
Still looking for a special, actually-unique gift for your loved one?
I’m right there with you. Try out this assortment of holiday presents, which we’ve stocked with options that are different from all the other ones you’ve probably been seeing. They’re all sure to delight while standing the test of time, and run the gamut from practical to silly and everything in between.
And when we say these gifts have been a hit, we mean it: Reviewers loved these picks so much that many kept them for themselves after originally buying them for someone else — or went back to buy more for themselves after seeing how much their recipient loved the present!
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
A surprisingly stylish fleece
While there's nothing too shocking about a cozy holiday gift, this unexpectedly stylish men’s fleece jacket comes from the Amazon Essentials brand (and not a pricey retailer like Everlane, where we’ve spotted similar styles, or even Ralph Lauren). It’s equipped with thoughtful details like a drawstring at the neck and handy thumbholes, and you can get in sizes XS-XXL and in four colors.
A slightly fancier car air freshener
While there’s no shame in the Little Trees game, this unique car air freshener from an indie fragrance brand is an unexpected gifting choice for anyone who wants to level up their driving experience. The set comes with three hanging cards, each infused with a different scent, including teakwood and tobacco, amber and moss, and the palo santo-leaning “Golden Coast.”
Some greenery for even the most neglectful plant parent
Sure, a bouquet or potted plant makes for a nice gift, but what about an interactive treasure that your recipient will never have to think about watering? This unexpectedly delightful Lego kit comes with eight wee builds that will thrive even if they're sitting on a windowsill that faces an airshaft.
A surprising pair of earbuds
While a set of hyper-popular AirPods or Beats Studio buds may be a more predictable gift, this unique and affordable earbud may come as a delightful surprise to your recipient. The secure cuff design positions the buds just outside the opening to the ear so that the wearer can enjoy personal listening without completely cutting off the outside world.
A quietly powerful ultrasonic jewelry cleaner that you don't know how much you need
This stainless-steel jewelry bath gently sweeps away microscopic dirt from the crevices of gemmed rings, earrings, razors, tweezers, retainers and more.
The Soaq cleaner's impressive effectiveness lies in its harnessing of modern technology: The tool uses microscopic sound waves to generate powerful jet streams that destroy hidden grime and bacteria. All you need is a little soap and water.
Your precious pieces are revitalized in minutes — and spared from brushing and scrubbing by human hands, which is often as laborious as it is ineffective (and risks scratches).
The tool's professional-level work makes it an excellent gift for partners to clean wedding rings and other valuables, or for friends and loved ones to do the same!
Promising review: "This ultrasonic cleaner definitely lives up to it's name. It's very quiet while running and roomy enough for a couple pieces at a time. It runs through about a 5 minute cycle and only uses water and a drop or two of liquid soap. My wife's wedding ring has 6 different stones indepently set and is nearly impossible to reach of the crevices with a brush. It spent 5 minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner and looking fantastic. Cleanest it's been new. Have done a few necklaces and they have turned out great also. I also tried it with some older coins with success. Well worth it!" — Zoom
A shockingly high-end coffee setup
While a new mug or a bag of beans might be the more standard gift, no one is going to expect you to overhaul their entire coffee setup with this gorgeous and highly automated brewing machine. This one-touch machine is almost fully automated, and can produce perfectly proportioned espresso or drip coffee. It's WiFi-enabled and can store your beverage preferences, or you can choose from a menu of cafe-style drinks that will be auto-brewed with precision. Your recipient certainly won't expect this, but they're going to love using it every day.
An impressive tool that peels a boiled egg in seconds (and fits in a drawer)
Watch the shell fall off your hardboiled egg-like paper, thanks to this ingenious little tool that requires just a little cold water and a few shakes.
The egg peeler's easy effort and high reward combination is due to the scaling down of industrial peeling methods — water, vibration and shaking — into a small, portable, intuitive version, according to the brand.
This unique, reviewer-beloved gift will make food prep a lot easier for your loved one — and encourage more nutrition while you're at it!
Promising reviews: "Since buying one of these for my wife a couple years ago - we've purchased at least 6-8 more for friends and family (who love them as well) - need I say more?!?" — Jeffrey
"As somebody who has problems with their hands, this has made egg peeling a breeze. I see lots of deviled eggs in my future!" — Tamara
A 24-karat gold face mask to treat skin care lovers to some fun luxury
This 24k gold mask illuminates, firms and deep-cleans skin in 10-20 minutes using a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, collagen and more.
Extra fun for skin care lovers is that this is a peel-off mask, making removing the mask extra-satisfying (and easier than wash-off masks, which often make a mess of the sink).
Just apply the gel mask with your hands or a brush; the formula will dry and tighten. Then, peel the mask off and enjoy boosted radiance and cleansed pores. (You can use a warm washcloth for any leftover residue after peeling the mask off!)
The mask also comes in a peel-off rose gold version!
Promising review: "Great product + Great price I highly recommend this ! I originally was turned off by the reviews but they are so wrong, this product is fun and effective. To wash any mask off that leaves some residue I always use a warm wet washcloth and it wipes everything away effortlessly leaving my skin really clean and soft. I’m going to get more for holiday gifts, it’s a great one, much better then the expensive ones at department stores. I added pictures because it’s easy to see the consistency and how nicely it spreads in my fingers." — D
Two handwoven Kaspian rug coasters
Inspired by traditional Armenian rug patterns, these beautiful rug coasters are a delightful way to protect your tables while beautifying them at the same time.
Handwoven by artisans in Armenia but shipped out from Connecticut, the coasters are made with plant-based dyes to honor the richness of nature and sustainable design.
You also can grab the blue Kaspian mug (pictured left) to complete your gift — each stoneware mug is handmade, hand-painted and naturally dishwasher-safe. Its design is meant to boost your day while "giv[ing] your mind something to nibble on" thanks to its vibrant colors and off-beat stripes. (The mug is also available in green.)
A bidet for the best practical gift they'll probably ever receive
A bidet is the kind of life-changing upgrade that you won't know how you ever lived without. The epitome of wildly practical and never boring, a bidet will ensure you're clean as a whistle instead of just scraping toilet paper around.
Don't underestimate the power of this gift: Multiple reviewers across Luxe Bidet's site say that they've gifted multiple to loved ones — who loved the gift so much, they bought seconds to cover all their bathrooms.
Luxe Bidet’s Neo 120 is an excellent starter bidet: Easy to install and equipped with a self-cleaning function, the piece boasts customizable water pressure and fresh water to keep you clean without residue or chafing.
P.S.: A bidet will also save your recipient money in the long term by cutting down on excess toilet paper usage!
Promising review: "I absolutely love it! I have gotten several of my friends this LUXE BIDET for birthday and Christmas gifts. I cannot be without it. I do not like to go to a bathroom that does not have one, Not only does it make you feel CLEAN it saves on TP. It is an PLUS to the bathroom." — Carolyn C.
A no-brainer emergency phone charger with an eight-year shelf life (and one-time use)
For folks who invested in emergency preparedness, this single-use phone backup battery is a real must-have. The credit card-thin tool holds an astonishing eight-year charge, so you never have to worry about keeping it juiced. Just slip it in your wallet, bag or car (it's also safe for airplanes); it'll be ready to give you reliable power when an emergency strikes.
As one reviewer writes, "You don’t need them until you do."
Designed specifically for use with phones, the slim charger is compatible with Apple, Android and Samsung devices and sports a built-in USB-C cord, so you won't need anything additional to connect to your phone when it's time.
Promising review: "I carry this in my wallet all the time just in case I need it. You never know, and I wouldn’t want to be without this item." — Sandra
A 'build-on brick' mug that combines joy and function
Adults who love Lego bricks and similar toys can make and remake their own unique drinkware with this cool and actually functional "build-on brick" mug, channeling the joy they got from making their own brick creations as kids.
Available in nine base colors, the mug comes with toy bricks that you can build onto the sides and the handle. (You can also utilize bricks you already own.)
The mug is BPA-free and can hold both cold and hot beverages, though it should not be put into the dishwasher.
Promising review: "I bought this ... [for] my husband and he loved it for his birthday. ... The quality of it looks amazing. It’s worth the money and it’s super fun for anybody who loves to build." — Jasmine Sada
An iconic mini screaming goat that''ll shriek for you
The screaming goat is a perfect vibe match for anyone so overwhelmed, they could just scream. The little goat's hilarious shriek uncannily sums up the emotions of everyday life and is a surprisingly effective stress reliever, according to reviewers.
This goofy, relatable gift is such a hit that Amazon reviewers have given it 31,000 5-star ratings.
Target also has one with a Christmas theme this year, if you'd like a jollier twist.
Promising review: "I bought this for my daughter who is 27 and general manager of a very popular game spot in our town for kids of all ages. It gets very stressful. I got this as a bit of a joke, but as it turns out, this was the highlight of Christmas Day. We laughed so hard, but none harder than my daughter who said it was the best gift ever!!! It was just what she needed and is at her desk at work. Need a laugh in your life to get you over a tough spot? Buy one of these! They work!" — Lisa Frith
A magnetic wristband for the person who's always doing DIY projects around the house
"A truly practical gift that's great for anyone who considers themselves handy or anyone who loves a DIY project, this magnetic wristband can save them so much time spent digging through their toolbox for small parts like screws, nails and more," writes HuffPost shopping reporter Griffin Wynne. "The nylon wristband is adjustable with a Velcro closure and has 10 strong inner magnets to hold screws, nails, bolts, washers and drill bits in place so they can grab them as soon as they need them."
Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my husband. He uses this a lot for various projects around the house. He said this saves him trips back and forth, doesn't have to worry about screws or nails falling to the ground. My husband said he's amazed how strong the magnet is on this wristband. He stores this on his metal tool box in the garage. Keep this product away from anything you don't want de-magnetized. If you have someone who is difficult to shop for in your life, try this product!" — KCurley
A "game changer" weighted robe to melt away stress — that's sure to win hearts
Weighted blankets are amazing, but their big flaw is their lack of portability. Ever tried walking around the house in a weighted blanket? It's not pretty (or easy).
Thera's line of therapeutic weighted apparel solves that problem. I own and love my Thera weighted jacket, which enables me to enjoy (and wear!) soothing deep pressure on the go, like my own personal cozy cocoon.
But another hidden gem item from Thera is their plush weighted robe, which uses evenly-distributed weight to relax muscles and release tension, helping you sleep better and feel more peaceful and grounded while lounging at home.
Made to feel like a hug (and mimic the endorphin release of hugs), the super-soft robe is "worth every penny" and an especially great gift, reviewers say. "The material is wonderfully lush and the feeling of relief and relaxation that takes over after a few minutes is incredible," explains a user named Samara.
Promising reviews: "I purchased a robe for my daughter in law as a gift and everyone fell in love with it. Ended up buying another 3 more for all the girls in my family. Now I’m waiting for my new blanket to arrive. I can’t wait." — Tamar
"At the end of a long stressful day, I wrap myself in my robe , sit back on my couch with my feet up and all anxiety leaves me. I find myself thinking about it all day! It’s definitely my happy/ stress free place. I highly recommend storing it right near the couch!" — Shara
A bestselling indoor s'mores-maker for irresistible fun
This enviable indoor s'mores-maker doubles as an electric fondue pot, so your loved one can have the time of their life making campfire desserts and dipping all their favorite foods in chocolate, cheese and more. Is there anything better?
Promising review: "Purchased this for my girlfriend as a Xmas gift. She loves [s'mores] ... but doesn’t want to go to communal fire pit in our apartment building and we don’t have a balcony. This was perfect to use during the recent snow we got. Great gift to use on a cold night with a movie and snowing outside." — CapnLucho
An ingenious 2-drink tumbler that holds water and coffee at the same time
I'm convinced this two-in-one tumbler is the gift to get for coffee lovers. It stores two drinks side by side in the same container, so you can carry your coffee and water in one hand. Your loved one might actually start drinking more water — and they'll get to keep their hands free while they're on the go, which, for us multi-beverage drinkers, is nothing short of game-changing.
The best of its kind on the market, according to our research, this stainless-steel gizmo can hold hot and cold drinks and safe for the dishwasher. Plus, it's actually leakproof; I own one that I have knocked over many times without a spill.
Clip the on-page coupon for 10% off, applied at checkout.
Promising reviews: "This cup is awesome. It’s so durable. It keeps my water cold throughout the day and my tea completely hot throughout the day . I would totally recommend these. Very easy to open and close. I’m very impressed with this cup. I plan on buying many more for myself and for gifts. What a great invention." — kellee kirkelis
"I've used this to hold two cold drinks. I have not tried one hot and one cold. The cup works great and allows me to have two drinks in only one cup. The liquids did not spill between chambers. I love that one chamber has a straw. The cup is bigger than expected but that is not a detractor. I will be buying more as gifts. Everyone who sees it asks where to get one." — Steph J.
A rainbow-hued multi-tool that they can use for years
This portable multi-tool set is a DIY-er's dream and has quickly become a holiday bestseller here at HuffPost.
Equipped with seven Alley keys and three screwdriver heads, the seven-in-one piece is exceptionally compact — measuring just a few inches each way — and coordinated by color, making its array of hues utterly practical.
Promising review: "I actually bought this for my husbands stocking but, I like it so much, I’ve taken it for mine. It’s compact, durable and very well made" — Mrs. N
A mini 'Gracula' garlic press to keep their kitchen cute and lower effort
This bestselling vampiric mincer can crush garlic like the best of them, plus quickly prep ginger, nuts and tons of different spices.
Redeem the on-page promo code for an additional discount at checkout!
Promising review: "Bought this on a whim when I was browsing one day. We use a LOT of garlic in our house. I cheat and use the chopped kind in the jar in a pinch. But let's be honest, it ain't the same. For full delightful effect ya gotta use fresh. And anything that makes that easy is gold in my book. Well-designed, a snap to clean, and takes up very little space. Come to think of it, this is so darn cute I think I might keep it out. At the end of a hard workday, everyone could use something that makes them smile while prepping dinner! Now I can :-)" — amazon mamma of two
A dogs and dessert apron that'll make them smile every time they see it
This dessert puppies apron may be the cutest thing on the internet. Adorned with adorable pups and fruit-themed confections, the colorful piece is as joyful as it is comfy: It's made entirely out of breathable cotton, with adjustable straps and waist ties. It includes a handy front pocket, too — and is machine-washable for easy upkeep!
Promising reviews: "The quality is sturdy and the print is beautiful and makes me chuckle everything I wear it." — Jennie
"As pictured. Vibrant colors, fits easily, of course. Recipient loved it. I didn't want to part with it, truth be told." — Conman the Contrarian
A uniquely fragranced candle that can calm the body while energizing the soul
This soothing yet invigorating jasmine and damask rose candle is like a "bouquet that is ever blooming," reviewers say. Called the "euphoria" candle, its fragrance pairs warm florals with a bit of spice for a calming, heavenly feel. You won't even have to burn it to get the effect: Reviewers say the scent nicely fills up a room regardless.
Flamingo Estate's heirloom tomato candle is another cult favorite, delivering a summery, earthy fragrance that's sure to perk you up during a dreary winter.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this candle! It’s intoxicating and so calming. Makes my cabin smell so cozy!" — Paul E.
A show-stopping nonstick waffle maker with 194,000 5-star ratings
We're certain that this reviewer-adored mini waffle maker is one gift to beat. The appliance pops out 4-inch mini waffles in just a few minutes, with easy cleanup thanks to its nonstick surface. Plus, when an item garners over 240,000 ratings, you know it's a goodie, especially at this price point.
HuffPosters vouch for the waffle maker, too. Shopping writer Erica Kam, who was gifted a Dash waffle maker, has said that the appliance "transformed my Sunday mornings."
Promising review: "This product blew my socks off! I originally ordered one as a gift for a friend of mine for Christmas. That day we used this waffle maker to toast our poptarts during history class (This product should not be used to toast poptarts, we are just dumb high schoolers) and loved it. It was such a big hit with everyone that I have 2 more on the way! Next Friday I’m gonna bring them all out in class and have a waffle party during math! At just 9.99 their is nothing better! It impresses all the friends! I will definitely be a long time costumer!" — Ace Crawford
A pair of cozy library card socks
Book lovers can keep their feet toasty with these library card-themed socks, which come in two sizes. Add a book or a Kindle to the gift for some extra bookworm joy!
Promising review: "I got these as a part of a book themed gift for my sister and they really add an element for fun to the gift." — Esseldee
Some "liquid sunshine" porcelain juice carton flower vases
Between this sweet rise-and-shine orange juice vase and this oat milk vase, which is equal parts funny and lovable, someone in your life will be very happy. Add some flowers for a fully formed present that'll look cute as a button on their bedside, coffee or kitchen table.
A slightly different take on these vases — and just as adorable — is this cherry cream soda vase, also from Ban.dō. The "cherry can" is slightly smaller, measuring 3 inches by 6 inches. Use the promo code FROSTY to get the discounted price below.
Promising reviews: "Can't help but be happy when I look at this vase! Perfect for a little bit of babys breath" — Emma H.
"I bought this vase as a gift and opened it upon arrival to ensure it was in good condition after shipping. It is a sturdy vase, even more lovely in person. My friend loved it!" — Alicia E.
A special evil eye candle they are sure to love
These gorgeous evil eye candles make a beautiful gift — and add a protective aura to your loved one's living space. Available in three sizes, the soy wax candles look especially lovely on bedroom nightstands, coffee tables and kitchen counters! They also come in pink and white versions.
Promising review: "My friend absolutely loves this candle! Exactly as pictured and she even said she felt like it was too beautiful to light!" — Samantha Hill
An adorable crochet plushie kit to delight and destress
Your loved one can learn to make their own crochet plushie — and delight in the stress-relieving benefits of crocheting at the same time, which range from soothing anxiety to helping with grief, insomnia, chronic pain and more.
This little crochet plushie, Pierre the Penguin, comes with everything a beginner needs to get started and learn the craft.
The viral brand, Woobles, also offers tons of kits for intermediate and advanced crocheters, too.
Promising review: "This crochet kit is wonderful! The instructions are very easy to follow. The videos are amazing! The penguin is very cute, and the colors are very vibrant. It would make a great gift for anyone who wants to learn how to crochet" — LB


























