Everyone knows Amazon is a vast marketplace where you can find almost anything—from bulk toilet paper to a designer water flosser and a trendy succulent. But hidden among the endless listings of Instant Pots and everyday essentials are some truly one-of-a-kind items perfect for holiday gifting—if you know where to look.
We dug deep to uncover presents that are creative enough to earn you major points with even the pickiest recipients, yet still appeal to anyone with a good sense of humor. Get your wrapping paper ready and browse our favorite holiday discoveries below. After all, it's the thought that counts—and nobody has to know you found these gems right here in this clever gift guide.
At Refinery29, we're dedicated to helping you sift through the endless sea of products. All picks are independently selected by our editorial team. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Not everyone is ready for the responsibility of a real plant, but these adorable cactus-shaped tea lights are a low-maintenance way to add greenery to any room. Luvu Mini Tealight Cactus Candles, $15.99, available at Amazon
If you want to go the extra mile, throw in some extra packs of film so they can keep snapping memories. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera, $119.28, available at Amazon
Homesick’s candles come in a range of state-specific scents. Grab one for every transplant friend on your list. Homesick Scented Candle, Hawaii, $29.95, available at Amazon
Why we ever abandoned lunch boxes after grade school remains a mystery. Help your giftee make up for lost time with a compartmentalized bento box that keeps food at the right temperature. OmieBox Leak-Proof 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box, $39.5, available at Amazon
These lightsaber chopsticks come in a set of two—you never have to admit you kept one pair for yourself. ChopSabers Light Up Lightsaber Chopsticks LED Set, $17.17, available at Amazon
Skip the typical “adult coloring books” and opt for something more playful. Powerhouse Books Advanced Style The Coloring Book, $9.38, available at Amazon
There’s something about a product being “portable” that makes it instantly cuter. This handheld humidifier even fits in a car’s cup holder. Oulin Mini Portable Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier, $18.98, available at Amazon
If your giftee works long hours, give them something that’ll make them smile during their commute. AAF Titanic Kittens Car Air Freshener, $6.49, available at Amazon
Champagne should never go to waste—this set comes with a proper bottle stopper for those rare unfinished bottles. Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut With Bottle Stopper, Champagne, 750 Ml, $51.23, available at Amazon
Perfect for camping trips, small balcony apartments, and super cool dads. Kikkerland BQ01 Portable BBQ Suitcase, $76, available at Amazon
This portable traditional Chinese tea set includes a double-wall teapot with an infuser and two double-wall glasses that stay cool to the touch. Zens Mobile Moon Portable Tea Set, $49.99, available at Amazon
Get your DIY-obsessed friend started on a skincare kick with a beginner’s oil blending kit. Herbivore Botanicals – Mini Facial Oil Trio, $33, available at Amazon
Hydroponic plants make excellent desk companions. Ivolador Glass Planter Bulb Vase with Retro Solid Wooden Stand, $24.99, available at Amazon
This bubble wrap wall calendar is incredibly satisfying—perfect for friends who love ASMR videos. Bubble Calendar 2019 Bubble Wrap Calendar, $24.95, available at Amazon
Write a sweet note before handing over this locket. Dearest Mine Gold-tone Secret Message Ball Locket Necklace, $20, available at Amazon
Name one person who wouldn’t want a packet of Sriracha hot sauce in their bag—we’ll wait. Huy Fong Foods Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce Travel Pack (25 packets), $14, available at Amazon
Pre-purchasing yoga classes can be pricey. Keep them grounded with a simple set of mindfulness cards they can display at home, in the car, or at the office. Amazon Mindfulness Cards: Simple Practices for Everyday Life, $16.95, available at Amazon
Why gift one Instant Pot when you can gift an entire Instant Pot party? Nostalgia HomeCraft TSC25 3-Station 2.5-Quart Slow Cooker Buffet, $52.49, available at Amazon
While our grandparents lit Mother Mary candles, we’re lighting Frida Kahlo candles. The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Frida Kahlo Secular Saint Candle, $13.95, available at Amazon
Loaning a book is serious business—we’ve all had friends who “forget” to return our favorites. Help your friend hold borrowers accountable with a personal library kit. Knock Knock Personal Library Kit, $15.19, available at Amazon
Have a wanderlust-obsessed friend? Skip the cliché map-and-pushpins gift. Instead, this globe lets them doodle on it to personalize their destinations. Suck UK Globe Journal, Large, Multicolor, $120, available at Amazon
A wand is cool—wand makeup brushes are awesome. La Sante Wizard Wand Potter Makeup Brushes, $10.99, available at Amazon
Some friends are homebodies—let them know you respect their love for staying in with a piece of furniture that boosts their hygge factor. Sonyabecca Macrame Hammock Chair, $59.99, available at Amazon
We all have that friend or cousin who loves hosting game night—but if we have to play Settlers of Catan by their rules one more time, we’ll lose it. Gift them a game that’s fun for everyone and prevents cheating. The Voting Game, $24.99, available at Amazon
We laughed, you’ll laugh, they’ll laugh—trust us. What On Earth Brontosaurus Paper Towel Holder – 17″ High, $22.94, available at Amazon
For your fanciest friends. Cajoy Pre-Tied Ribbon Pin & Clip, $5.99, available at Amazon
Clunky steamer racks are outdated. Use this handy piggy lid over a microwavable bowl or pot for the same effect. Marna Pink Piggy Steamer, 6-9/10″, $13.48, available at Amazon
For green thumbs ready to level up. Planters’ Choice Bonsai Starter Kit, $24.99, available at Amazon
When your giftee has everything, a fancy locally-made condiment is always a safe bet. Mike’s Hot Honey 12 oz., $8.48, available at Amazon
The gift of reusable makeup removing pads is pure genius—it saves them from wasting money on cotton pads for life. Wegreeco Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads 16 Pack, $11.09, available at Amazon
A truly unique whiskey decanter—and yes, that’s an antique sunken ship inside. Kemstood Whiskey Globe Decanter Set, $45.95, available at Amazon
Have a long-distance partner or a mom who loves to FaceTime? Facebook’s Portal makes both users feel physically closer despite the distance. Facebook Portal, $199.99, available at Amazon
You could gift a boring ottoman… or you could gift this. Great for friends with kids—or without. Christopher Knight Home Living Brebis White Velvet Sheep Ottoman, $60, available at Amazon
No shame in living off ramen after blowing your budget on Cyber Monday deals. Make the struggle feel less painful with a cute noodle bowl set. Sun Art Cat Japanese Rice and Soup Bowl, $17.98, available at Amazon
2018’s version of the sketchbook—albeit pricier, it’s perfect for turning a doodle habit into something more. Iskn The Slate 2+ Pencil & Paper Graphic Tablet, $179, available at Amazon
And when you truly don’t know what to get, a holiday-themed gift that’s useful year-round is a solid failsafe. AmuseNd Mini Cool Mist Humidifier, $15.89, available at Amazon
Our Go-To Easy Red Lentil Dal Recipe (Instant Pot)
