Updated on Nov. 05, 2024
Before you settle on a yawn-worthy candle or gift card, we've rounded up some unique gift ideas that will please anybody on your list.
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Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, even for the most seasoned gift-givers. Whether your giftee is a DIYer, gearhead, gardener or new homeowner, Family Handyman has you covered. These seven unique gift ideas will surely wow everyone—yes, even your Aunt Brenda, who seemingly has everything known to man.
Some people seemingly have everything, making it difficult to find a unique gift. Enter this aesthetically-pleasing electric lighter. Whether the recipient loves candles, cozying up by a wood-burning fire or camping in the great outdoors, this electric lighter makes for a practical gift. And thanks to its handy USB port, this lighter can be recharged in a flash.
Unlike other rechargeable candle lighters, this lighter is long and thin with an elongated design, which allows you to light a short wick in any direction (without burning your fingers). Plus, it comes in three different neutral shades to fit any giftee’s decor style. For an over-the-top gift, pair it with a candle warmer lamp.
When it comes to unique gift ideas, this fiberglass fountain is the perfect option for someone with a great outdoor space or porch. It has a sleek design, and adds a calming, relaxing element to any space, thanks to the sounds of gentle water falling. This fountain features LED lights to highlight the flowing water, and it’s weather and rust-resistant for years of enjoyment.
It’s also easy to use: Fill the fountain with water and plug in the 6-foot cord to any outlet. Then, sit back and relax!
“Great looking fountain indoors or out,” said one buyer. “Love the water sound of cascading falls, even neighbors that walk by will notice. The LED light is a plus at nighttime.”
If you have a major foodie on your list, consider a maple syrup tree-tapping kit. This kit is an excellent option for food lovers with maple trees on their property, as it is easy to use and has all the supplies needed to turn out great-tasting maple syrup.
This kit includes tubes, spiles (technical term for taps), a sugar-making filter, instructions and a collection of recipes. All the equipment is food-grade, FDA-approved and BPA-free. Buyers noted this kit was great for beginners, easy to use and came with clear instructions. Oh, and if you’re looking for a thoughtful last-minute gift without spending a wad of cash, we’ve got you covered with these Walmart gift ideas for $20.
Who said finding a great gift for under $25 has to be difficult? This cactus coaster set is a top-tier option for those who like to entertain and features six interlocking (and removable) coasters that create a cactus shape and flowerpot holder. The conversation-starting coasters are even heat-resistant and waterproof to protect furniture. Buyers noted the flowerpot holder even has storage space for small items.
“It is super cute and can act as a nice addition to the coffee table without looking gimmicky or tacky,” said one buyer. “Most of my guests don’t realize it’s a coaster until I tell them they can take it apart from the cactus. I love it and highly recommend it.”
Finding unique gifts for new homeowners can be challenging. You may not know their decor style or what kind of tools they need (and you don’t want to accidentally get duplicates). Enter the I’m a Homeowner, Now What? organizer book. This logbook allows new homeowners to make notes and keep track of everything from utilities and community information to plumbers, electricians and remodeling plans. It includes graph paper, forms for planning room details, and checklists for routine maintenance. It also has a handy pocket for keeping business cards and receipts.
“This book is a great place to put pertinent information about your home in,” said one buyer. “It was wonderfully helpful in keeping track of things about our first home. I have been maintaining it throughout the duration of living here and think it will be a great thing to pass on to the next homeowner when we sell.”
Even if the weather outside is snowy and cold, the gardener on your gift list can still tend to their favorite plants with this plant propagation station. This unique, affordable gift features a wooden plant stand with three glass bulb vases that can be set up in minutes (no tools needed!). Plus, the design allows you to change plants and pour water quickly. Your giftee can set it up on a table or window sill and watch their plants grow. For the ultimate gift package, check out these garden gift baskets, too.
Looking for unique gift ideas for the pet lover in your life? Consider this dog and cat travel bag, which is available in two sizes and eight colors. This bag has a large inner compartment to store pet treats, toys and other supplies, two food container bags and two collapsible bowls. Plus, it has a water-repellent outer material and leak-proof inner lining, so you don’t have to worry about spills. It’s perfect for those who bring their pet on vacation, hiking or camping trips.
“This bag was perfect for traveling with my agility dog to weekend trials and longer trips,” said one reviewer. “There is a place for everything you need, or you can take only portions of the items in the bag for shorter trips. It is super helpful to have way to organize my dog’s food, bowls, toys, towels, brushes and treats.”
