Sure, you could gift your friends and family another Amazon or Starbucks gift card for the holidays. But why not get a little more creative (and maybe put in a little bit more effort) and gift them something memorable and unique that they’ll love? Fret not: We've discovered cool gift ideas, no stress necessary.
Shop TODAY contributor Melissa Garcia stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to showcase a wide range of unique and fun gifts for anyone on your list, including the hard-to-shop-for. This curated list has gourmet Italian food gift sets, vases for book lovers and New York City's best babka.
Trust us when we say that you might check everyone off your list with these neat picks, or you'll want to splurge on one for yourself.
Unique gifts seen on 3rd hour of TODAY
Neon signs are having a moment, but they can be expensive. That's why Garcia loves this affordable option that features shaping wire, which allows you to create words and designs, giving you total creative freedom on whatever you want to shine. This makes for a great gift for teens and those with dorm rooms, or even party decor, says Garcia.
Editor's note: Our pick above is currently out of stock, but we found a similar item that we'd think you'd like below.
If you’re looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer, this pocket-sized mirror is perfect for anyone on the go. It features LED lights for easy touch-ups, and its compact size lets you throw it in small purses or easily tucks away in side pockets.
Mercato Di Bellina food sets
Garcia says these gourmet Italian food gifts are the perfect pick for food lovers and hosts. Mercato Di Bellina offers a wide variety of sets, including pizza-making kits, organic pasta, sweets and even options for gluten-free and vegan diets.
Garcia says Goldbelly is a great option to gift treats from popular restaurants around the country, and New York’s best babka from Breads Bakery is not gate-kept. You'll get three loaves of babka that can be enjoyed within 24 hours, or you can freeze them up to 60 days.
"It’s made with decadent French butter, Nutella, Belgian chocolate chips ... just melts in your mouth," says Garcia.
Jade Leaf Matcha
Matcha has been having a moment, and this gift set from the Gifts We Love winning brand Jade Leaf is perfect for beginners and matcha enthusiasts. The set includes top-tier ceremonial-grade matcha, a bamboo whisk and more.
“There’s something really calming making matcha yourself and so much more affordable than buying matcha every day at your local coffee shop,” says Garcia.
More Jade Leaf Matcha gift sets:
From a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards-winning brand, Good Molecules, this skin care set features travel-sized bottles of bestsellers for an everyday routine. You’ll get a hydrating facial cleanser, niacinamide toner and a lightweight moisturizer, which the brand says is suitable for all skin types.
Plus, Target is offering a buy one, get 25% off deal as part of a Target Circle deal.
Bestselling cool and unique gift ideas
I’m sorry, but have you seen anything cuter in your life? Dress up your beer with these cold beer coats, which come in four 'coat' color combos.
The token film buff in your friend circle will get a kick out of this scratchable wall art, featuring 100 of cinema's most iconic works. Just grab a coin and 'scratch' off the movie once you've watched it.
This LED neck reading light can be bended in any direction you need it to. It’s also easy on the eyes, has a long-lasting battery and contains different color and brightness levels for you to choose from. You can even use it outside of bedside reading, including cooking, sewing, handyman work and other craft activities.
Not only do they smell incredible, these candles are basically a centerpiece in and of themselves. They are a soy blend and their fragrances include premium fragrance oil in pine and vanilla (cactus) and jasmine and white tea (poppy).
Perfect for lighting candles, this USB lighter is — you guessed it — rechargeable and also has an LED light so it can be used as a mini flashlight. The longer shape makes it great for lighting hard-to-reach wicks, and the pretty design (we love the terrazzo print of this one!) means it'll look great left out on your coffee table.
In essence, this device offers a full-body massage that deeply kneads targeted areas to help relieve tension, stiffness and more. You can wrap it around your hips, over the shoulders or anywhere else that needs some adjustment. It even has a built-in heat function to alleviate any other discomfort you might have. One reviewer wrote, “I have had neck trouble all my life and this is the best massager I have tried ... worth it’s weight in gold for my neck.”
The book lover will appreciate all that this book nook offers. It will hold their book in place, leave it on display and even offer a spot for all of their other reading essentials.
I don’t think I’ve seen a cooler pan out there. This do-it-all piece can replace 10 — yes, 10 — traditional pieces of cookware in just one handy pan. Whether you need to fry, steam, sauté, sear, boil or strain, this pan can handle it all..
If they’re always on-the-go, they’ll need a bag that suits their lifestyle. Case in point: the Calpak Luka Duffel Bag. Although marketed as a large weekender, this bag can be used for everyday necessities, to hold your gym gear or as an overnight tote. There’s room to hold a few days worth of clothes, a designated shoe compartment, water- and scratch-resistant fabric, multiple pockets and a trolley sleeve. In essence, it seems to have it all.
Cool and unique gifts under $50
You might’ve heard of a hair curler, but a heated eyelash one? This product might be out-of-the-ordinary, but Associate editor Sierra Hoeger says “One of my friend’s mom has this heated eyelash curler, and she receives compliments on her eyelashes everywhere she goes! This eyelash curler helps her lashes stay curled and voluminous all day long.”
This nifty bun maker is the perfect gift for the home cook in your life who's always on the hunt for new kitchen gadgets. Bonus: you're bound to benefit from this gift when they whip up a batch of buns.
Cats + pizza = happiness, it’s simple math! Purrrfect for any cat owners on your list, this pizza cutter is surely an upgrade from their traditional (boring) kitchen tool.
Start their day off right with this dishwasher- and microwave-safe cup, which is modeled after a traditional New York bodega disposable cup. Whether they use it for their morning cup of joe, juice or just keep it on display, it’s sure to put a smile on their face.
Hoeger thinks these unique stickers will make for a great gift for those seemingly attached to their water bottles. “These long stickers wrap around and around your water bottle or thermos to create a mountain, arches, or canyon scene, depending on the national park you choose.”
If their hands are always cold, gift them this portable hand warmer instead of continuing to use disposable ones. According to the brand, it can keep warming for 3-4 hours on a full charge.
Tiny yet mighty, this mini Hydro Flask will fit perfectly inside their everyday tote or work bag for a cool sip. Great for on-the-go with durable stainless steel and a leak-proof design, per the brand. Holds just over 6 ounces.
Ditch the standard tabletop puzzles, and build a 3D puzzle with no glue required. The option above include everything you need to bring the puzzle to life — literally. In fact, “you’re essentially building your own home decor,” mentions lifestyle expert Patrice J. Williams, who previously joined TODAY, since the puzzles can even be used to store actual plants, too.
At first glance, this clock looks like a meaningless jumble of letters — until it lights up. It displays time in five minute intervals for easy reading and is super easy to set up. With such a unique digital display, telling time has never looked more sophisticated.
Pair this with a bottle of wine for the perfect, charming and unique gift that would make anybody smile — especially the silly goose in your life.
Associate social media editor Dani Musacchio personally owns this vase and has received endless compliments on it. We wouldn’t be surprised to see this product go viral this gifting season.
Another adorable vase? This morning person-approved option is a tall, cheerful (and might we add, citrus-y) vessel that’s sure to brighten their day.
Splurge on a nonsensical gift that is sure to satisfy the foodie in your life. They’ll be shocked to learn that this candle looks like the real deal, down to the fruit sticker. It even shows when the candle was made, or “harvested on.”
Gifting little ones? You’re in luck. The Plip Kit from Fat Brain Toys offers endless creative fun. With multiple short, long and bendable pieces, they can build everything from sculptures to shapes and whatever comes to their imagination.
Plus, “This comes with a drawstring bag to keep the pieces organized, and the silicone is food-safe and machine-washable,” Williams notes.
Gift someone the means of never having a sad work lunch ever again. This portable food warmer allows you to take your favorite hot meals on the go and not have to transfer it all to a microwaveable dish to warm up and eat.
“If you’re looking to replace your $5 umbrella that breaks after one use, this seems like a good investment that was made with sustainability in mind,” says senior editor Jess Bender, further noting that “it was designed from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Also, the handle is a duck head. How cute is that?!”
No oven is needed for this pizza maker. The 1440W nonstick skillet can whip up a cheesy 12-inch pizza in just a few minutes — not to mention it is simple to clean up afterwards. And it is versatile enough to make your favorite quesadilla, omelet and crepe, too.
The Shop TODAY team also has their eyes on these unique candles that are specially made for each day of the year. Commerce partnerships coordinator Victoria Herlocker is actually planning to grab a few to give as gifts.
“I think getting anything personalized is so special, which is why I want to give all my astrology-loving friends their own birthdate candle,” Herlocker says. “I’m also so curious about what my own candle says, I might need to get one for myself, too.”
“I wore this during an eight-hour Oktoberfest cruise and got no less than 20 compliments about it while I was out and about,” says Bender. “It’s stupid, it’s comfy, it’s unisex — what more could I ask for?!”
Whether they’re big into games and puzzles or just want to stay sharp, this vintage-looking book that’s actually a game of Boggle is sure to surprise and delight. According to the brand, it’s best for two to six players and all ages 8 and up.
For the first-time parent, this baby and toddler 'Sick Day' set includes all of the essentials that will ease both parent and child, thanks to its playful design. Designed by pediatric experts, they'll receive Luna the Elephant’s Light-Up Nasal Aspirator, Noa the Narwhal’s Light-Up Nasal Bulb and Riley the Rocket’s Medicine Dispenser in this bundle.
Cool and unique gifts under $100
If you have a friend with an ambitious goal of visiting all 50 states, this sticker gift might give them the boost of encouragement they need to keep going.
Magnolia Bakery is a New York staple dessert, but you can actually get their famous banana pudding delivered nationwide. The Shop TODAY team is a fan of the dessert, and social media editor Kara Quill thinks the unique dish could make a fun gift.
“It has a good banana flavor, without being too in your face about it,” Quill comments. “There’s a creamy texture, but it’s not too heavy — I like that in my desserts.”
It’s no surprise that Bender — one of Shop TODAY’s resident foodies — has a go-to dessert-themed scent. “I’m not a huge perfume lover, but there’s something so inviting about this fragrance,” she says. “Off the bat, If you need confirmation of how ‘crumb-y’ the aroma is, I wore this over the weekend and my mom said I smelled like a buttery bakery within 30 seconds of seeing me.”
According to the brand, you should have a fresh cup of brew in a few minutes with this coffee maker. It brews coffee up to 16 oz, and solely uses ground coffee — no pods needed. The slim design also means it shouldn’t take up too much counter space, which is perfect for those with small kitchens or apartments.
Calling all national park lovers! This blanket is a sleeping bag, blanket and warm cloak all in one. Made with post-consumer recycled materials, this blanket will keep any outdoor fanatic comfy and cozy during their travels.
SEO commerce writer Jannely Espinal isn't the only member of the Shop TODAY team who's a fan of these giftable, joyful earrings.
"The first time I saw production associate Audrey Ekman wearing these cherry earrings, I knew I needed to buy them," Espinal says. "It's the right amount of flair and fun without weighing your earlobe down. Even if you're wearing black, these will pop thanks to the sparkling beads. This is an excellent gift for someone who wants to zhuzh up their attire and add a hint of elegance to their look."
Any pet lover is sure to appreciate this thoughtful and artsy gift. Whether it is to remember their pet or to have another keepsake, they can hang their best furry friend right on their wall forever.
“I’m obsessed,” says associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky of these custom matchboxes. She’s been seeing the trendy matches everywhere on social media and loves how you can personalize your box with text or even a photo.
Put your own spin on Connect Four with this handcrafted version. It can be personalized to carve out your name, anniversary or any other meaningful sentiment.
Cool and unique gifts worth the splurge
Who doesn’t want a ginormous, 10-foot-by-10-foot blanket? Bender can also vouch for this cozy blanket.
“The Big Blanket on my couch is one of the most-used things in my apartment,” Bender admits. “I pretty much fall asleep under it every night.”
Perfect for any journalist, this fully customizable book features a collection of The New York Times’ front pages from each year since their birth. A few editors on our team have gifted this over the years and it’s always a hit.
If they desire a little bit of calm in their lives, Klaus Bosch’s sand sculpture should do the trick.
We all know that one person who's absolutely obsessed with their dog (and hey, rightly so). They will absolutely adore this custom, holiday sweater that allows them to show off their furry friend.
Say goodbye to waking up in a panic to your jarring alarm every morning. This neat alarm clock uses a combination of gradual light that mimics a sunrise and a noise of your choosing to gently wake you up. Plus, it can act as a bedside light and even be used as part of your night time wind-down routine.
For the athlete in your life, the Theragun Prime is the perfect post-workout treatment to relieve sore muscles and recover more quickly. This kit comes with multiple attachments and the Theragun has a 120-minute battery life.
For that person on your list who loves to travel and try new things, this experience box makes a great gift. According to the brand, the receiver can choose from over 900 experiences in nearly 400 locations, from a zipline tour in Colorado Springs to attending Moulin Rouge in Paris, to find their next great adventure.
They won't need another styling tool with this two-in-one hot air brush from Ghd. According to the brand, the styling tool quickly turns wet strands to dry, creating bouncy curls or a sleek blowout without the frizz or heat damage.
Nothing completes your kitchen space more than an organized pantry. This set from Caraway includes multiple innovative storage solutions for storing everything from ingredients to leftover meals. Per the brand, each container is made from durable, non-toxic materials and comes with storage dividers and stackable silhouettes for a clutter-free kitchen.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Patrice J. Williams and Melissa Garcia.
- Patrice J. Williams is an on-air lifestyle and fashion expert.
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor, a professional stylist and the founder of Melissa Garcia Styling.
How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.
The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.
How we chose the best cool and unique gifts
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products and coolest gifts out there. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the most unique gifts on the market that are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the foodie, traveler, coffee lover, gamer, advent calendar enthusiast, film buff, and more in your life.
