Unique gifts quick picks
For the bibliophile: Uncommon Goods Literary Clock
For the person who likes experimenting with different cuisines: Vân Vân The Variety Pack
For the one who values deep conversation: Esther Perel 'Where Should We Begin?'
For the loved one with a signature recipe: Hometown Engraving LLC Handwritten Recipe Dish
Shopping for gifts is hard, especially when it’s for people who already seem to have everything. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you come up with unique gift ideas for everyone on your list. CNN Underscored has been guiding readers through holiday shopping season for years, and as the gift guide editor, it’s my job to help you find presents any recipient would be thrilled to receive.
And yes, you can definitely find plenty of unique gifts from major retailers (like Amazon) if you know what to look for. There are also sites like Uncommon Goods, which is known for its expansive selection of extraordinary items and has thousands of gift ideas to choose from. If you love shopping at Etsy, then you already know that it’s one of the best places to find handmade and totally original items from small businesses, making it a great place to shop for one-of-a-kind presents.
To help you out, we rounded up the coolest and most unique gifts from all those retailers (and more) that are sure to make anyone on your list smile. Need more holiday shopping inspiration? Check out our favorite gifts for men, gifts for women, personalized gifts and gifts under $25.
Behold, the perfect gift idea for anyone who enjoys drinking whiskey and smoking a good cigar. (We've got lots more gift ideas for whiskey lovers, by the way.)
Just because they love plants doesn't mean they have the perfect conditions to grow your typical garden. This set comes with 16 types of seeds that are designed to thrive in dry conditions with very little care, making it a great gift for the beginner gardener or anyone who lives in a dry area.
I think Letterfolk's tile mats are such a unique gift, especially for someone who just moved into a new home or apartment. Thanks to the included tiles, the recipient can customize their new welcome mat with all kinds of quirky designs and phrases.
Got a book lover on your holiday shopping list? This is the gift for them. Available in two sizes, the clock displays the time by using literary quotes instead of plain ol' numbers.
Whenever I find myself in an area with no light pollution at night, the first thing I do is look up at the stars. This stargazing kit makes a great present for people of all ages who are into astronomy.
We've been loving these dehydrated Vietnamese spices in my household lately. You can rehydrate them, grind them, cook them or simply use them as a crunchy topping. The variety pack makes an excellent gift for the foodie in your life who cooks at home a lot.
Disco balls are a popular home decor trend, but this disco globe takes it up a notch — and it actually spins! When it catches the sunlight, the reflections will have such a gorgeous effect on their space.
How cute is this embroidered keychain that's perfectly sized to hold a quarter? It's a unique stocking stuffer for anyone who shops at Aldi since the store is notorious for requiring quarters to unlock its shopping carts.
This adorable waffle-shaped trivet is proof that your kitchen products don't have to be boring. Made of concrete and recycled glass with a cork base, the trivet comes in three colors: white, black and yellow (or natural, as I'd call it).
For the constant entertainer, a charcuterie board is always a good idea — and a monogram-shaped board is an even better one.
Are they the type of person who gets excited about gorgeous coffee table books? If so, getting them a travel-inspired coffee table book of a destination on their bucket list is a great way to inspire wanderlust and nail your holiday present this year.
It may not be one of our best-tested record players, but this one from Crosley has such a pretty vintage-inspired floral design that we can't help but call it a great gift.
Copper Cow's Latte Gift Set is a great present for anyone who loves coffee or would be into trying Vietnamese coffee. The single-serve latte kits include individual coffee and creamer packets (brew it directly in your cup, pour-over style!) in the brand's classic flavors: Black, Vanilla, Churro and Salted Caramel — yum!
Did you know flushable wipes aren't actually flushable? Your friend who really cares about the environment definitely knew. After trying The UnWipe, our reviewer thinks it deserves a spot in every bathroom without a bidet (which would probably be the most sustainable option) because it makes your regular toilet paper work better.
Who knew you could get a hair brush with your name on it? This mini brush from celeb-loved brand BaubleBar can be customized with up to nine characters, and it's small enough that she can stash it in her purse, gym bag or carry-on.
This is not your typical candle. Apotheke's Charcoal scent is one of the most unique candle fragrances I've ever smelled — and I try a lot of candles. In fact, its warm, woody scent often gets a stamp of approval from men too.
This editor-loved card game encourages storytelling among family, friends, coworkers and more. It comes with 200 conversation starter cards that can be used to connect with loved ones after dinner or break the ice on a first date.
Lululemon's iconic belt bag is a pretty ordinary gift at this point. For a more unique (but equally as practical) gift from the brand, consider this water bottle sling. It's great for the person who goes on a daily hot girl walk or who is always hitting the trails. It even has a zippered pocket on the front that's big enough for their phone.
Personalized jewelry is always on-trend. We especially love this dainty solid-gold necklace that comes in all 12 birth flowers. I think it's especially unique because it's personalized in such a subtle way.
There are a lot of subscription gifts out there, but Vinyl Me, Please is one of the coolest I've seen. The recipient gets to choose one of three different tracks each month: Essentials, Hip-Hop or Jazz, Blues, Funk and Soul. It's a great gift for newbies and collectors alike.
Impress the whiskey lover in your life with this unique bottle that's like a combination of bourbon and cabernet. Another thing that makes it unique is that it comes with a spiral-cut piece of wood in the bottle, which helps add more flavor to the whiskey after aging. If they're really serious about their whiskey, you can build them an entirely custom bottle.
If chances are high that the person you're shopping for has a drill, this tool set turns that device into a cleaning machine. If they're itching to make that grout and those baseboards look brand-new, this Underscored reader favorite is the gift for them.
No matter the distance, you can keep loved ones nearby with this personalized signpost that showcases each member’s distance and direction from home.
For a more minimalist take on your typical couple portrait, this shop creates a line drawing inspired by a photo of your choice. You can even get your names and a special date (such as an anniversary or wedding date) printed at the bottom. And since you receive a digital file instead of a physical print, you can get it printed yourself to save time.
This handmade cherry wood picnic table and wine carrier immediately upgrade eating at the park. Just pack it with all of your favorite foods and drinks and extend the legs to turn it into a tabletop once you’re at your location. Plus, it can be engraved with a name and date for a personalized touch.
Set positive intentions and daily affirmations alongside goals with this minimalist gratitude journal. It only takes five minutes to fill out in the morning and evening, and it's perfect for wellness-obsessed loved ones. I've used it before, and it really helped me be more mindful throughout my day.
Personalized stationery is a thoughtful gift idea because it's something that the recipient might not splurge on themselves. These custom cards will come in handy every time they need to write a thank you note. (And there are plenty of other designs available, too.)
For those who like to do their own embroidery or are looking to start a new crafting hobby, this beginner’s needle punch kit is the perfect gift.
A personalized four-across game is a cute and fun gift to give to couples, families or anyone who enjoys a little friendly competition.
Want to satisfy their never-ending sweet tooth? Send them a package of gourmet cookies from this beloved New York City bakery. They take chocolate chip cookies to another level. (Trust me, the Fall Chocolate Chunk is to die for.)
Combine their love for plants and scented candles in one gift with these unique succulent-shaped candles. Available in multiple sizes and scents, the candles are so well-designed that they'll want to keep them on display forever.
This floral-printed marigold kimono robe is handmade in Indonesia and ideal for lounging around in style. Bonus: It even has pockets.
For their next crème brûlée or barbecue adventure, this easy-to-use butane torch brings a major upgrade to their arsenal of kitchen tools.
Sipping your morning coffee is even better with an adorable personalized mug printed with your favorite picture of a pet or loved one.
Ideal for their nightstand, desk or entryway, this leather catchall tray gives them a place to put their phone, wallet, keys, AirPods and more at the end of a long day. You can get it monogrammed for an extra $15.
Keep your loved ones with you wherever you go with this custom leather key ring. Personalize it with a special photo on the inside and monogram or engraving with up to six characters on the outside.
A DIY kit is another fun gift idea, especially for a couple. This one allows them to make their very own bubble tea in just a few easy steps.
Complete with two patterned paddles, three bright green balls and canvas paddle cases, this set has everything they need to play a two-person game of pickleball, minus the net.
Another great gift for anyone with a furry friend is this custom framed pet portrait; several Underscored editors have one of their own pets. An adorable image of their pet is printed on high-quality giclée Epson matte paper and framed for a piece that will be admired forever.
Pay tribute to a beloved family recipe with this custom casserole dish that can be engraved in the exact handwriting of a loved one. It's bound to be a keepsake that's passed down from generation to generation.
Handcrafted, 100% vegan and made with delicious-smelling essential oils, plant butters and botanical extracts, this six-piece natural soap bar gift set is a little luxury that will turn bathing into a spa-like ritual.
Golfers will love to receive one of these personalized pouches as a gift. You can customize everything from the color to the foil used for the monogram.