This article was originally published on WHerMoments
They say it’s better to give than to receive, though the catch is that giving the right present can be a monumental task. There are only so many times you can disappoint your loved ones with a boring gift card, right? The good news is that we've assembled a list of trendy and unique items that are bound to make your friends and family light up with joy — no matter who they might be.
1. For the person who’s always chilly
Here’s the perfect thing for your friend or family member who is always begging you to turn up the thermostat. With a heated blanket at their disposal, they’re bound to be cozier than ever.
Many of these products come with multiple heating settings, too, guaranteeing that the user will never be too hot or too cold — but just right.
2. For the secret agent
Thanks to leaps in technology, smart sunglasses might be the next big thing. Shades loaded with various gadgets used to be something you only saw in James Bond movies, but now all kinds of models are available for purchase.
Some can record videos. Many have full audio capabilities. And really impressive versions feature an augmented reality feature that projects information right on the lenses.
3. For the ultimate camper
Your calendar might not always have room for a big camping trip, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the great outdoors wherever you go. With a handy portable campfire, you can cozy up to the flames just about anywhere.
And if you need a side gift for this gizmo, how about a jumbo bag of marshmallows? There's a stocking stuffer your loved one will never forget.
4. For the one who lights up your life
Handmade gifts can often be the most meaningful. And if someone lights up your life (figuratively), you can do the same for them (literally) by gifting a homemade candle.
For starters, it will save you a few bucks, but what's really cool is that you can control the size, scent, and color of the candle.
5. For the serious athlete
Do you have a sport friend who’s always complaining about aches and pains? Well, you could give them just what the doctor ordered with a personal massager.
These devices come in various sizes so that they can be used for whichever muscle might be a bother. These portable massagers are also great for frequent travelers!
6. For the busy chef
Nothing beats a home-cooked meal, especially when you barely have to do any prep. That's the beauty of this recipe in a jar, which lets you present a loved one with their favorite recipe, whether it be a hearty soup or a delicious baking mix.
Just pack the ingredients in the jar, leave a few instructions on the tag, and let them save it for a rainy day. It will surely be appreciated.
7. For the wannabe pilot
Who wouldn't want a flying robot at their disposal? Drones are some of the most exciting gifts you can give these days, and they might not be as expensive as you would think.
Sure, real enthusiasts can drop thousands of dollars on a drone, but it's also easy to find a starter model for 50 bucks or less.
8. For the sentimental loved one
You can't capture time in a bottle, but a handprint kit could be the next best thing. This easy DIY gift could help new parents make an impression of their infant's tiny palm, or perhaps it could be used for the pawprint of a beloved pet.
Either way, this is bound to be a cherished memento — a touching reminder years down the line of how things used to be.
9. For the amateur astronomer
With services like Star Register, it's actually possible to reserve a tiny section of the nighttime sky and name one of the celestial bodies after someone who is special to you. It's perfect for hopeful astronauts or part-time astronomers.
Most stars have a lifespan of hundreds of millions of years, so this gift won't go out of fashion anytime soon.
10. For the golf nut
Golf is not always the easiest year-round sport to play, but you can surprise the Tiger Woods of your family with a personal indoor putting green. For one thing, they can work on their short game at any time.
On top of that, the recipient can also blow off some steam during boring phone calls! That alone counts as a hole in one in our book.
11. For the caffeine freak
Some people just can't function without their cup of morning joe — or in some cases, five cups of morning joe. The good news is that you can keep your loved ones up and running with a deluxe coffee subscription.
These services, of which there are many to choose from, will send the best beans from all over the world straight to your loved one's doorstep. That ought to keep them awake!
12. For the kid with a big imagination
A teddy bear is a tried-and-true gift for children, though the generic version can come off as a little impersonal. Luckily, you can customize these adorable guys in whatever way will make the kid smile.
For instance, you could give the bear a wand and a pair of glasses for a Harry Potter fan, or perhaps you could dress him up in a Spider-Man suit for a superhero buff.
13. For the person with the green thumb
You might know a loved one who doesn’t have the time or the space to maintain a full garden. But don't sweat it!
A smart garden will give them the chance to care for some greenery in the comforts of their own home, plus the gadget cares for all of the plant's needs on its own.
14. For the guilty pet parent
Do you know someone who feels bad every time they have to leave Fido alone at home? A dog camera is a great way to lessen that guilt. And they are more high-tech than you might realize.
Not only do these gadgets provide a live feed of your furry friend, but many models also include microphones that allow you to speak to them. Oh, and did we mention some come with remote-controlled treat dispensers to keep them happy until you get back?
15. For the movie fan
Chances are you have a major cinephile in your life. They probably don't need any more streaming subscriptions, but what they could use is a personal projector.
Great for indoors and outdoors, projectors can turn any space into a private movie theater. All they need is an electrical outlet and a large wall. Please note that popcorn is not included.
16. For the host with the most
Who's the one in your family who is always dishing out the best snacks and hors d'oeuvre? You can help them up their game with a very snazzy charcuterie board that will make their platters look fit for a magazine cover.
Besides impressing any houseguests, this tray will knock the socks off any foodies on social media. Get ready to go viral!
17. For your crafty friend
A creative outlet can work wonders, so why not treat a friend or relative with some embroidery supplies? For beginners, there are plenty of templates out there to teach them the basics in a fun and easy way.
And for embroidery masters, you can simply give them some fresh thread and needles and watch them whip together an original masterpiece.
18. For the next American Idol
No matter what age you are, nothing gets a party started like a karaoke machine. This device will give the undiscovered star in your life the chance to belt out all their favorite tunes.
Whoever you gift it to is going to have a blast, though no promises that they'll become a better singer. A gift can only do so much, after all.
19. For the conscientious animal lover
What do you get the person who has everything? Many times, a charitable gift will do the trick. Think about what matters most to your special someone.
For animal lovers, there are plenty of foundations that allow you to "adopt" an endangered animal in someone's name. This gesture just might save the life of an orca or elephant in need — and put a smile on your loved one's face. Win win.
20. For someone still living in the '70s
Many of us haven't thought about macramé since the 1970s, but this textile craft deserves a second chance. It's a versatile art form that can be used to construct all kinds of DIY gifts, including neat bracelets and hanging planters.
With a bit of practice, you could easily fashion a gift that is one of a kind. They'll treasure it forever!
21. For the techie in need of a personal touch
We all are close to someone who spends way too much time on their iPad. You might not be able to curb their screen addiction, but you can keep them grounded in the real world with a chic, handmade tablet stand.
The options are endless — some creative folks have built them from scratch, while others repurposed old household objects.
22. For the real-life cookie monster
Nothing gets the holiday season going like a fresh batch of Christmas cookies. So why not get the ace baker in your life a full set of cookie cutters and piping bags?
Don't forget that they'll need someone to sample all their hard work, meaning that this really is the gift that keeps on giving.
23. For the one who enjoys the finer things in life
If you're gifting a bottle of your favorite beverage, you can do a little better than just tossing it into a bag. You can jazz up the presentation by turning the bottle into a "pineapple" with a few of those delectable Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
Simply attach them to the glass and then add a bit of fake greenery to the top, and voilà! You've got a display fit for a king.
24. For the book lover
You know that friend of yours who always has their nose in a book? It may be hard to keep up with what they're reading, but you can indulge their favorite pastime with one of many book subscriptions.
You can match it up to whatever their preferred literature might be, whether they're into novels, nonfiction, or poetry.
25. For that person who can fall asleep anywhere
Some people live to nap, so you might as well help them to hit the hay in style. With some basic sewing skills and pretty affordable materials, you could make a comfy pillow for someone close to you who's always sleepy.
They'll only have good dreams once they conk out on that DIY creation! They are bound to be better rested too.
26. For the bathing beauty
Nothing helps you unwind like a hot bath, but with the right accessory, you can take that experience to the next level. Bath bombs make great gifts because they take an ordinary tub and turn it into a fizzy, aromatic paradise.
In addition to being available in stores, it's also easy to make them yourself. The options are truly endless.
27. For the high-stakes gambler
Your friends and relatives can live out their Casino Royale fantasies with a decked-out poker set. Most of these collections come with sturdy playing cards, tons of chips, a convenient carrying case, and a rulebook for when two players start arguing about whether a full house beats four of a kind.
This present is guaranteed to be cheaper than a trip to Las Vegas. It's a real royal flush.
28. For the person who's always puzzled
There's no better way to pass a rainy afternoon than with a jigsaw puzzle. Granted, that puzzle gets even better when you order it with a custom image.
Your loved ones will be delighted when they piece together a family picture, a pet portrait, or a still from their favorite movie. They can even frame it once it's done!
29. For the curious dog owner
Lots of people have traced their ancestry using DNA kits, but it turns out that you can do the same thing with your pooch!
These painless and easy doggie DNA bundles will allow the pet owners in your life to finally get firm answers about where their animals came from and what makes them tick.
30. For the gym nut who doesn't want to leave the house
We all have a friend who loves working out, but doesn't love paying for a gym membership. As luck would have it, they can get swole at home thanks to a handy-dandy pull-up bar.
Easily mounted in a doorway, this gadget gives them a chance to dive into all kinds of exercises even when they don't have time to leave the house.