re getting something more unique, like candles in the shape of lemons and a heated butter knife. Here’s a definitive guide to the most random, but awesome gifts of 2023 that we found across the Internet (even beyond the world of Amazon).

Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

Bird watching and retirement go hand in hand, so it really doesn't get more perfect than this for the folks.

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Zoom Tube 8 x 32 Monocular Telescope

Another bird watching inspired gift... This pocket sized binocular is perfect for the camper or hiker in your life.

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Stuffed Bagels

With shipping times creeping in and gift cards not always feeling thoughtful, get them a fun food gift from Goldbelly. I know a ton of people are obsessed with these stuffed bagels from Moonrise Bagels based in upstate New York. With this set you can custom choose them a six-pack. If this isn't a unique gift, I don't know what is.

New York Times Custom Football Book

For the football fan in your life, you can get him a custom book on his favorite team.

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Solo Umbrella

An umbrella might seem like a strange gift, but this is the most luxurious umbrella a person can own. Our fashion market editor, Alfonso Fernández Navas, personally endorses Davek as the best brand he's ever used. In fact, he has the mini version that he's been carrying around in his bag daily since before the pandemic. He's braved many NYC snow storms and hurricanes with it. It's the perfect stocking stuffer because everyone wants it, but doesn't want to buy it for themselves.

Opal 2.0 Countertop Ice Maker

This ice maker has been going viral on TikTok for years. It supposedly makes the perfect ice cubes all while sitting neatly on your countertop.

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Sam The Sloth

I personally thought the wave of weighted blankets and pillows was over. Then Hugimals sent me a care package of weighted stuffed animals. We all fought over them in the Esquire offices. The lucky ones snuck them home. And we all agreed that at least one person in our family needs this and is getting it gifted this holiday season.

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Whiskey Infused Toothpicks Variety Set

We all know someone who needs some whiskey flavored toothpicks.

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REI Co-op Camp Wrap

Remember the Comfy craze? The blanket you can wear... Well, here's one for camping A.K.A. men.

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Mesa Torch

You know Solo Stove for their pizza pits and portable fireplaces. These new torches though really make me wish I had a backyard. They also make me feel like rewatching Survivor.

Photo Gallery Border Puzzle

Turn a memory into an insanely hard puzzle they'll spend the entire holiday break trying to put together.

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Lemon Candle

Candles that don't look like candles are taking over my feed. There are ones that look like fruit, cheese, and tomatoes, but these lemon ones feel the least offensive.

Pasta Water Candle

Clearly, every type of candle out there exists now, even this one for the pasta-lover in your life.

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Electric Heated Butter Spreader

Spreading butter will finally be easy.

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Tetris Keyring Handheld Game

Remember games before cell phones? This keyring is the perfect stocking stuffer for the person who still refuses to embrace modern tech.

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Dyson Cordless Vacuum Toy

No, this isn't a regular Dyson for $25... It's a kid's toy. Might as well start them young.

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Pear Storage Pod

Not sure what to get your coworkers? Obviously, a pear shaped storage bin to hide all their crap.

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StanbyME Go Touch Screen TV

The Esquire staffers are obsessed with this portable TV that sits inside a briefcase. We awarded it in our 2023 Gadget Awards, and it's a great tech gift for the person you want to splurge on.

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Lomi Electric Kitchen Composter

I didn't forget a gift for the sustainable person in your life. The Lomi is the newest, most compact and stylish way to compost your food waste. Trust me, if they care about the planet, this is the best gift you can get them.

Printer

And obviously, a 3D printer for the tech-lover. It even works as a gift for someone who you just don't know WTF they want—why not give them a new hobby.

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