31 Unique Gifts for People Who Are Impossible to Shop For
Updated: Apr. 25, 2023Totally stumped? Don’t worry—we’ve got tons of unique gift ideas that even the most complicated people on your list are sure to love.
Sponsored By: GiftTree
A portion of this piece was created in partnership with GiftTree, a gift basket retailer that delights in turning ordinary gifting moments into extraordinary ones.
Gifts they won’t want to return
We all have at least one person in our lives who’s impossible to buy for. These people usually seem to have everything already or are incredibly picky. Or maybe the issue is that you’re looking for gift ideas that are as special as they are, so everything seems kind of boring by comparison. Whatever the challenge, you’re in the right place for unique Christmas gifts. These are the traits of boring people.
We’ve got loads of unique gifts for men and women that are sure to impress even the most (ahem) discerning giftee, whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, a birthday or anniversary, or any other occasion.
We’re talking personalized pictures they’ll proudly hang on their walls, cool tech gifts that will make their lives easier, beauty gifts they’ll silently thank you for every time they use, and so much more. You’ll find just the right gifts for your dad, mom, best friend and assorted family members, gifts for travelers, as well as gifts that give back and thoughtful gifts for your husband or wife—at every price point.
So don’t worry. We’ve got you covered—even if you missed these holiday shipping deadlines and you’re shopping at the eleventh hour for last-minute gifts and Amazon Prime gifts that need to arrive quickly.
Best for breakfast lovers: Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker
This fun-to-use unique Christmas gift is an affordable bestseller they’ll use year-round. The Hamilton Beach breakfast sandwich maker comes in a variety of trendy colors, takes up nearly no counter space and is under $30. Within minutes, a nutritious breakfast loaded with warm bread, eggs cooked to perfection and plenty of toppings is ready to go. Simple operation and cleanup also makes it one of the best gifts for college students.
Best for epic game nights: Scrabble Deluxe Edition
Increase your odds of wining the gift-giving game this year with an heirloom-quality Scrabble Deluxe Edition board game. It’s a luxurious take on the classic game boasting a solid wood format and a mahogany finish. The built-in turntable feature and raised tile bed have earned it rave reviews. Easily one of the best gifts for grandparents, this one can’t be missed.
Best for groups: GiftTree The Manhattan
Impress the team you work with or an entire family with this over-the-top GiftTree The Manhattan gift basket. Delicious sweets and savory snacks are piled into the gorgeous keepsake basket. Personalize it with the message of your choice, and then just hope they share some of the mouth-watering snacks like gourmet cookies, nuts and candy. Enter code “READERS” at checkout to take 15% off your purchase.
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Best for tea drinkers: Pukka Organic Herbal Tea Set
What makes this organic Pukka herbal tea gift set so unique is the assortment of 45 colorful tea bags in flavors that stretch far beyond typical chamomile. It’s the perfect gift for a sister you spill all your personal tea to. Added rose petals, valerian root and Manuka honey make this an exciting gift for tea lovers—even if they’re seasoned tea pros.
Best for new homeowners: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Skip the bread maker and head straight to what new homeowners really want—gorgeous bedding. This ultra-soft Cozy Earth bamboo sheet set is made of 100% premium bamboo viscose made from sustainable fibers. The fitted sheet offers an impressive 20-inch depth that is suitable for both regular and deep-set mattresses.
Choose from always-stylish neutral shades like bright white, gray or oat. The extended 10-year warranty and free shipping make this a brilliant gift for your wife or newlyweds as well. Want to know more? Read our Cozy Earth bamboo sheets review.
Best for runners: Brooks Running Launch 9 Shoes
Get ready to excite the speediest person on your list. These colorful Brooks Running Launch 9 shoes are one of the best gifts for runners this year thanks to multiple support options and an expanded size range that covers both men and women. The limited-edition design also makes them one of the most unique Christmas gifts for fitness enthusiasts because they’ll be gone before you know it.
Best for modern home design fans: Ruggable Faux Hide Rugs
This funky Ruggable faux hide rug only looks expensive and hard to care for. It’s actually vegan-friendly, machine-washable and pet-friendly thanks to an easy roll-up design. Our Ruggable review found that these pieces of floor art really do stand up to their machine-washable claims. Available in a variety of natural-looking colors, their guests will never know it’s faux.
Best for cold climate fashionistas: Gobi Cashmere Ribbed Henley
The Gobi Cashmere Ribbed Henley is a warmer, cozier take on this season’s popular short-format henley tops. It comes in two colors, sizes XS through 2XL and features an ultra-soft blend of cashmere and genuine silk fibers. It’s one of the best sweaters to dress up or down, and layers like a dream.
Best for pet owners: Dyson Pet Grooming Kit
The Dyson Pet Grooming Kit is easily one of the most unique Christmas gift ideas for those who already own a Dyson vacuum. Aside from reliable suction power, Dyson makes some of the best vacuums on the market because of their versatility.
This pet grooming kit is a set of attachments that offers professional-grade grooming to long and medium-haired pets. It’s really that easy. It pays for itself just by canceling a couple of extra trips to the groomer.
Best for home office workers: Logitech K380 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
The budget-friendly Logitech K380 Wireless Keyboard offers Bluetooth connectivity and eye-catching style all in one package. Available in modern shades like lavender, rose, gray and sandy beige, it offers soft-touch rounded keys and a modern design. One of the best Amazon gifts, it’s a more creative take on typical keyboards and makes a brilliant gift for writers, too.
Best for stylish guys: Lululemon Fundamental V-Neck T-Shirt
The updated fit of this bestselling Lululemon Fundamental V-Neck is so popular that the brand can hardly keep it in stock. That’s because it features all the comfort and appeal of his favorite v-neck shirts, but with every detail made so much better.
It’s made with the brand’s blend of cotton and stretchy Lycra for shape retention and an ultra-soft feel. It also features sweat-wicking and odor-reduction properties with an unbeatable four-way stretch. He’ll wear it tucked into business casual pants, to the gym and everywhere in between.
Best for college-aged women: Trina Turk 1,000-Piece Puzzle
The fashion-forward, high-style design of this Trina Turk 1,000-piece puzzle is sure to appeal to young women. It also gives plenty of opportunities to connect with friends in a screen-free, wholesome way during holiday break. With a little craft paste, it even becomes a gorgeous display of wall art. You’ll love the affordable $25 price point, too.
Best for ping pong players: Pro-Spin Portable Ping Pong Set
Take this Pro-Spin Portable Ping Pong Set anywhere. It sets up on unused basement tables in just a few minutes, making it one of the best gifts for tween boys, teens and party-game-loving groups. Each set comes complete with a retractable ping pong net that fits any table up to 72-inches wide, paddles and balls. It’s a unique Christmas gift that’s fun to take on family vacations, too.
Best for those who love vintage style: Air & Anchor Double Or Nothing Necklace
The effortlessly chic Air & Anchor Double Or Nothing Necklace features two-toned vintage-style brass chains that can be worn long or doubled up. It feels like a piece pulled from Mom’s jewelry box, but is actually a brand new made-in-the-USA piece designed to stand the test of time.
Best for DIYers: Keter Unity XL Portable Outdoor Table and Storage Cabinet
If the deck is their favorite place to be, this gorgeous Keter Unity XL Portable Outdoor Table is a wow-worthy unique gift idea they’ll run to year-round. That’s because it easily moves from the deck to the patio, garage to the yard—and anywhere else that requires a tabletop with storage. For an extra-special gift, load it up with grilling essentials and outdoor gear.
Best for the one who rolls with anything: BTFL Pro Roller Skates
Everything retro is back, which means this year’s most unexpectedly popular gift is a new set of BTFL Pro Roller Skates. Choose from sizes and colors for the whole family, and then fall in love with the lightweight chassis and sturdy aluminum axles. A pair of roller skates is certainly a unique Christmas gift they won’t soon forget.
Best for fragrance fans: Yellowstone Fragrance Tonic Discovery Set
Fresh fragrance fans will swoon over these Caswell Massey scents. This charming Yellowstone Fragrance Tonic Discovery Set comes with five clean perfumes inspired by botanical scents of Yellowstone National Park. Each 15-milliliter scent can be worn on its own or layered. The affordable price point also makes it a classy stocking stuffer for teens, and proceeds benefit the park’s conservation and research efforts.
Best for busy types: BlendJet 2 Portable Blender
The busiest people and frequent travelers will love receiving a handy BlendJet 2 Portable Blender. Blend smoothies, shakes, baby food and soups in a jiffy from anywhere thanks to a cordless system and USB charging. It can blend just about anything in 20 seconds or less, and each battery charge lasts for up to 15 blends. Toss it in a classic handbag, carry-on or backpack without worry.
Best for TikTok beauty enthusiasts: Lilysilk Silk Curling Headband and Scrunchie Set
If there’s one thing TikTok has taught every woman in America, it’s that heatless curls are so much easier—and less damaging—than traditional curling methods. All she needs to achieve perfect waves is this viral Lilysilk Silk Curling Headband and Scrunchie Set.
It comes with everything she needs to easily wrap her hair in snag-free silk and then head to bed. She’ll wake with the most gorgeous, heat-free curls. Choose from three colors and then marvel at how happy she is with this under-$20 gift.
Best for brunching: SeaBear Wild Alaskan Salmon Trio
Give them this SeaBear Wild Alaskan Salmon Trio gift box and then hope for an invitation to brunch, because it’s going to be delicious. Each box comes with 18 ounces of smoked sockeye, Coho and pink salmon. That’s more than enough to dress up any DIY brunch menu. The affordable price point also makes it a unique Christmas gift for colleagues and friends.
Best for the one with a beach house: Will & Atlas Jute Basket
Whether they have a stylish beach house or just love coastal decor, this roomy Will & Atlas Jute Basket is a unique gift idea they’ll really use for years to come. Corral piles of books, wayward accessories and closet clutter and bring order shelving. It’s a versatile, timeless piece they’ll love showing off.
Best for anyone with a leather jacket: Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
If you read our Leather Honey review, you already know that it’s one of the easiest leather conditioners to use. It genuinely looks and feels like honey and works in with a cloth to a buttery-smooth finish that restores old leather and conditions newer pieces. A little bit goes a long way, and it even protects against damage and stains. We love Leather Honey Leather Conditioner as a unique gift idea for anyone who is obsessed with their leather jacket, a special leather chair or sofa.
Best for gourmands: La Tourangelle Black Truffle Oil
Each bottle of of La Tourangelle Black Truffle Oil delivers complex, gourmet flavor that instantly brightens pastas, pizza, popcorn and all sorts of other dishes that could be improved with truffles. Frankly, we can’t think of any dish that wouldn’t benefit from a drizzle of black truffle oil. This unique Christmas gift is a clear home run.
Best for early risers: Hatch Restore Alarm Clock
This isn’t just any alarm clock. The Hatch Restore kicks other clocks to the curb with a sunrise lighting effect that gently lets the body know it’s time to wake up. It’s a pleasant alternative to blaring, terrible sounds (although it will make a sound if you want it to), and it also offers a built-in white noise machine, smart light and bedside reading light, as well as a variety of wind-down content. This thoughtful tech item is also one of the best gifts for nurses prone to working unusual hours. Not convinced? Read our review.
Best for people who love to share: BeanBox Coffee + Chocolate Tasting Box
This BeanBox coffee and chocolate gift set is technically a practical gift because coffee is an essential way to start the morning…isn’t it? The four artisan coffees, four culinary-inspired chocolate bars and assorted tasting notes for pairings are the building blocks of a fun afternoon with friends. It also makes a conversation-starting gift for neighbors to share.
Best for the hostess: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers
Chances are, they already know and love the Rubbermaid Brilliance line. That’s exactly why this set of 10 Rubbermaid Brilliance food storage containers and pantry organizers is going to bring a giant smile to their faces. These budget-friendly hostess gifts feature lids that snap tight to keep grains, cereals and more as dry as can be. Plus, the see-through sides and tops offer easy access and simple organization.
Best for sentimental types: Minted Foil-Pressed Map
Commemorate the place you met, the birthplace of a loved one or a first home together with these metallic foil-pressed maps. Choose from 50 states, 71 cities, 16 countries or customize your own. It’s up to you. This special personalized gift even comes framed, so it’ll be ready to hang on their wall right after they unwrap this incredibly unique Christmas gift.
Best for campers: Solo Stove Bonfire
Get the marshmallows ready, because this nifty portable Solo Stove bonfire system is going to be their new favorite gadget. It’s a portable, smokeless fire pit that creates a super-efficient burn that’s mesmerizing to watch. They’ll have the most fun sitting around it, making memories and telling stories. It’s easy to take on camping trips (just like these best camping gifts) or simply use in the backyard, and it will help to create some of the best family photos for years to come.
Best for the most sophisticated women: Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum
The most sophisticated, elegant women on your list deserve unique gifts that honor their refined nature. The gift of this Italian-style Tocca Eau de Parfum is sure to impress. Florence is a complex combination of bright bergamot, lush pears and feminine gardenia flowers. Here’s what her perfume says about her personality.
Best for homebodies: Sanuk Cozy Vibe Low Slip-Ons
While they may be fully invested in stylish tops for video calls, there’s no reason they can’t have the coziest toes in town. These Sanuk cozy vibe slip-ons are the perfect hybrid of the best slippers ever with a shoe that can actually be worn out.
A furry wool-blend inside and collapsible heel made from recycled materials makes them one of the most unique Christmas gifts we’ve seen yet. They come in both women’s and men’s styles, making it a unique Christmas gift that suits just about everyone on your list.
Best for beauty lovers: Beekman 1802 Brighten & Resurface Bloom Kit
This Beekman 1802 skincare gift set is brimming with vitamin C and retinol products that help them show off glowing skin. The adorable three-piece kit features clean, cruelty-free ingredients in sustainable packaging. An affordable price point also makes it an attractive gift for aunts—even if you have several.
Best for kids with special needs: Barbie Dreamhouse with Wheelchair-Accessible Elements
Special needs children will appreciate this thoughtful Barbie Dreamhouse with wheelchair-accessible elements like an elevator, pool and slide. It’s the kind of inclusive dollhouse everyone in the family loves playing with and measures an impressive three feet tall. That means it’s high enough off the ground for kids in their own wheelchairs to happily play with for hours at a time.
Best for word nerds: Reader’s Digest Word Power Is Brain Power
If someone on your list is obsessed with word games or Wordle, the Reader’s Digest Word Power Is Brain Power book is packed full of fun facts and quizzes to test their knowledge. This unique Christmas gift is guaranteed to keep them entertained for hours. What are the 10 hardest words to spell in the English language? Go!
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