Cheapism
Anyone can wrap up an Instant Pot and give it as a gift. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes you want to give a friend or family member something that'll surprise or amuse them. With that in mind, we scoured the web for some truly inspired unusual gift ideas that we guarantee they won't get from anyone else.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$25 and up from The Adventure Challenge
Talk about interactive: These books contain 50 scratch-off suggestions for fun bonding activities with family, friends, or that special spouse or partner. Each "surprise" adventure comes with an estimated time commitment and cost, usually $20 or less. And each entry includes a place to include a photo and notes, so books become cherished keepsakes even after the challenges are long-completed. There's also a version for solo adventures, a "naughty" edition, and bundles that include an instant camera.
Price Varies from Cameo
Give a gift they'll never forget: a personal video message from a favorite actor, athlete, musician, reality TV personality, or other celeb — which can then be shared on the social media platform of choice. There are literally thousands of famous (and not-so-famous) people to choose from on Cameo, and prices vary accordingly.
Related: Need Unique Gifts? Here Are Our Favorite Stores for Holiday Shopping
$18 from Newegg
This acorn-shaped speaker is petite enough to fit in your palm or can be hung from the attached strap. It has a built-in microphone, too. Reviewers say it has good sound quality for a cheap portable Bluetooth speaker, and many proclaim it "adorable."
$104 and up from InvisaWear
Shop Now
While a piece of jewelry might not seem all that unusual, this one has a secret weapon. InvisaWear's pieces and accessories have built-in safety alerts — technology that will share a location, send a message to emergency contacts, call 911, and more if she's in trouble.
Related: Awesome Gift Ideas Under $250
$250 from Gravity
Give the gift of coziness with Gravity’s Chunky Knit Blanket, a 10-pound hug hand-knitted from breathable bamboo fleece. Customers rave about the weighted blanket’s warmth and durability, along with the added benefit of improving sleep quality. Choose from four different colors — soft gray, deep forest, sapphire blue, and clay — and, for the ultimate in total relaxation, pair it with Gravity’s new heated mini massager.
(SPONSORED)
$21 from Amazon
Shop Now
They're never too old for the hypothetical questions in this clever and amusing book from the webcomic creators of "xkcd." The queries include those ranging "from merely odd to downright diabolical."
Related: Thoughtful Gifts for Sisters
$20 and up at TeePublic
Shop Now
Surprise them with some new graphic tees, tanks, or hoodies. Look to TeePublic for a unique selection of apparel for adults and kids, featuring the work of independent graphic artists. You’ll also find stickers, phone cases, magnets, posters, and a selection of home goods, all featuring colorful, eye-catching artwork. Grab the "Dune" tee pictured. And what Muppet fan wouldn't want this Emotional Support Animal in their life?
$13 from Amazon
Shop Now
If you have a foodie in your life who also appreciates a little whimsy in the kitchen, this funky monkey helper will probably bring a smile to his or her face.
$22 from Coddies
Shop Now
If your friend is into fishing, a pair of these colorful flip-flops will leave them reeling, as their feet will have newfound allure. The Fish Flops have been deemed by one customer to be "hilariously weird and surprisingly comfortable."
For more great gift guides and shopping tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
$26 from Amazon
Shop Now
Is it weird as all get out? Yep. But is it unusual and does it bring delight to buyers? Also yep. Sample review: "This is both ridiculous and spectacular. It just might be my best Amazon impulse-buy ever."
$10 from Blick
Shop Now
Looking for an unusual gift for a kiddo? This 8-inch-long jumbo crayon is both fun-looking and fun to play with. It features 15 vibrant colors that'll come in handy for creating unique art work.
$31 from Amazon
Give a world traveler a chance to check off his or her adventures with this map duo set. The set includes a large world map and smaller U.S. map, plus a scratch tool, memory stickers to pin each new trip, and a magnifying strip so the smallest details loom larger.
$11 and up from Etsy
Shop Now
For a truly unique piece of jewelry that's also beautiful, check out these necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more that are like mini-terrariums disguised as jewelry. The bracelets, in particular, are stunning.
$30 and up from Firebox
Shop Now
Upload a high-quality photo of yourself, a beloved pet, or just about anything, and it'll be printed on this removable polyester spandex suitcase wrap. They'll never lose their luggage again.
$40 from Uncommon Goods
Shop Now
Snow globes are cute and fun, but so very expected. Give that lover of things you can shake and stare at something out of the blue with this "dust globe." Inside, it has a Martian landscape scene and two astronauts.
$40 and up from Etsy
Shop Now
This necklace from MolecularMotifs displays the molecular symbol for the brain chemical responsible for bringing more happiness into our lives. It won't actually increase serotonin, but it might remind the recipient to get out and engage in those activities that do.
$9 and up from Amazon
Shop Now
If you know someone who likes to build things and work with their hands, these intricate and innovative modeling kits make a unique gift. Geared toward adults and older kids, each piece is laser-cut plywood, and the kits require no tools or glue.
$11 from Amazon
These super-soft socks will keep the feet of any wine-loving lady warm (and let someone nearby know when she needs a refill). They come in cute cupcake-like gift packaging.
$26 from Amazon
Shop Now
If you've got a novelty socks lover who also devours pizza on your list — and really, who doesn't? — this set of four pairs in pepperoni, Hawaiian, Capricciosa, and Italian will knock their ... well, you know, off.
$45 from Uncommon Goods
Shop Now
Just about every continent has a different take on hot sauce. Let the spicy connoisseur in your life explore with this five-bottle set, which contains sauces from the U.S., India, and Africa.
$10 from Amazon
Shop Now
This mini-projector turns any ceiling into the universe. The kit includes 12 views of the Milky Way's constellations, plus a 48-page booklet that will help you understand what you're looking at.
$149 and up from Amazon
Shop Now
If you're looking for a unique gift that will stand the test of time, these blankets are pricey but unlikely to be stuffed in a closet and forgotten. Made in the U.S. of 100% wool, they are available in twin, full, and queen sizes, or as a throw, and each comes with a commemorative label honoring one of nine national parks, including Yellowstone and Acadia.
Related: 60 Gifts That Are Made in America
$12 from Amazon
Shop Now
This book by the uber-popular Instagrammer Humans of New York — aka Brandon Stanton, who has over 12 million followers — brings readers portraits and stories of Americans he meets on the streets of the Big Apple. Readers love it, with reviewers giving it 4.9 stars.
$199 from Uncommon Goods
Shop Now
Compost buckets and other containers can get unsightly, stinky, and attract bugs if you don't take them out often enough. This one is not only odorless and includes lids, but it's practically sculptural. It can process over two pounds of food scraps a week. Worms needed, but not included. (It's cool — you can dig those up in the back yard for free.)
$26 from Amazon
Shop Now
This 336-page book — a companion to the popular Tumblr photography site — is the perfect eye-candy to whisk you away to a quiet and calm place, if only in your mind.
$225 from MoMA Design Store
Shop Now
This clever indoor-outdoor lamp opens to reveal the warm glow of its illuminated Tyvek "pages." The laser-cut wood cover can be opened a full 360 degrees to create a dramatic glow, and magnets embedded within mean it can be mounted on a metallic surface, to get it out of the way while they work.
$55 and up from Uncommon Goods
Next time you see something that reminds you of that one amazing friend or much-missed family member who lives far away, let them know you're thinking of them with this gift. Simply tap the bracelet, and your loved one's half of the set will light up and vibrate. Replacement bands in different colors are available for $15.
$50 from Singing Machine
Shop Now
This microphone pairs with an FM station on a car's radio so that he or she can belt out jams while on the road (whether the driver wants them to or not).
$15 from Amazon
Shop Now
Give your someone something to look forward to with this clock that counts down the time to their retirement.
$27 from Etsy
Shop Now
Etsy is a great place to find unique puzzles such as this one from Cloud Berries Official, which would be perfect for an artist or computer nerd.