GIFT GUIDE
BEAUTY
FASHION
HOME
FITNESS
Nothing worse than being expected at a birthday party in less than an hour and realizing you forgot to buy a gift. Look out for Future You with a sticker book, Yeti espresso mugs, and a beaded charging cable.
1. A Lisa Frank x Tree Hut Ocean Pop body scrub that ✨ SPARKLES! ✨ The neon blue exfoliant smells like yuzu, sea salt, and coconut, so they'll smell and feel like they're swimming with those cartoon dolphins.
2. Accidentally Wes Anderson: a curated coffee table book featuring photos of over 200 destinations that just have that Anderson look. The book also includes blurbs with information about the real-life locations and even a foreword from the director himself.
Promising review: "Wow! So impressed by the quality and presentation of this book. It is such a joy seeing photos on the @accidentallywesanderson Instagram page, but there is a different kind of charm about holding a concrete piece of AWA in your hands and leisurely browsing each page in the comfort of your home. Just received this book yesterday and I think my favorite page has changed 10 times already. Mind blowing that these beautiful places exist and so cool that we can enjoy a piece of each in our living rooms. Get this book, NOW!" —Maggie M
Get it from Amazon for $22.49.
3. A corn dog–shaped bottle brush for a gift that's both funny and practical. Assuming they use it, which I personally would not. This is a display by the sink with pride item IMO.
4. A book of stickers featuring 45 pages of food photos, cute graphics, kanji, and more. FORGET coffee table books, it's time for sticker books to take the stage.
Promising review: "So cute! It has a lot of stickers that will last me a while. 🤗 Once you put one on, it’s kinda hard to take off, so that’s good; they're durable. The colors are very cute too, they have different colors, aesthetics, and they really fit whatever vibe you’re going for." —Belinda
Get it from Amazon for $7.59+ (available in two styles).
5. A birthday candle holder for people who love cute animals and HATE getting wax on their frosting. With a cake topper this cute, no one will notice if your cake-baking skills need work. ;)
It comes with two candles, but you can get more thin candles here if needed.
Promising review: "I absolutely loved this candle holder! The dog holder is adorable and made of really good-quality material. I especially like that it’s not something you have to throw away once the candle is finished. You can keep the dog holder and use it with other candles for years. It looks really nice and feels very well made. I’m very happy with it!" —Nana
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two animals).
6. A HiccAway straw that you might have seen impress some investors on Shark Tank. I thought we all agreed curing hiccups was impossible, but almost 5,000 5-star raters say, "Nope, it's possible!" Give your recipient what could possibly be a birthday miracle!
The brand says the straw stimulates the phrenic and the vagus nerves, which could cause hiccups. If you’re concerned about your hiccups, talk to your doctor. Read more about hiccup causes and treatment at the Cleveland Clinic.
HiccAway is a small business that specializes in hiccup relief products.
Promising review: "It's rare for me to say that a product needs to be in every home, but the HiccAway is one of those products that really should be in every household. If you or your children suffer from the occasional hiccups, this is a lifesaving device. It usually takes me 20 minutes to get rid of my hiccups using old-fashioned methods like chugging water, holding my breath, etc. However, with the HiccAway, hiccups are gone almost immediately. I have purchased three of these and will continue buying them for friends and family, especially those with little children." —Michelle S.
Get it from Amazon for $15.42 (available in five colors and multipacks).
7. A 597-piece brick greenhouse set complete with a tiny cat, tons of plants, and LED lights. They can knock this project out in a weekend and then enjoy the coolest night-light ever.
Promising review: "I bought this for my 17-year-old daughter and I to put together, and we had so much fun! The blocks are great quality, and it's super easy to assemble. I would recommend it to anyone 10 and up, as it has smaller pieces. Definitely recommend if you want an affordable activity to do one night that can also serve as decor!!" —duffy
Get it from Amazon for $31.98.
8. A big pack of Ralph Lauren ankle socks in a variety of colors for the person who never thought they'd be old enough to get excited about socks. It happens to all of us — adults know socks are where it's at.
Promising review: "Bought these as a gift after the recipient liked the longer length crew socks just like these. They look great. He says they’re a very comfortable thickness, fit great, and provide support. They wash up wonderfully and seem to be durable. The price is very good for such high quality, the delivery was quick, and the range of colors makes it easy to match outfits and is fun, too! Highly recommend." —Stephanie
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $23.50+ (available in men's sizes 6–12.5 and 12–17 and 12 colorways).
9. The Secret Language of Birthdays offering insight for each and every birthdate. The book uses "astrology, numerology, and pure psychic intuition" to conjure up personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and major concerns based on birthdays. Accurate or not, it's fun to break out at parties!
Someone once brought this to the bar, and everyone crowded around it like it was buried treasure. It was really fun hearing lil' tidbits about each person who shared their birthday.
Promising review: "This book is an absolute hit for anyone who stops by my place. It’s become a staple on my coffee table, and I’m blown away by how it consistently grabs everyone’s attention with incredible precision. This isn’t your typical astrology book. It breaks down personality traits, strengths, and quirks for every single day of the year. Whenever guests come over, they inevitably pick it up, flip to their birthday, and start reading. The reactions are always the same: laughter, surprise, and shouts of 'this is so spot-on!'" —Derek
Get it from Amazon for $20.31+ (available in soft- or hardcover).
10. Gravity Maze, a fun marble drop game that challenges builders to create towers that bring the marble from the starting block to the end target. Each block color has a unique set of ramps and ridges that alter the ball's trajectory. There are 60 challenge cards that dictate where the first and last blocks go — the rest is up to the player!
Promising review: "My 7-year-old son spends many hours playing this. Some challenges are easy, but on others, he gets stuck and asks for my help. Good game for children to develop imagination and skills to solve problems." —Jean Carlos Barcelo
Get it from Amazon for $24.72.
11. A Fender amp key holder with keychains you can plug in. This amp doesn't go to 11, but it *can* fit four sets of keys!
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: "My husband was so excited to find this keyhook! He is an avid songwriter and musician and loves Fender products. The keyhook looks great, is well-made, and is definitely eye-catching. Right after we hung it up a friend visited and asked us if it was a custom ordered piece! I was initially concerned with how tightly the jacks plug into the base. My fear was that I would pull it off the wall trying to detach my keys...but we have had no problems. It seems to be firmly attached to the wall with the included hardware. Also, be sure to pay attention to where you hang it, as the jacks stick out from the wall further than your traditional keyhook. All in all, it is a very cool piece, and we are glad we purchased it!" —Leslie W.
Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in a smaller style with two inputs).
12. A pack of under-eye masks shaped like...truly whatever! Pickles! Dachshunds! Bat wings! I'd say gift these to your most eccentric beauty maven, but honestly, who wouldn't enjoy some (non-fishy) sardines on their face?
13. Yuzu kosho chili paste they can use to top oysters, season meat, mix with mayo for a sandwich topping, make salad dressing, jazz up soup — I could go on for a while, but you get the picture. It's citrusy, spicy, and briny, the trifecta of delicious condiment flavors.
Promising review: "I just heard about this for the first time on a YouTube cooking show, and now I can't live without it. It's salty, mildly spicy and tangy. Adds so much in a tiny amount to so many recipes." —S. Underwood
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
14. A bag of Konpeito, aka Japanese star candy. These are great for anyone who loves Spirited Away or just sugar in general. They're basically like tiny hunks of rock candy — delicious, with a great *cronch*.
Promising review: "Studio Ghibli made me buy these! After seeing Lin sprinkling these cute candies over the soot sprites in Spirited Away, I needed to get them! Their shape is awesome and looks adorable. They taste great in tea and their color and shape make it fun to eat! They have no flavor, for they are basically colored sugar clumps. I think this product is amazing and I will definitely be buying this again!" —Henry M.
Get a bag of 100 from Amazon for $6.12.
15. A pair of gemstone soaps sure to make their bathroom experience seriously rock. Dad jokes aside, these soaps come in amazing fragrances (think: lavender, lemongrass, sandalwood, etc.) and have real crystals inside, like amethyst and tiger eye.
Promising review: "I purchased this for my adult daughter’s birthday. As you probably know, they are hard to shop for. The look in her eyes when she opened the package said it all. She also said it was so beautiful that she might use it as bathroom decor. This is elegance in the soap world." —Jus Sheryl
Get them from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in five styles).
16. An in-shower moisturizer for people who hate lotioning up after bathing. So...everyone? The balm works on wet skin, so they can lock in aaaalll that sweet moisture with the help of coconut oil, shea butter, and glycerin before they even step out of the bathroom.
Promising reviews: "Try this! This makes my skin so hydrated! Very easy to use once you get the hang of how the product works in the shower! Saves me time as well in the mornings because I don’t have to put lotion on after." —paletteofjade
"All-time favorite! Love applying it in the shower versus waiting to put lotion on after the shower when you're freezing. I can feel the effects of the moisturizer the next day." —CallieJane
Get it from Amazon (also available in an unscented version) or Sephora (also available in a mini size) for $37.
17. Murdoku, a book of murder mystery logic puzzles. There are 80 crime scenes to examine, which start easy and get menacingly challenging.
The puzzles are logic puzzles, not Sudoku puzzles, so expect clues and a graph to help you rule out suspects.
Promising review: "Amazing! These puzzles are so fun. It’s nice that they start easy and get harder, so you can get used to the format first, then continue to be challenged as you learn how they work. Fun, visually appealing, and sprinkled with humor. I finished this one in about 1.5 months (of fairly dedicated work) and ordered Volume 2 before I was even done with the first one. It’s a higher price point than many puzzle books, but you get high quality for what you pay." —EN
Get it from Amazon for $17.70.
18. A glittery Squishmallow or Sanrio stress ball for all their squishing needs. Its soft-yet-firm consistency is a big hit with reviewers, with one even saying it's BETTER than the iconic NeeDoh brand.
Promising review: "My daughter is obsessed. This feels more durable than other squishies my daughter has, and it is a vibrant color and a cute shape. She loves it and hopes they make more. She says it’s so fun to stretch and squeeze and watch it go back to its original shape." —Being Forty More
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in six characters).
19. A beaded charging cable that'll be a cute upgrade for the boring one they're currently rocking. Every phone and laptop deserves to look like it just returned from summer camp.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this charging cable! The colorful beaded design is adorable and makes it stand out from ordinary charging cords. It feels well made, and the beads add a fun, decorative touch without getting in the way. The 4-in-1 connectors are super convenient since I can use it with different devices, which is perfect for traveling or keeping on my desk. I definitely recommend this one!" —Mayelin
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and 14 styles).
20. A whole box of sheet masks for the person who runs through those things like tissues. The popular K-beauty find comes with 30 masks pumped full of lightweight formulas that boast different benefits, like calming, hydrating, and glow boosting. The boxes even have a set of tweezers to help them pull out their next sheet — how luxurious!
Promising review (for the Cryo Ice version): "These are wonderful, and I’m really happy I tried them. I use them a couple of days a week in the morning while I’m drinking coffee. They help wake me up and are especially refreshing during a heatwave. Will repurchase!" —Courtney
Get it from Amazon for $21+ (available in seven formulas).
21. Runamok Sparkle Syrup to make breakfast more magical. No one will notice how lopsided the pancakes are if they're shimmery...
You can also mix this into cocktails for some sweetness and shine.
Promising review: "I used to be a normal person. I’d pour regular maple syrup on pancakes like a peasant, not knowing that a sparkly revolution was waiting for me in a tiny, magical bottle from Vermont. Then someone gifted me a sampler of Runamok Sparkle Syrup. Cute, I thought. Novelty, I assumed. WRONG. That was the day my taste buds were bedazzled and my breakfast standards skyrocketed beyond repair. This syrup glistens like it was hand-harvested from a unicorn’s tears. It turns pancakes into a party. Waffles into wizardry. Coffee? Now it’s a glittery potion of joy. I put it on fruit just to make it feel fancy. I even caught myself contemplating a drizzle on roasted carrots. (Don’t judge me, I didn’t do it. Yet.) Yes, it’s pricey. But so is therapy. And honestly, this syrup might be cheaper in the long run. Buy it. Ruin yourself for lesser syrups." —Eric
Get it from Amazon for $18.25 (also available in other styles like vanilla, chocolate, and coffee).
22. A lil' chenille dog they can use to dry their hands because no interesting friend of yours should have to do something as mundane as use a towel.
Promising review: "Looks cute in the bathroom and is well made. Doesn’t dry as well as a hand towel, but does dry well. My grandson loves using it when he visits. I bought a second one for him for his house, and he was thrilled." —Sandra
Get it from Amazon for $15.19+ (available in two shapes and six colors).
23. Hot Streak, a unique party game that lets the whole party place bets on racing mascots. Players can guess the winner, along with weirder side bets, like if they think a certain mascot will run right off the board. Once the bets have been drawn, it's up to the cards to decide who wins the pot.
24. Molded sugar flowers for tea drinkers and fancy horses. I advise sorting these French-made sweets into little bags if you have a lot of gift-giving events coming up!
You can also try these individually wrapped roses.
Promising review: "ADORABLE! These are perfect for a tea party or even just setting out for a touch of sweetness. Yes, a little on the expensive side, but what a special treat." —Tobeit
Get a box of 82 from Amazon for $17.36.
25. A gem painting kit so they can bedazzle sparkly bookmarks that sit snuggly into the corner of their books. The kit comes with a bag of gems and an applicator pen so they'll be busy for quite a while.
26. A Bob Ross paint-by-number coloring book perfect for phone-free chill time. The pages are thick enough for most mediums (even paint pens!) so they can approach their masterpieces however you'd like.
The 90 coloring pages are perforated so you can hang them up when you're done!
Promising review: "Fantastic quality for the price!! The cover is very sturdy, the pages are really thick, the preview graphics are great, and there’s a helpful fold out color key. You can easily tear them out and they are thick enough that acrylic pens don’t bleed through. The cover is sturdy enough that you can use the book as a hard surface to color on. Highly recommend!" —Jess O.
Get it from Amazon for $11.98.
27. A high-end bottle of Takesan Kishibori soy sauce if you ever want to show them what they've been missing by sticking with grocery store brands. No offense to Kikkoman, but this elevated sauce from Shodoshima, Japan offers a richer, more complex flavor that has happy reviewers pledging their allegiance.
Promising reviews: "This is my go-to soy sauce for sushi and all Japanese dishes. The depth of flavor from aging in oak barrels is obvious, as is the nuances in the flavors, compared to the sauce aged in stainless steel. I always have a bottle in reserve." —CN
"A few years ago, a food blog evaluated soy sauce brands and put this one on top. The usual Kikkoman is fine, but this is better. I gave it a try, and... Well, now Amazon reminds me that I've purchased this product four times already. That says something; it's not like I go through soy sauce that fast. As artisanal products go, this is affordable. It's worth the experiment!" —Esther
Get it from Amazon for $13.16 (available in five other styles, including matcha and gluten-free).
28. Other-Wordly, an illustrated book of cool words from around the world, many of which don't have an English equivalent. You know that dreamy state of being only half awake? The Italians call it dormiveglia.
Promising review: "As a language teacher and student, I frequently gift this book to others. It is really beautifully illustrated and the included words and languages represented are unique. Better than others out there. Fun to come back to for inspiration." —Virgo Tendencies
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
29. A self-watering terra-cotta pot with a glass reservoir for houseplant newbies and pros looking for a break. Seasoned indoor gardeners know that terra-cotta is great for absorbing moisture and slowly releasing it into the soil as needed. No more over- or under-watering!
They juuust have to remember to wash the outer pot every now and then. This works best for plants that like consistently moist soil (definitely not succulents). Something like a mini monstera could be cute, but maybe buy it in person if you live somewhere cold.
Promising review: "These are great for keeping soil damp without constant watering. I only use them for the plants that require more water. The planters themselves are lovely and have a clean, aesthetic appeal. This is my second set." —micama
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four sizes, three colors, and multipacks).
30. A 16-ounce box of classic salt water taffy from Shriver's, the oldest business on the Ocean City boardwalk in New Jersey. Jam the whole package in their stocking or break it up and give a handful to each family member.
Promising review: "Shriver's has been my favorite taffy ever since I was a kid. I moved away from home and thought I couldn't taste it again! Not too long ago, I had a medical accident that affected my quality of life. Ever since then, I've been knocking things off my bucket list. How happy am I that I got to achieve this goal! Thank you Shriver's for making this possible for me! You unlocked happy memories, and helped me make new memories for me and my children." —Cosmic
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
31. Uno Retro Edition for old-school players who will love the trip down memory lane. The nostalgic deck is all they need to make their family members cry. Keep drawing cards, grandma!
Promising review: "This is the classic Uno I grew up playing with people of all ages, including my grandparents. I'm 53 now, and I can say without question that there's no other version of this game I would ever use. You don't have to interpret symbols or wonder if you are supposed to skip or reverse. It flat-out says it right on the card. I'm an old soul, I admit. I want clear and concise." —KH
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
32. A reverse coloring book that's already colored in — it just needs them to trace the white lines with ink to reveal mystery cities.
Promising review: "I absolutely love my new tracing book! The designs are so unique and fun. They let you get creative. What I really enjoy is that you’re not limited to just tracing; you get to use your own imagination to decide how the final drawing turns out. It’s become such a relaxing activity for me. It keeps my mind occupied in the best way, and before I know it, time has flown by." —Triz
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
33. A pair of stackable, 6-ounce Yeti mugs they can trust to keep their bevvies hot for longer, even if they're in the great outdoors. Reviewers love these smaller vessels for espresso, macchiatos, and quick hits of coffee.
These are small! If you think they'd prefer something larger, grab a 14-ounce mug instead.
Promising review: "I love this little mug! Perfect size for espresso or a small coffee. Keeps my drink hot for a long time and feels sturdy and well-made. The handle is comfortable, and the stackable design saves space in the cabinet." —Gretter M.
Get two from Amazon for $35 (available in eight colors).
34. A real stained-glass luna moth that would look so cool hanging in their window. *tries to decide if it would be cool or terrifying for luna moths to be this big IRL*
Promising review: "I am so impressed with this suncatcher. I couldn't believe that it came so beautifully packaged, and the suncatcher is amazing. I loved it so much, I sent one to a friend for her birthday. She loved it. If you're looking for a nice gift, consider this. Your recipient will love it." —Patricia
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
35. Retro tangy hard candy for anyone who's been suffering from Altoid Sours withdrawal. They need not suffer in silence any longer! Reviewers say these copycats are just as good.
Still searching for the perfect gift? Check out:
* If Your Kid’s Moving Into Their Very First Apartment, These 34 Gifts Are *Perfect* For The Occasion
* Small, Just-Because Gifts To Give Your BFF Because They Deserve It, Duh
* Unique "Just Because" Gifts For Your Weirdest Friends
Plus, cheese subscription boxes and finds from the Disney Store, Macy's, Nordstrom and Uncommon Goods.
Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?
BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.