Shopping·13 min read

Unique Gifts for the Friend Who Has Everything

unique-gifts-2023
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Birthdate Co.
December 5, 2023

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You’ve scoured the internet, you’ve spent time in an actual mall, and you’ve racked your brain trying to think of something for the person in your life who has everything. Now sit down and take a load off, because we’re here to help. We’ve found unique gifts that’ll truly impress them, from practical home goods to customized pet portraits. No matter what you go with, you can be sure — well, 99% sure — they don’t already have it.

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our full list of gift guides for everyone on your list.

aloe vera stuffed toy
Nordstrom

An aloe vera plush toy, just because…

Adults love Jellycats, too. It’s super soft, perfect for a plant lover who has too many plants, and makes a perfect companion for lounge time. ($60, Nordstrom)

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matcha
Amazon

Pure matcha for the tea lover…

At-home matcha perfection, coming right up. Whether it’s for their morning ritual or their afternoon pick-me-up, this matcha powder from Golde has them covered. All they have to do is add their milk of choice and whisk away for the latte of their dreams. Even if they don’t have barista-level talent, they’ll still be able to whip up the perfect drink easily. ($29, Amazon)

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apple gift card
Apple

A gift card with (nearly) endless possibilities…

Wanna let them choose their own gift-venture? Apple Gift Card to the rescue. Whether they want the newest AirPods or a streaming subscription, they’ll have what they need. Psst…they can add it right to the Apple Wallet on their iPhone for easy use. One happy giftee, coming right up. ($10+, Apple)*

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produce-basket
Uncommon Goods

An easy way for gardeners to clean off their produce…

The next time they harvest from their garden, they’ll thank you for gifting them this basket, which makes it easy to hose down fruits and vegetables before bringing them inside. The wood is coated, so it can withstand frequent washing, and you can also personalize the basket for a special touch. ($62+, Uncommon Goods)

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bouquet
Amazon

A bouquet they’ll have to work for…

If your giftee is a puzzle fanatic, you can give this 16-stem Lego bouquet in the box and let them go to town. If not, you can assemble all 939 beautifully detailed pieces yourself. When the masterpiece is done, they can display it in a vase of their choosing. ($47.99, Amazon)

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lyft gift card
Lyft

A gift card that’ll help them get where they’re going…

Minus the stress. Got someone on your list who’s always on the move? Win them over with the gift of easy, reliable Lyft rides. Their new Women+ Connect feature increases a rider’s chances of matching with a woman or non-binary driver. Did we mention that this holiday season, scheduled airport rides are covered by their on-time pickup promise in select regions? Peace of mind and safer rides, right this way.* ($25+, Lyft)

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Apollo Neuro

A wearable meant to help with stress, sleep, and focus…

Whether your holiday plans have you stressed or you’ve been to one too many late-night parties, this wearable from Apollo Neuro can help. It works to alleviate stress, improve focus, enhance sleep, and more thanks to its touch therapy technology that balances your nervous system. All you have to do is wear it on your wrist or ankle, or clip it onto your clothing. It works with a corresponding app that creates different vibration patterns depending on your needs. ($299.99, Apollo Neuro)

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keychain
Etsy

A photo keychain to remind them how much you care…

Perfect for couples, best friends, or family members, this customizable keychain contains 14 photos commemorating special moments you’ve shared together. It’s all printed on high-quality photo paper and bound with leather — and you can even add initials on the outside. It’s a keepsake they’ll take with them everywhere. ($24.80+, UniqueGiftLove via Etsy)

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mschf puzzle
MSCHF

A puzzle that gives them the chance to win a million bucks…

Who doesn’t dream about all the things they could do with a small fortune? This 500-piece puzzle from the buzzy Brooklyn-based art collective MSCHF is a great activity for family fun nights, date nights, or…any nights. Once it’s assembled, players can scan it (hint: it’s a big QR code) to see if they won $1, $100, $1,000, $2,500, $100,000, $500,000 or $1,000,000. That’s right. Everyone’s a winner. And they have a 150X better chance to win $1M with this puzzle than the lottery jackpot. ($29.99, MSCHF)*

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pet-portrait
Animalist

A modern pet portrait that’s almost too chic to believe…

Just select their dog or cat’s breed, choose a design, color, and size, and add the pet’s name. The resulting print will be created in three to five business days. You can choose from three minimalist styles — line, form, and abstract — one of which is bound to fit seamlessly into their home’s decor. ($69+, Animalist)

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childrens-book
Uncommon Goods

A personalized children’s book all about their favorite pet…

Every pet owner wonders what their dog or cat would say if they could talk. This funny book tells little ones what those barks and meows might mean. Personalize the story with their name and their pet’s name…and the rest writes itself. ($35, Uncommon Goods)

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dim-sum
Urban Outfitters

A bundle of dim sum plush keychains…

These little plush keychains are sure to delight any dumpling fanatic(s) on your list. They come in a set of five, with one surprise dumpling that varies from box to box. If your budget is a little higher, we’re obsessed with the dumpling light, too. ($14.99, Urban Outfitters)

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glass-mug
Etsy

A design-y glass mug for their caffeine fix…

Whether they’re drinking coffee or tea, this handmade glass mug will add a splash of happy color to their morning routine. It’s handmade, dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and it works for hot or cold beverages. Choose from four pretty color combinations. ($21, TreceCielos via Etsy)

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stress-pillow
Bearaby

A squishy pillow designed to relieve stress…

This hand-knotted pillow is meant to be hugged and squeezed when they’re having a tough day. The smallest size is like a stress ball, while the medium and large sizes are more like big stuffed animals that help with anxiety (but look more sophisticated sitting out on your couch). They’re made of plant-based foam and come in nine colors. ($29+ Bearaby)

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hair-oil
Sephora

A hair oil that won’t weigh them down…

We’ve tried too many hair oils to count, and this one always comes out on top. It’s made with honey that deeply hydrates, nourishes, and leaves our hair frizz-free without making it feel like an oil slick. It also works on all types of hair. ($25, Sephora)

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wine-glass-holder
Uncommon Goods

A chic wine glass holder for their bathroom…

This design-forward holder features two hand-picked beach stones, so their bathroom will really feel like a spa. The holder attaches to the bathroom wall with suction cups, and it even comes with a BPA-free plastic wine glass to keep everything safe and shatter-free. Bathtime will never be the same. ($38, Uncommon Goods)

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dog-portrait
Etsy

A custom dog portrait that’ll turn their pet into royalty…

We’re losing it over these, and we know they will, too. Send in a picture of their dog or cat and pick an outfit. The artist will do the rest. There are countless options, including a Renaissance royal, Sherlock Holmes, and a Jedi. Choose from digital, canvas, or poster options. ($31.53+, VanWoof via Etsy)

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body-stone
Kate McLeod

A moisturizing body stone that’ll soothe any winter dry patches…

This looks like a bar of soap, but it’s actually rich lotion in solid form. After using it, they’ll feel glowy, soft, and refreshed. Oh, and they’ll smell great, too. ($12+, Kate McLeod)

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gumdrops
Molly J.

Holiday gumdrops with a twist…

The holidays can be stressful. That’s why they’ll need a confection that gives them the actual chill vibes they want this winter. Molly J. handcrafts small-batch CBD gummies with natural fruit flavors. They have zero THC, so they’re non-psychoactive. This sampler includes sparkling pomegranate, elderflower grapefruit, and pear ginger. PS: You can select your dosage before checking out. ($45+, Molly J.)

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cookie-dough
Deux

Edible cookie dough they can enjoy straight from the jar…

If they have a sweet tooth or love to lick the bowl, they’ll definitely be excited about this treat from Deux. They can pop it in the oven to bake, or eat it straight from the jar. It’s plant-based, so there’s no raw egg to worry about, and it’s also gluten-free. You can choose from seven cookie dough flavors, and build a pack with three to eight containers. ($48+, Deux)

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journal
Amazon

A prompted journal for your friend who loves to reflect…

If they’re obsessed with list-making, they’ll enjoy sitting down, having a laugh, and completing this journal. It has 200 pages of fun, random things to do. Each activity — like “play poker in a casino and successfully manage to not lose all your money in the first five minutes” — has a corresponding box that they can then fill with memories, thoughts, or reflections. If you’re stumped on what to bring to your next white elephant party or gift your work wife, this one is foolproof. ($15, Amazon)

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birthdate-book
Birthdate Co.

A personalized book that anyone into astrology will adore…

This made-to-order book features 70+ pages of custom horoscope readings and interpretations based on their birth chart. They can learn about their sun and moon signs as well as which celebs share a similar reading. You’ll just need to find a way to get their astrological details without spoiling the surprise. We’ve also gifted the personalized Birthdate Candle time and time again. Psst…use code SKIMM30 for 30% off your order. ($95, Birthdate Co.)

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*This denotes a sponsored section.

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