A graduation is always an accomplishment worth celebrating, and this seems to be especially true in 2021. Students everywhere adapted to the many different challenges brought forward by the novel Coronavirus – adjusting to remote learning and navigating the uncertainty of what their school experiences will look like. Earning a degree (during a global pandemic, no less) is certainly something to be proud of, so celebrate the students you love with a thoughtful gift.
Unique subscription boxes, coffee makers, or custom maps of their college town: This list has been written by a recent graduate herself to encompass all the things they’ll need, want, or miss as they enter the next chapter of their adult life.
K-Classic Coffee Maker (small)
Masculine graduation gifts, as selected by a recent graduate
This list touches on many helpful tools for postgrad living that they may not have already thought of, like a tracker for their keys or a USB car charger.
Fire TV Stick 4K (small)
Masculine high school graduation gifts
Regardless of where their path leads after high school, they’ll appreciate a useful addition to their dorm or bedroom. Bedside caddies, extremely comfortable lounge pants, and blue light glasses subscriptions are just a few of the gifts we think nearly any high school grad would be grateful for.
Photobooks and college apparel are certainly kind gestures, but there are plenty of other graduation gifts that can stand out from the crowd while maintaining their thoughtfulness. We’ve profiled some memorable options in this mindfully crafted list.
No matter the degree or recipient, a graduation is an exciting milestone to celebrate. This all-encompassing list likely has you covered with home and kitchen necessities, tech accessories, and profound books to add to their reading list.
DUO 60 7-in-1 (6-qt) (small)
Graduation gifts under $100
Gifts that come with a large degree of thought don’t necessarily need a high price tag. Cookbooks, planners, and water bottles are gifts they could use every single day that don’t require a substantial budget.
Wide Mouth Water Bottle (40oz) (small)
Graduation gifts under $50
We’ve all been there: Suddenly the event that felt months away is finally here. If you’re racing against the clock, are in search of affordable options, or simply prefer the convenience of Amazon Prime, we’ve got your back.
You can find just about anything on Amazon, which can be both a blessing a curse. Seemingly endless options is one of many benefits of shopping with the e-commerce giant, but it can also be tough to sort through them all to find standout gift ideas.
Though Amazon may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for unique gift ideas that feel extra personal, you can find great options if you know where to look. For example, Amazon handmade offers locally made and artisan products from small businesses around the country and Amazon has even curated gift lists and ideas catered to different hobbies, styles, and more. You can also shop Amazon’s curated portal to support Black-owned businesses.
We did the tough work of scouring Amazon to curate singular and cool gift ideas. And with a little digging, there are plenty more unique gifts to be found.
Here are 38 cool and unique gifts ideas, all available on Amazon.
Take your next Netflix night to the next level with this popcorn pack. It includes three types of kernels, plus five seasoning options that range from Spicy Chili Lime to Cheezy White Cheddar for a customizable treat.
From a backyard hangout to a beach picnic, this inflatable lounger will come in handy as a comfy seating option. No pump is required, it comes in a handy carrying case, and it’s available in 16 different colors and patterns.
If even simple succulents seem like too much work to care of, these cute candle tealights are handmade in the shape of cacti and succulents are a fun touch of green decor for any space.
You may be seeing trendy moon lamps popping up, but you can make your gift even more unique by opting for this Saturn lamp. The dimmable LED lamp has seven different settings and you can even set it to change colors to a bright hue. Easy to move from room to room, it lasts for up to eight hours after each charge.
For outdoor and camping enthusiasts, this 10,000mAh wireless power bank works as a standard charger, but can also run via solar power as a backup option when outlets aren’t available. Its compact size makes it easy to pack and it also comes with dual flashlights and a compass kit.
If they can’t bear the thought of a meal without something sweet, upgrade their condiments with this set of funky flavored honey from Bushwick Kitchen.
Whether it’s used to carry their groceries or random knickknacks, everyone needs a good reusable bag. We love the original Baggu. It can hold up to 50 pounds of stuff, but can also be folded down to fit in your pocket. It also comes in tons of fun colors and patterns.
If you ask us, there is truly nothing better than 365 days of dogs. The calendar comes from the same brains behind WeRateDogs’ popular Twitter account, and don’t worry, every dog receives a rating of at least 11/10.
This fun light projector brings the night sky inside and features 10 lighting colors, three brightness levels, and three speed settings. It also includes built-in speakers and works with smartphones via Bluetooth or USB to play music as the lights twinkle around you.
A cactus is a fun way to add some color to your desk or countertop, but if you’re not ready to be a plant parent, go for this instead. It’s actually a diffuser — it’ll fill your room with a nice floral scent — but it looks like a cute potted plant.
This little gadget not only cooks rice but can make stew, oatmeal, soup, pasta, veggies and more. The style and colorful enamel coating add a retro look to their kitchen.
These beaded sterling silver bracelets aren’t just stylish — they also spell out fun messages in morse code. Choose classic options like “BFF” or “I Love You” or fun phrases like “Tribe” or “She Did.”
This endearing little dino isn’t just a piece of decor, it can actually can hold their phone. It comes in over ten colors, so you can find one in their favorite color.
French pharmacies are known for their readily-available, high-quality skincare products. Gifting your buddy a ticket to Paris may be out of the budget, but you can still snag them some of these cult-favorite products, like this seriously hydrating face cream.
A little fan to deal with their unpredictable office temperatures
Office dwellers know how unpredictable temperatures can get. To save them when their office (or home office) transitions from an icebox to a desert, gift them this little portable fan. It’s small, mobile, and plugs into any USB for a quick, cold breeze.
This compact Bluetooth speaker may not be the best around, but it’s surely the cutest. Shaped like a little bunny with floppy ears, you get your music and a fun piece of decor too.
A punny apron that reminds them of their favorite show
If you’re looking for the right gift for that special person who loves “Game of Thrones,” is always cooking, and has a great sense of humor — we think we’ve found it.
No one wants to see a giant pile of dirty laundry on the floor. Help them conceal their mess with this hamper, which is actually nice to look at and adds a pop of color to their room.
Everyone deserves some relaxation, which is why this calming bath soak makes such a great gift. Inside there’s dehydrated coconut milk, vanilla, and Himalayan coconut CO2 extract, which together help soothe the skin and calm the mind.
One of our editors asserted that “candles are the most classic gift of all time.” We have to agree, and while there are many to choose from, we love the sentimentality and customization Homesick candles offers. They have candles made to smell like each of the 50 states, many cities, and even experiences like watching Friday night football or taking a road trip. No matter where they call home, one of these candles is sure to bring them a rush of nostalgia.
If they like their beverages ice-cold, they’ll appreciate this thoughtful bottle holder. It can hold 12 oz. cans, 16-ounce cans, or be used as a pint glass holding 16 fluid ounces, so it’s really a three-in-one gadget. When they need a break from beer, this is perfect for keeping their water bottles chilled too.
A creative journal that’ll help them get some sleep
A great night’s sleep is essential to our well-being, but getting those eight hours each night can be easier said than done. If you know any night owls who need to catch up on their sleep, this journal will make a great gift. It’s full of prompts, illustrations, and questions to put their minds at ease when they’re up in the wee hours of the night.
For the wine lover in your life, this bag does double duty as a cute outfit accessory and an insulated bag to easily bring along a bottle of wine to that house party, backyard barbeque, or picnic at the park. It comes in numerous pattern and color options, including nautical stripes, black tweed, beaded patterns, and more.
For the friend who likes to keep it really organized, help them stay on track with this thoughtful set of sticky notes. With categories like “To Ponder,” “To Remember,” and “To Buy,” they can keep track of everything they need to accomplish in the near future.
Imagine the warm and fuzzy feeling that you get sipping on a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. These mugs embody that and all other kinds of cozy feels.
There are plenty of Mickey-themed gifts for the Disney lover in your life. We love this phone case because it not only has a cute design but the signature durability of OtterBox, too.
A breakfast station with everything they need to make the most important meal of the day
If a classic American breakfast sounds like their perfect morning, give them this clever kitchen gadget that can do it all — crunchy toast, crispy fried eggs, and a hot cup of coffee.
A fruity hand cream that’ll look great on their counter
This rich hand cream is made with shea butter and peach extract to moisturize seriously dry skin. We love the refreshing, light peach scent and the adorable container, which looks just like a peach.
From pizza ovens to pizza apparel, there’s no shortage of gifts catered to pizza lovers out there. We’re partial to these socks for their packaging, which is made to look like an actual pizza in an actual pizza box.
Simple illustrated prints to hang around the house
Finding unique home decor that’s also affordable can be a tough feat, but these artistic prints check off all the boxes. The illustrations of plants make a great addition to their kitchen, or even their bedroom if they want to show off their green thumb.
Reusable lunch bags that they’ll actually want to use
Plastic bags are an unnecessary expense when you could just have reusable ones. Their environmentally-conscious and frugal sides will thank you for these sandwich and snack bags, which are dishwasher safe and BPA free. They’ll save a ton of money and plastic waste by using these, plus the colorful patterns are much more fun than clear plastic.
We’ve sung the praises of the Trtl Pillow before — it’s an essential for any traveler. The cozy and supportive neck pillow is a great gift for any frequent travelers or anyone who’s about to head out on a trip.
Entertainers and those with state pride will love this cutting board. You can find a board shaped like any of the 50 states or Puerto Rico, each laser engraved with important landmarks, cities, and sights. It’s a fun, personal gift that they’re sure to love.
Nowadays, most of our photos live on our smartphones and social media apps, but many of us still love getting to look through or hang up printed pictures. This portable printer lets them do that super easily and with no wires so they can print pictures in a snap.
This gift is a no-brainer for loyal Apple users. Instead of dealing with a tangle of chords from charging all of their products, they can streamline with this singular hub, which has a designated spot for their iPhone, Airpods, and Apple Watch.
Your giftee will be saying “aah” when they use this set of three calming bath salts during their next deep soak. All three blends are made with Dead Sea salt and enhanced with essential oils to hydrate skin, relieve stress, and relax the muscles.
This leather Field Notes cover is completely handmade in the United States. With card slots and a memo book included, it’s a great gift for someone who’s about to embark on a new adventure, or anyone who loves to travel.
There are hundreds of pages of prank gifts on Amazon, but perhaps you’re looking for something other than fart jokes and boxer briefs. After all, gag gifts don’t have to be too gross or absurdly frightening. They’re really meant for prompting laughter and fun memories, whether it be with your family, friends, or colleagues.
Perhaps an ice cream lock from Ben and Jerry’s could help teach your sneaky roommate a lesson. Or, maybe your friend can’t stop yammering about her affinity for puzzles. You might finally catch her flummoxed by giving her an impossible-to-solve blank white jigsaw. And that’s only the beginning. Amazon has countless ways to go about making practical jokes and general tomfoolery. From screaming goats to tiny violins, we’ve found some of the best gag gifts you could possibly give.
If they still can’t get enough of that Screaming Goat video on YouTube, this is as blood-curdling — and annoying — as you might imagine. Trust me, I have one on my desk. My colleagues love me.
For the person in your life who isn’t quite car-savvy
For little Lord Fauntleroy. Yeah, maybe coal didn’t quite get the message across, but this ought to do the trick. Note that this box comes empty, so you can also fill it with coal, if you so please.
So they’ll finally stop pestering you for that exorbitant bidet thing they all love so much over in Europe. (Note: This is just an empty box in which to wrap your real gift.)
Instructions for gracefully approaching (and achieving) senescence
One side for snot, the other for tears. Maybe after receiving this, they’ll stop wiping their nose on their sleeve, or their bare hands. Probably not. Either way, they actually work!
Give an authentic gym experience to your friend who keeps saying they need to work out. They can exercise their fingers with barbells, resistance bands, and more – and all from the comfort of their desk.
If they love pizza, they’ll savor this fake pizza box filled with socks that resemble pizza slices. They’ll be in for a fun surprise and tasty new additions to their socks collection.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all Insider Reviews gift guides here.
From tech gadgets and laptops to fresh groceries and clothes it seems like you can find pretty much anything on Amazon. The sheer breadth of products is one of many benefits of shopping with the e-commerce giant. But it can also quickly become one of the frustrations. With so many options to choose from, you can end up in a seemingly endless shopping black hole scrolling through items.
In a sea of choices that nearly everyone has access to, you might not think of Amazon as a spot to find truly unique gifts. But we did the tough work of scouring Amazon to curate singular and cool gift ideas. Amazon handmade offers locally made and artisan products from small businesses around the country and Amazon has even curated gift lists and ideas catered to different hobbies, styles, and more. You can also shop Amazon’s curated portal to support Black-owned businesses. And with a little digging, there are plenty more unique and thoughtful options to be found.
Here are 35 cool and unique gifts ideas, all available on Amazon.
If they can’t bear the thought of a meal without something sweet, upgrade their condiments with this set of funky flavored honey from Bushwick Kitchen.
Whether it’s used to carry their groceries or random knickknacks, everyone needs a good reusable bag. We love the original Baggu. It can hold up to 50 pounds of stuff, but can also be folded down to fit in your pocket. It also comes in tons of fun colors and patterns.
You may be seeing trendy moon lamps popping up, but you can make your gift even more unique by opting for this Saturn lamp. The dimmable LED lamp has seven different settings and you can even set it to change colors to a bright hue. Easy to move from room to room, it lasts for up to eight hours after each charge.
If you ask us, there is truly nothing better than 365 days of dogs. The calendar comes from the same brains behind WeRateDogs’ popular Twitter account, and don’t worry, every dog receives a rating of at least 11/10.
For the wine lover in your life, this bag does double duty as a cute outfit accessory and an insulated bag to easily bring along a bottle of wine to that house party, backyard barbeque, or picnic at the park. It comes in numerous pattern and color options, including nautical stripes, black tweed, beaded patterns, and more.
A cactus is a fun way to add some color to your desk or countertop, but if you’re not ready to be a plant parent, go for this instead. It’s actually a diffuser — it’ll fill your room with a nice floral scent — but it looks like a cute potted plant.
While coasters are a pretty basic household accessory, there are plenty of ways to make them more fun — like this unique set that is made with geometric designs. While the tops are colorful, the sides are a clear acrylic which creates a prism-like effect when sunlight passes through.
This little gadget not only cooks rice but can make stew, oatmeal, soup, pasta, veggies and more. The style and colorful enamel coating add a retro look to their kitchen.
This endearing little dino isn’t just a piece of decor, it can actually can hold their phone. It comes in over ten colors, so you can find one in their favorite color.
French pharmacies are known for their readily-available, high-quality skincare products. Gifting your buddy a ticket to Paris may be out of the budget, but you can still snag them some of these cult-favorite products, like this seriously hydrating face cream.
A little fan to deal with their unpredictable office temperatures
Office dwellers know how unpredictable temperatures can get. To save them when their office (or home office) transitions from an icebox to a desert, gift them this little portable fan. It’s small, mobile, and plugs into any USB for a quick, cold breeze.
This delicious chow-chow relish is made with a family recipe dating all the way back to the 1930s. A gourmet blend of pickled vegetables and spices, it’s a classic that can be used to dress up everything from hot dogs to hummus.
This compact Bluetooth speaker may not be the best around, but it’s surely the cutest. Shaped like a little bunny with floppy ears, you get your music and a fun piece of decor too.
A punny apron that reminds them of their favorite show
If you’re looking for the right gift for that special person who loves “Game of Thrones,” is always cooking, and has a great sense of humor — we think we’ve found it.
No one wants to see a giant pile of dirty laundry on the floor. Help them conceal their mess with this hamper, which is actually nice to look at and adds a pop of color to their room.
Everyone deserves some relaxation, which is why this calming bath soak makes such a great gift. Inside there’s dehydrated coconut milk, vanilla, and Himalayan coconut CO2 extract, which together help soothe the skin and calm the mind.
One of our editors asserted that “candles are the most classic gift of all time.” We have to agree, and while there are many to choose from, we love the sentimentality and customization Homesick candles offers. They have candles made to smell like each of the 50 states, many cities, and even experiences like watching Friday night football or taking a road trip. No matter where they call home, one of these candles is sure to bring them a rush of nostalgia.
If they like their beverages ice-cold, they’ll appreciate this thoughtful bottle holder. It can hold 12 oz. cans, 16-ounce cans, or be used as a pint glass holding 16 fluid ounces, so it’s really a three-in-one gadget. When they need a break from beer, this is perfect for keeping their water bottles chilled too.
A creative journal that’ll help them get some sleep
A great night’s sleep is essential to our well-being, but getting those eight hours each night can be easier said than done. If you know any night owls who need to catch up on their sleep, this journal will make a great gift. It’s full of prompts, illustrations, and questions to put their minds at ease when they’re up in the wee hours of the night.
For the friend who likes to keep it really organized, help them stay on track with this thoughtful set of sticky notes. With categories like “To Ponder,” “To Remember,” and “To Buy,” they can keep track of everything they need to accomplish in the near future.
Imagine the warm and fuzzy feeling that you get sipping on a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. These mugs embody that and all other kinds of cozy feels.
There are plenty of Mickey-themed gifts for the Disney lover in your life. We love this phone case because it not only has a cute design but the signature durability of OtterBox, too.
A set of Moscow Mule mugs to add to their bar cart
If a classic American breakfast sounds like their perfect morning, give them this clever kitchen gadget that can do it all — crunchy toast, crispy fried eggs, and a hot cup of coffee.
A fruity hand cream that’ll look great on their counter
This rich hand cream is made with shea butter and peach extract to moisturize seriously dry skin. We love the refreshing, light peach scent and the adorable container, which looks just like a peach.
From pizza ovens to pizza apparel, there’s no shortage of gifts catered to pizza lovers out there. We’re partial to these socks for their packaging, which is made to look like an actual pizza in an actual pizza box.
Simple illustrated prints to hang around the house
Finding unique home decor that’s also affordable can be a tough feat, but these artistic prints check off all the boxes. The illustrations of plants make a great addition to their kitchen, or even their bedroom if they want to show off their green thumb.
Reusable lunch bags that they’ll actually want to use
Plastic bags are an unnecessary expense when you could just have reusable ones. Their environmentally-conscious and frugal sides will thank you for these sandwich and snack bags, which are dishwasher safe and BPA free. They’ll save a ton of money and plastic waste by using these, plus the colorful patterns are much more fun than clear plastic.
We’ve sung the praises of the Trtl Pillow before — it’s an essential for any traveler. The cozy and supportive neck pillow is a great gift for any frequent travelers or anyone who’s about to head out on a trip.
Entertainers and those with state pride will love this cutting board. You can find a board shaped like any of the 50 states or Puerto Rico, each laser engraved with important landmarks, cities, and sights. It’s a fun, personal gift that they’re sure to love.
Nowadays, most of our photos live on our smartphones and social media apps, but many of us still love getting to look through or hang up printed pictures. This portable printer lets them do that super easily and with no wires so they can print pictures in a snap.
This gift is a no-brainer for loyal Apple users. Instead of dealing with a tangle of chords from charging all of their products, they can streamline with this singular hub, which has a designated spot for their iPhone, Airpods, and Apple Watch.
Your giftee will be saying “aah” when they use this set of three calming bath salts during their next deep soak. All three blends are made with Dead Sea salt and enhanced with essential oils to hydrate skin, relieve stress, and relax the muscles.
This leather Field Notes cover is completely handmade in the United States. With card slots and a memo book included, it’s a great gift for someone who’s about to embark on a new adventure, or anyone who loves to travel.
Its unique products are made by independent makers from around the world, saving you from generic and unmemorable gifts.
Uncommon Goods is one of the few places we know we’ll always find something cool for our loved ones, whether they’re hungry home cooks, die-hard sports fans, or classic old souls.
The expedited shipping deadline for delivery by Christmas has already passed, but if time isn’t an issue, these still make for excellent gifts.
Shopping is time-consuming and stressful, so it’s no wonder many of us often default to buying generic, unmemorable gifts just to get the whole process over with. We’ve all been guilty of it, and part of the reason is the lack of unique options that live in one, easily shoppable place.
Uncommon Goods, an online shop inspired by the founder’s experiences roaming craft fairs and trade shows, highlights the best of independent makers from around the world. Selling thousands of unique products, it’s one of the few places we know we’ll always find something cool for our loved ones, whether they’re hungry home cooks, die-hard sports fans, or classic old souls.
If you see a lot of gifts from the site that you like, or you think you’ll shop Uncommon Goods beyond the holidays for other gifting occasions, sign up for its Uncommon Perks shipping program. Shipping prices ordinarily start at $4.95 and depend on your order value and desired shipping speed, but this $14.90 annual membership will get you free standard shipping on all US orders, regardless of order value. You’ll also get two $5 credits every year and first access to new products and sales.
Keep in mind that the site’s expedited shipping deadline has passed. If you order now, the gift will not make it to your recipient until after Christmas. You can, however, send a “Thinking of you” card, email, or text to let them know it’s on its way.
Whether they’re a savory or sweet breakfast person, they’ll be able to customize their waffles with different types of filling. To use, fill the bottom with batter and the middle with any filling, then flip and cook.
A pair of lamps made for long-distance relationships
Everyone is busy these days, and it’s not as easy to keep up with loved ones as we all wish. With the ongoing pandemic, meeting them in person may also be impossible.
A set of paired lamps, one of which lights up when the other is touched, lets them know you’re still thinking of them even when you don’t have time to talk or can’t physically visit them. One of our editors uses them to keep in touch with her parents.
For better or for worse, everyone in the vicinity is going to hear your recipient’s voice, thanks to this fun and easy-to-use microphone. There’s no need to visit a karaoke bar this year.
They almost won’t want to use these pretty soaps that look like birthstones. The handcrafted soaps are made with safe vegetable-based dyes and vitamin E oil.
Note: Arrives after Christmas.
A personalized print to commemorate a couple’s first dance
Aside from playing the song over and over, another way to remember their first dance is with a sophisticated, classic print that incorporates personal details like location and dates.
Cinephiles will rejoice at the opportunity to document their knowledge with this creative poster. A hundred classics like “Casablanca” and “Jaws” have made the cut.
The festive cotton tablecloth is adorned with bows, cookie cutters, and other holiday baking tools to color in. It comes with a set of markers for the kids and four holiday recipes for the adults to try this season.
Note: Arrives after Christmas.
A jar that looks deceivingly similar to a plastic bag
All the NYC buildings they love, from the instantly recognizable ones like One World Trade and the Empire State Building to the brownstones they walk by every day, make up this novelty chess set.
Most of us carry our phones with us everywhere — and we mean, everywhere. PhoneSoap kills 99.9% of common household germs, including bacteria that can lead to e. coli, salmonella, staph, flu, and the common cold.
Coin guitar picks not only look cool but they also change the feel and sound of the music-playing experience. For this gift, you can choose one commemorative state quarter and one quarter minted during your choice of the year.
Note: Arrives after Christmas.
Fleece fortune cookies that are actually baby booties
These creative, handmade fleece booties couldn’t be more adorable. Each curl into a fortune cookie when not in use and comes with its own fortune slip.
If they’re a fan of the classic root beer, gift them a fun science experiment that will end with their favorite drink. If they’d prefer a cocktail, another soft drink, or a snack, Uncommon Goods has quite a few DIY food and drink kits to choose from.
After consuming one of these eight delicious lollipops (flavors include lavender-lemongrass, strawberry-basil, and peach-marigold), you can plant the stick to grow the lollipop’s ingredients.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
A set of notepads for the list maker.
Amazon
Amazon has become the “everything store” – the site stocks just about any product you could think of.
Because the site is so big, it can be hard to find unique gift ideas on your own. That’s why we did it for you.
Below, you’ll find 34 unique, interesting products on Amazon that make great gifts, from handmade goods to funny ones you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all Insider Reviews gift guides here.
From laptops and fresh groceries to a pair of socks – or even a car – it seems like you can find pretty much anything on Amazon. The sheer breadth of products is one of the many benefits of shopping with the e-commerce giant, but it can also become one of the frustrations. With so many options to choose from, you can end up spending far too much time scanning the site for what you want, or in a shopping black hole for something you definitely didn’t need in the first place.
In a sea of choices that nearly everyone has access to, you might not think of Amazon as a spot to find truly unique gifts. But if you’re willing to do some digging (that’s what we’re here for), you can find some pretty cool things. Amazon handmade offers locally made and artisan products from small businesses around the country and Amazon has even curated gift lists and ideas catered to different hobbies, styles, and more.
If you want to get straight to the point, keep scrolling. We skimmed through the site and found lots of unique products that will make great gifts this season.
If they can’t bear the thought of a meal without something sweet, upgrade their condiments with this set of funky flavored honey from Bushwick Kitchen.
Whether it’s used to carry their groceries or random knickknacks, everyone needs a good reusable bag. We love the original Baggu. It can hold up to 50 pounds of stuff, but can also be folded down to fit in your pocket. It also comes in tons of fun colors and patterns.
Buildable magnets that will keep adults entertained
The fidget spinner had its moment, and now it’s Speks’ turn. This set of over 500 magnets can be mashed, rolled, and molded into different shapes. It’s a productivity toy that even adults will love to play with. You’ll find a set on nearly every one of our desks at Insider Reviews.
If you ask us, there is truly nothing better than 365 days of dogs. The calendar comes from the same brains behind WeRateDogs’ popular Twitter account, and don’t worry, every dog receives a rating of at least 11/10.
A cactus is a fun way to add some color to your desk or countertop, but if you’re not ready to be a plant parent, go for this instead. It’s actually a diffuser — it’ll fill your room with a nice floral scent — but it looks like a cute potted plant.
Editor’s note: This gift may arrive after Christmas, depending on the version selected.
While coasters are a pretty basic household accessory, there are plenty of ways to make them more fun — like this unique set that is made with geometric designs. While the tops are colorful, the sides are a clear acrylic which creates a prism-like effect when sunlight passes through.
This little gadget not only cooks rice but can make stew, oatmeal, soup, pasta, veggies and more. The style and colorful enamel coating add a retro look to their kitchen.
This endearing little dino isn’t just a piece of decor, it can actually can hold their phone. It comes in over ten colors, so you can find one in their favorite color.
French pharmacies are known for their readily-available, high-quality skincare products. Gifting your buddy a ticket to Paris may be out of the budget, but you can still snag them some of these cult-favorite products, like this seriously hydrating face cream.
A little fan to deal with their unpredictable office temperatures
Office dwellers know how unpredictable temperatures can get. To save them when their office (or home office) transitions from an icebox to a desert, gift them this little portable fan. It’s small, mobile, and plugs into any USB for a quick, cold breeze.
They love their furry friend more than anything, so get them a gift that shows you know that. This dog bed is one of the cutest we’ve seen, and we’re sure their precious pet will enjoy having their very own fort.
This compact Bluetooth speaker may not be the best around, but it’s surely the cutest. Shaped like a little bunny with floppy ears, you get your music and a fun piece of decor too.
A punny apron that reminds them of their favorite show
If you’re looking for the right gift for that special person who loves “Game of Thrones,” is always cooking, and has a great sense of humor — we think we’ve found it.
No one wants to see a giant pile of dirty laundry on the floor. Help them conceal their mess with this hamper, which is actually nice to look at and adds a pop of color to their room.
Everyone deserves some relaxation, which is why this calming bath soak makes such a great gift. Inside there’s dehydrated coconut milk, vanilla, and Himalayan coconut CO2 extract, which together help soothe the skin and calm the mind.
One of our editors asserted that “candles are the most classic gift of all time.” We have to agree, and while there are many to choose from, we love the sentimentality and customization Homesick candles offers. They have candles made to smell like each of the 50 states, many cities, and even experiences like watching Friday night football or taking a road trip. No matter where they call home, one of these candles is sure to bring them a rush of nostalgia.
If they like their beverages ice-cold, they’ll appreciate this thoughtful bottle holder. It can hold 12 oz. cans, 16-ounce cans, or be used as a pint glass holding 16 fluid ounces, so it’s really a three-in-one gadget. When they need a break from beer, this is perfect for keeping their water bottles chilled too.
A creative journal that’ll help them get some sleep
A great night’s sleep is essential to our well-being, but getting those eight hours each night can be easier said than done. If you know any night owls who need to catch up on their sleep, this journal will make a great gift. It’s full of prompts, illustrations, and questions to put their minds at ease when they’re up in the wee hours of the night.
For the friend who likes to keep it really organized, help them stay on track with this thoughtful set of sticky notes. With categories like “To Ponder,” “To Remember,” and “To Buy,” they can keep track of everything they need to accomplish in the near future.
Imagine the warm and fuzzy feeling that you get sipping on a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. These mugs embody that and all other kinds of cozy feels.
There are plenty of Mickey-themed gifts for the Disney lover in your life. We love this phone case because it not only has a cute design but the signature durability of OtterBox, too.
A set of Moscow Mule mugs to add to their bar cart
If a classic American breakfast sounds like their perfect morning, give them this clever kitchen gadget that can do it all — crunchy toast, crispy fried eggs, and a hot cup of coffee.
A fruity hand cream that’ll look great on their counter
This rich hand cream is made with shea butter and peach extract to moisturize seriously dry skin. We love the refreshing, light peach scent and the adorable container, which looks just like a peach.
From pizza ovens to pizza apparel, there’s no shortage of gifts catered to pizza lovers out there. We’re partial to these socks for their packaging, which is made to look like an actual pizza in an actual pizza box.
Simple illustrated prints to hang around the house
Finding unique home decor that’s also affordable can be a tough feat, but these artistic prints check off all the boxes. The illustrations of plants make a great addition to their kitchen, or even their bedroom if they want to show off their green thumb.
Reusable lunch bags that they’ll actually want to use
Plastic bags are an unnecessary expense when you could just have reusable ones. Their environmentally-conscious and frugal sides will thank you for these sandwich and snack bags, which are dishwasher safe and BPA free. They’ll save a ton of money and plastic waste by using these, plus the colorful patterns are much more fun than clear plastic.
We’ve sung the praises of the Trtl Pillow before — it’s an essential for any traveler. The cozy and supportive neck pillow is a great gift for any frequent travelers or anyone who’s about to head out on a trip.
Entertainers and those with state pride will love this cutting board. You can find a board shaped like any of the 50 states or Puerto Rico, each laser engraved with important landmarks, cities, and sights. It’s a fun, personal gift that they’re sure to love.
Nowadays, most of our photos live on our smartphones and social media apps, but many of us still love getting to look through or hang up printed pictures. This portable printer lets them do that super easily and with no wires so they can print pictures in a snap.
Editor’s note: This gift may arrive after Christmas.
This gift is a no-brainer for loyal Apple users. Instead of dealing with a tangle of chords from charging all of their products, they can streamline with this singular hub, which has a designated spot for their iPhone, Airpods, and Apple Watch.
Editor’s note: This gift may arrive after Christmas.
A soap, lip balm, bath salts, and two body balms that relieve muscle tension are all they need for a relaxing holiday weekend. Anyone will appreciate these pampering products.
Editor’s note: This gift may arrive after Christmas.
This leather Field Notes cover is completely handmade in the United States. With card slots and a memo book included, it’s a great gift for someone who’s about to embark on a new adventure, or anyone who loves to travel.
Editor’s note: This gift may arrive after Christmas.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
Greetabl
As the novel coronavirus progresses, many are continuing to practice social distancing, self-isolating when exposed, and quarantined in some cases.
The necessary limitations put in place by the pandemic can be especially difficult to navigate during the holidays – a typically joyous time that’s usually spent with loved ones.
The situation can feel overwhelming and isolating, but sending someone you love a small gift during a difficult time can be a meaningful expression of kindness.
While those who are quarantined and not feeling well should never open a door to accept deliveries, many of the products and services below are entirely hands-free, as noted throughout.
Staying connected to those you love, but cannot physically be with, is a lofty task. It’s often difficult to replicate the joy experienced through quality time with friends and family, and while technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch, nothing beats giving someone you love a hug.
As the novel coronavirus continues to progress, more and more people find themselves practicing social distancing, self-isolating, or in quarantine as they recover. These precautions, though absolutely necessary, can add an unexpected layer of strain to the holiday season: many cannot safely travel to see loved ones or are feeling especially lonely during this time of year. It’s a rightfully overwhelming and isolating time, but I’ve found hope in the small ways I’ve been able to connect with those I care about.
My time spent in service journalism has encouraged me to get creative in the ways that I express my care, and I’ve found that small and unexpected surprises can go a long way.
While many of these products and services are entirely hands-free, some require opening a door, touching a delivered package, or interacting with the person who makes the delivery. It’s important to note that those who are in quarantine should not be opening the door to receive deliveries, and we encourage you to stick to the entirely digital options in this case.
27 gift ideas for anyone struggling with quarantine or social isolation:
We love Greetabl because of how customizable it is — everything from the box to the treat that’s inside of it can be perfectly catered to the recipient. From tasty treats like Sugarfina to cozy socks, Greetabl is an adorable and tailor-made way to put a smile on their face.
Flowers or plants to brighten their room and their day
Flowers are always a classic route to take when trying to make someone’s day, but houseplants make for an awesome surprise as well. Many of us are finding ourselves craving the outdoors more than ever, and a flower or plant delivery can help them stay connected to nature while also staying inside.
If you’re anything like me, you connect with others over snacks more than pretty much anything else. If you’re missing your cheeseboard buddy or favorite friend with a sweet tooth, these snack box delivery services can have you and those you care about snacking together (over a video call) in no time.
Perfect for the kid you love who loves to learn, KiwiCo builds age-appropriate educational kits for the mini-scientist, engineer, or creative genius. Crates can be sent every month, every three months, every six months, or annually.
For many, sporting events being canceled and Disney parks being closed feels a little too dystopian. Thankfully, Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu can be purchased together in a bundle. If they’re not too fond of ads, this bundle can also be purchased with the ad-free version of Hulu.
Meditation apps like Calm and Headspace can be used anytime, anywhere, to practice mindfulness and decrease anxiety. Both apps have tailored meditations for specific circumstances, whether it’s getting better sleep, starting your day, or meditations solely focused on exercise. While your loved ones can download Headspace or Calm for free, we’d recommend sending them the cost of the subscription on Venmo.
This is a completely hands-free option.
A free month of their favorite music streaming service
Concerts and shows may be canceled, but shower performances are very much condoned. A great playlist serves as an equally great mood booster, so a free month of their favorite music streaming service can keep them dancing until their favorite artist is back on tour. For the Spotify gift card, be sure to select the “Digital” option for a completely hands-free experience.
If they’re missing catching up with you at your go-to restaurant, bring the socially distanced equivalent to them with Goldbelly. The food delivery service ships meal kits from popular restaurants in major cities nationwide, so whether or not they’ve been spending the pandemic in their favorite city, they can still enjoy their favorite meal.
Mapiful allows for custom creation of map posters and frames, so they can feel connected to a city that’s meaningful to them regardless of where they physically are. Mapiful’s prints range from the classic map poster to custom zodiac prints, and you can even send them a print with their favorite photo.
I’ve had this set of postcards for three years now, and it’s my go-to for birthdays, sending support, or simply saying hi. These personalized, witty postcards read with the same quirky yet humorous tone that my friends and I speak in, and something about snail mail feels a bit more special than the usual “checking in” text message.
Nothing brings me more joy than writing, and with many guided writing journals out there, this is the one I turn back to every time. The prompts are the perfect balance between intellectually stimulating and just plain fun, and I often find my responses to be the coping mechanism I didn’t know I needed. I’m confident any writer will welcome this distraction from the inundation of screen time that’s encompassed recent days.
Embroidery is an excellent stress reliever, and this beginner kit provides all the tools they’d need to get started. There are five designs to choose from, and you can either send them materials for a single design or a pack of three.
A streaming service for the theater nerd in all of us
Broadway has gone dark for the time being, but thankfully, BroadwayHD is chock full of shows old and new. BroadwayHD categorizes its musicals and plays in a way that’s easily decipherable, making “Must See” and “Family Friendly” shows readily available.
It’s always a good time to be a bookworm, but with more time to read than ever, a Kindle Unlimited subscription can certainly be put to use. Thanks to the Kindle app, they can read on any iOS device, Android, Mac, or PC, so there’s no need to open the door for a physical Kindle.
While they may or may not have a pet of their own, this llama is almost as adorable. It can be put in the microwave for a warm hug, or put in the freezer to be used as an ice pack.
A frame that shows how much you’re thinking of them
A framed memory is a sentimental reminder of your friendship on its own, but this frame adds an additional special feature: Touch your frame when you’re missing your loved one, and their frame will light up, too — reminding them that they’re on your mind.
There’s nothing more gratifying than mastering a new skill, and it’s an even better experience when you get to share it with someone you love. There’s no shortage of online learning courses, so whether they want to learn to bake or brush up on their photography skills, there are plenty of applicable courses.
There are few greater feelings than putting the final pieces of a puzzle together. You can order the same puzzle and complete it over a video call, race to see who finishes first, or frame the puzzle once completed as a reminder of each other.
If they seek creative expression through art — or want to learn to do so — this kit is a great place to start. Packed with 215 materials ranging from crayons to watercolor paints, this art kit is appropriate for any age, and the organization is almost as pleasing to the eye as their upcoming creations will be.
For those in quarantine, a typically simple task like getting groceries can be made substantially more difficult. With FreshDirect, their selection of groceries can be delivered right to their door. FreshDirect’s gift cards can be sent via email, so it’s an excellent way to show that you’re thinking of those who can’t make it to a grocery store.
An Amazon Prime membership can be used for pretty much anything, be it stocking up on cleaning supplies or the aforementioned books and puzzles. The benefits of an Amazon Prime membership stray far beyond their notable two-day shipping, and there’s also a $119 annual membership option if they’d like to remain a member year-round.
Coloring Books are not only an incredible stress reliever, but they’re appropriate for nearly any age — even if you’ve learned to color inside the lines long ago. From animals to Disney princesses, the array of coloring books is arguably just as expressive as those who’ll be coloring them in.
If those close to you are practicing social distancing with family or roommates, board games are a classic way to keep everyone entertained. My personal favorites to play with friends are Rummikub and Bananagrams, but there are plenty of games to choose from, including games specifically made for kids.
Barefoot Dreams is known for its irresistibly soft products, and this throw is no different. A match made in heaven for any couch, this throw is a great way to help them feel as comfortable as possible.
From actors to professional athletes, Cameo is stacked with a selection of celebrities who will create custom videos for someone you care about. This unique concept is a fun and personalized way to check in on a friend, and it’s sure to be a day maker.
This hand-poured candle comes in an elegant tin that’s complete with an expression of love right on the cover. With scents like mango papaya and peach nectar, they’ll be dreaming of your next getaway together.
Whether oatmeal is their go-to work-from-home breakfast, they crave soup on a rainy day, or simply enjoy a morning cup of coffee, this bowl is quarantine-ready. The handle is intentionally crafted with space to slip their hand underneath it, and there’s even a notch meant for resting utensils.
