1. Print someone a book online
If you’re looking to do something really thoughtful, try making a book. Bookemon.com allows you to create a book from different formats and templates. It could be any kind of book – a children’s book, a recipe book, a scrapbook, a book that’s all words. It’s all online and prices start at $10, but keep your eye out for specials.
2. An awesome mug
A cool thing about mugs is that you can find all kinds of them. Funny ones, colorful ones, totally random ones, ones for book lovers, music lovers, science fiction lovers, sports fanatics, or coffee aficionados. Another cool thing is that you can find them anywhere.
3. Bacon things
If you know anyone who loves bacon and appreciates a random gift they can laugh at, think bacon. Bacon air freshener, a bacon wallet, bacon band aids. Or, if you need a white elephant gift, maybe some bacon toothpaste?
4. An Irish accent
Need another white elephant gift, or perhaps a funny stocking stuffer? Try some Instant Irish Accent Gum. Why not, right?
5. This thing called a Fondoodler
This totally random thing allows you to draw stuff. With cheese. I recommend this for people who enjoy cheese; it can be used to write cheese-letters or draw fun things on food. That sounds like a whole new level of cheese-awesome.
6. A website domain
Anyone you know want to start a website? Why not buy a domain for them? You can buy a domain name for $10/year on GoDaddy, As for creating the site, there are lots of site-building hosts to choose from, such as WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace, and Bluehost offers coupons for hosting services.
7. A personal library kit
For all your book-loving friends out there who love to share their books with friends, but whose friends take forever to give those books back, they might be in need of their own library kit. It comes with its own return date cards, and a date stamp and ink, so they can stamp a due date on it. Now you have no excuses.
8. A T-shirt quilt
If someone you know has a lot of T-shirts that they don’t wear, but want to keep for sentiment’s sake, something else that might be thoughtful is a quilt made from all those shirts. You could look up a pattern and make it yourself if you are craft-inclined, or you could send all those T-shirts off to a company that will do it for you.
9. A witty notepad
Why use a regular, boring notepad, when you could use a witty one, specifically designed to make writing your to-do lists, reminders, checklists, and notes more fun and interesting—especially if the recipient enjoys a sarcastic wit. My dad cracked up when I got him a “Crap to do and Crap to buy” notepad for Father’s Day.
10. A trip to Las Vegas
Vegas is known for its night life, casinos, and many themes. So, if you can’t decide whether to go on a holiday cruise, or travel abroad, or go to another state, take a trip to Las Vegas. With all its different themes, it’ll be like visiting multiple places at once.
11. A car seat cover
If you know someone who would want to cover their car seat with a nifty pattern, by all means, go for it. This could also work as a white elephant gift.
12. A book-lover’s candle
If you or someone you know enjoy the smell of old books, bookstores or libraries, or want to find out what Sherlock’s study, the Cliffs of Insanity, or Dumbledore’s office smell like, those scents are now available in candles.
13. A picture-frame chalkboard
I’m sure you can buy something like this somewhere, but I’m going to suggest you make one. Just buy any size picture frame you want and a small can of chalkboard paint; all you do is paint the glass part of the frame. When it’s dry, put the glass back in the frame, and you’ve got yourself a chalkboard. I recommend using a smaller one that be set on a desk or tabletop—somewhere someone might want to leave a note. See? No need to stress about finding the right gift. The holidays are about spending time with the people you love, so if you focus on them, you’re bound to find something they’ll love—no matter how unique the gift. Featured photo credit: Jennifer C. via flickr.com
