We Shook the Amazon Tree for These 68 Unique Gifts
Mother-of-pearl caviar spoons and artful Italian fly swatters.
Updated Dec 13, 2023 12:59 PM
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Here’s an oxymoronic idea: unique Amazon gifts. The polarizing e-tailer is known for its fast shipping abilities and seemingly endless stock. What it possesses in mass convenience, however, it lacks in thoughtful curation; think: more toilet paper and hardworking furniture than mother-of-pearl caviar spoons and artful Italian fly swatters. But that’s not to say unique gifts don’t exist on Amazon—you just need the time, energy, and strategic search words to shake them out.
After spending the better (or worse) part of a weekend, we uncovered 68 presents that even we were surprised to find hiding within the site’s depths. Prices range from under-$10 treasures to over-$200 worthy investments. There are blown-glass martini olives and utilitarian espresso machines hailing all the way from Italy. Scroll on to shop our list of gifts they’ll never guess you sourced from Amazon.
Unique Amazon Gifts Under $10
Firelli Italian Hot Sauce
Gifting hot sauce might hardly seem unique these days. However, make it a bottle of Italian hot sauce and now we’re moving into the realm of unusual condiments. The Parma-based brand describes its handcrafted condiment as “rich and rounded with a pleasant zing”—reviewers say the taste is “sweet mixed with heat.” Recommended uses range from giving an extra kick to pizza, pasta, eggs, and salads. Not to mention, the bottle is surprisingly chic.
Knox German Pine Incense Cones
For an altogether charming holiday surprise, gift a box of this traditional German-made incense. When lit, the handcrafted cones emit a cozy aroma of cedar and pine. To up the gifting ante, we recommend pairing this one with its customary companion: a wood incense smoker. The perfectly kitschy little vessels come in all sorts of Christmasy shapes, from forest mushrooms to cozy houses and even bearded gnomes smoking pipes.
Chocolate Sardines
A trio of milk chocolate sardines is just the type of under-$10 gift we can deeply appreciate—especially when the lot hails from Simón Coll, a family-run chocolatier that’s been crafting the gourmet treats since 1840 in Barcelona.
Maldon Smoked Sea Salt
What makes these flakes so special is their pyramid shape, achieved by skillful artisan craftsmanship that’s been honed since Maldon’s humble U.K.-based beginnings in 1882. So go ahead, surprise someone worthy of their royal excellence with a box of gently smoked seasoning.
Oversize Organza Scrunchie
A hair tie is a trademark stocking stuffer, one that when supersized and crafted from chic organza-like material with a pearl-black sheen can move into the main gift category.
Chrome Electric Milk Frother
Aesthetically pleasing milk frothers are hard to come by—which is why we were taken with this minimalist chrome-polished style that clocks in under $10.
Beekman 1802 x Bridgerton Goat Milk Soap
A soap collab we didn’t know we needed. Nonetheless, this under-$10 goat milk bar wrapped in Lady Whistledown’s “Society Columns” is just the surprise for any Bridgerton enthusiasts in your circle.
Tonymoly Mini House of Masks
Tonymoly is the fan-favorite Korean beauty brand behind this highly giftable house of soothing hyaluronic acid masks. The pack of five individually wrapped sheets is formulated to boost moisture and elasticity while plumping up any fine lines and wrinkles.
Mother-of-Pearl Caviar Spoon
Add this to your list of little, under-$10 luxuries: a caviar spoon handcrafted from mother-of-pearl. As one reviewer states, “Shiny, shiny, shiny.”
Porcelain Espresso Cup and Saucer
One can never have too many coffee vessels—especially when said cups are crafted from chip-resistant porcelain in a cheery sunflower yellow hue. Rave reviews plug this sweet espresso set as both beautiful and well-made.
Piñon Wood Incense Bricks
Handcrafted by a small business in northern New Mexico, these incense bricks utilize wood that has completed its natural life cycle—meaning no trees were chopped down. The popular piñon scent is described as smelling of “fires burning in each home, smoke drifting lazily out the chimneys while the snow glistens crisply in the shadows.”
Handmade Italian Acetate Comb
When we think of charming gift ideas, this pocket-size comb—handmade in Italy from tortoiseshell acetate—comes to mind. Reviewers write that it is sturdy and smooth and has a nice weight to it. “This little beauty does the trick for out-and-about touch-ups. The combs are beautifully made with no sharp edges to snag or pull your hair—and they are beautiful to look at,” one attests.
Unique Amazon Gifts Under $25
Glass-Blown Martini Olive Ornament
Martinis are continuing to have their moment in the form of extra-tall stemware and strategically drink-size tables. Put an olive on top of this movement by gifting an elegant little ornament in the cocktail’s honor. It’s crafted from mouth-blown glass that’s been hand-painted and glittered for the finishing flourish.
Solid Brass Dinner Bell
There’s an undeniably quaint and festive quality about a handheld bell—one we think works particularly well as a holiday dinner gift. This handsome $11 iteration we found hiding on Amazon measures 6 inches long and features a solid-brass body held by a smooth wood handle. More than 1,000 reviewers have awarded the tiny musical piece 5-out-of-5 stars, describing its ring as loud and crisp.
Creative Co-Op Acacia Wood Fish Spoon
Handcrafted from acacia wood in the shape of a fish, this little spoon is ready to be gifted with a ribbon tied to its tail. Bundle it alongside your chosen recipient’s favorite loose-leaf tea or coffee to really sweeten the deal.
Beechmore Books Ruled Pocket Notebook
This pocket-size notebook is made by London-based brand Beechmore Books (we’re looking at you, Anglophiles). Its defining feature is a cork cover, which encases 160 lined pages.
Kikkerland Stainless Steel Magic Fish Soap
We’re fans of fish-shaped anything, so add this magic stainless steel “soap” to the list. The cute creation is designed to sit by the sink and scrub unwanted kitchen odors (think: garlic, onions, etc.) right from your fingertips.
Panier des Sens Provence Hand Cream
Turn the more expected hand cream gift on its head with this golden tube that’s crafted in France from a nourishing blend of olive oil and shea butter. The scent features top notes of citrus, floral heart notes, and woodsy base notes. “A friend gifted me a small tube of this wonderful hand cream a while ago. The scent is enchanting, and the cream does wonders for my hands. I’m hooked!” one charmed reviewer writes.
Garofalo Traditional Long Spaghetti
A gift-wrapped bundle of extra-long spaghetti—imported from Italy, of course—to delight your pasta-loving pals.
Braided Extension Cord
The most crowd-pleasing of gifts are as unique as they are practical—much like this braided extension cord featuring bright blue and orange-colored threads. Reviewers report that the 8-foot extender is stylish and of high quality.
Brass Monkey A Big Deal Giant Playing Cards
For the comically inclined: A gigantic deck of playing cards measuring 4.5 inches wide by 7 inches tall.
YETI Rambler 14 oz Mug
You can’t go wrong with Yeti. If a full blown cooler isn’t in the budget this year, a double-wall vacuum-insulated travel mug is guaranteed to be a hit.
Two’s Company Bamboo Salad Servers
Thanks to a shiny blue coating atop the traditional bamboo silhouette, these melamine servers achieve just the right aesthetic balance of kitschy chic.
UCO Original Candle Lantern
Crafted from a lightweight yet durable aluminum frame that’s powder coated, this retro candle lantern is perfect for campers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It features a collapsible design for easy portability and comes complete with a hanging hook for elevated ambience.
Mudpuppy Andy Warhol Wood Magnets
Inside this novelty carton, giftees will find 40 Pop Art–themed wood magnets. The consensus among the 100-plus reviewers is that it’s an A+ gift idea for Warhol fans, with a quality that’s “thicker and sturdier than normal refrigerator magnets.”
Craighill Classic Perch Brass-Coated Stainless Steel Bookmark
Avid readers will cherish this brass-coated stainless steel marker. Its clever design features bent corners that conveniently tuck over a book’s pages and cover to hold your place.
Edmond Fallot Dijon Mustard Pail
It doesn’t get much more unique than a 16-ounce tin pail of mustard. Edmond Fallot was established in 1840 in the French town of Beaune. The time-tested condiment is achieved through a process of grinding brown mustard seeds together with verjus extracted from Burgundy grapes.
Alessi Dr. Skud Fly Swatter
Leave it to Italian homewares stalwart Alessi to invent a fly swatter worth putting on display. This artful creation is crafted from thermoplastic resin with a three-pronged base that allows it to stand up freely.
Unique Amazon Gifts Under $50
Beatriz Ball Oyster Bowl
Cuba-born designer Beatriz Ball boasts an Amazon storefront brimming with whimsical entertaining gems—like this oyster dish made of a luxe melamine-ceramic blend.
Bougies La Francaise Dinner Candles
Although I am not one to pick favorites, this gift might be it. Candles are, by nature, a useful gift idea—but this eight-pack has something a bit more revolutionary to offer. Each taper is hand-dipped in France, featuring a perforated tip that prevents wax from running by collecting it so it can be reused.
Lenox Tuscany Stackable Carafe Set
As someone who personally owns this stackable set, I can attest to its charm. The glass is delicate enough to feel expensive yet durable enough to not feel as though it will shatter if set down clumsily. I’ve used it as a personal wine and iced coffee carafe that I can conveniently keep at my desk or couchside while watching my evening shows—and can see any giftee doing the same.
Large David Bust Candle
Another subtly kitschy gift we would be tickled to receive. Standing 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide, this soy-wax statue of David will likely never see a flame—but we imagine it will work as a conversation starter tucked into a bookcase.
The Bedside Book of Birds: An Avian Miscellany
Much like our affinity for fish, we also love goods of the avian variety. Enter The Bedside Book of Birds. A unique gift idea for friends who share our enthusiasm for the beaked and winged creatures. Novelist and avid bird-watcher Graeme Gibson’s work is filled with a beautiful collection of avian illustrations and writings, tracing the animal’s history from early Aztec beginnings to T.S. Eliot’s musings and beyond.
Claus Porto Soap on a Rope
The packaging alone for this Portuguese soap on a rope is enough to entice our gift-worthy senses. Reviewers stand by its woodsy fragrance profile with notes of vetiver, lemon, bergamot, cedar, and patchouli, describing it as classic and elegant.
UCO Mini Portable Firepit
Boasting more than 1,000 reviews and an impressive 4.6-out-of-5-star rating, this highly portable mini firepit-turned-grill is an all-around good gift idea for folks who enjoy the great outdoors. Its foldable frame is made of stainless steel, can fit in a backpack, and features wind-breaking side slats.
Hand-Hooked 100% Wool Trout Pillow
While you might not be surprised to see another fish on this gift list, you’re likely to be caught off guard by the fact that this 100% hand-hooked trout pillow exists on Amazon. We sure were. Reviews of the plucky decor piece speak to its quality of craftsmanship.
Kartell Boxy Soap Dish
The chicest soap dish we ever did see. Designed in Italy by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba for Kartell, this aquamarine perch is crafted from a thermoplastic technopolymer.
Fisher Space Bullet Pen
I will be the first to admit that a pen makes for a snoozy gift. However, if the pen in question boasts more than 2,000 reviews and a 4.7-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon with an iconic lime green metallic design, well, then, that is a different gifting story entirely.
Godinger Honey Bee
“This was a wonderful birthday gift for our favorite entomologist,” one reviewer raves of the charming pollinator. Others who have also gifted the little guy attest that the glass and nickel-plated honey jar is well made and joy sparking.
Amazon Rubber Chicken Purse
This gift needs little explanation, is not for everyone, and borders dangerously on gag territory. But it’s nothing if not unique. To boot, we have firsthand accounts from Domino staff members who spotted this clucker out on the town during New York Fashion Week. You heard it here first, folks.
Blue Rose Polish Pottery Handmade Butter Dish
Gift this bespoke butter dish, handmade in Poland, alongside a salted slab of the fanciest beurre you can find.
Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce
Bachan’s is a family-run business crafting small-batch Japanese barbecue sauce from non-GMO-certified ingredients. The variety pack features original and the new miso sauce. Reviewers swear by it for adding an umami factor to marinades and dips.
Bloomingville Marble Candleholder
The elegant curves of this 100% marble candleholder not only belie its under-$50 price tag but also its Prime-delivery eligibility. Your giftees might imagine you scored such a piece from a luxury home boutique instead of the depths of Amazon.
Library of Flowers Willow & Water Bubble Bath Soap
This lovely little bottle of bath soap is one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite things—which signals it’s likely good gifting material. Aside from that, we were drawn to its thoughtful packaging and all-natural ingredients: a glass apothecary-style bottle filled with a blend of avocado oil, bee balm, ginger, lemongrass, cocoa butter, and green tea extract.
Bialetti Mini Express Lichtenstein-Style Moka Set
Bialetti designed this quirky rendition of its 1933-born mini espresso maker as a cheeky nod to American Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. The best part? It comes in Kandinsky and Magritte versions as well. Gifting genius.
Unique Amazon Gifts Under $100
The Tartan Blanket Co. Recycled Wool Knee Blanket
‘Tis the season for plaid—and no one knows it better than TBCo. This Scottish-made throw is woven from 100% recycled wool in the company’s antique tartan pattern. As a bonus, each blanket comes wrapped in tissue and packaged inside a luxury gift box.
India Handicrafts Stainless Steel Flower Ice Bucket
What this ice bucket lacks in reviews it more than makes up for in elegance. The stainless steel silhouette is uniquely shaped with delicate scalloped details and accented with a pair of ring handles.
Godinger Dachshund Cocktail Pick Set
Another Italian classic with an Amazon storefront worth perusing for unique gift ideas: Godinger. We were delighted to discover this petite stainless steel dachshund, whose sole purpose is to house bone-shaped cocktail picks on its back.
Brainstream Zwitscherbox Sound Therapy Machine
Another German-manufactured quirky gift idea: The Zwitscherbox is a portable therapy machine that generates two minutes of motion-censor-activated nature sounds that gently fade out. One reviewer placed the box inside her bathroom, stating, “I love walking into my bathroom and hearing birds sing.” Another is ready to buy a box for every room of their home: “The bird-chirping sound is totally realistic; sounds like birds are just outside my windows! Reminds me of my childhood when there were lots of trees around our home and real birds were chirping all of the time. I find the sound so relaxing and enjoyable that I am buying one for each room!”
Opinel No. 125 Table Knives Set
Opinel has been wheeling and dealing knives from the heart of the French Alps since 1890. We selected this stylish set of four carbon-steel dinner knives clad with painted hornbeam handles as our sharp gift of choice. While we’re partial to the pastel Countryside colorways, the set also comes in three other assorted options.
Orange Crush Mini 3W Analog Combo Amp
For the musicians or budding musicians in your life. Reviewers describe this gem as a “pretty cool little amp” that’s perfect for practice. “This battery-powered amp is just plain fun. I’m not much of an acoustic player, so when I was camping with some buddies and they all brought their acoustics out, I pulled out this little gem and hooked up my PV60 and got the nicest, warmest tones to complement their chords,” one reviewer writes of its small but mighty sound.
Alessi Scoiattolo Nutcracker
A seasonally appropriate yet playfully unique gift idea from Alessi. The mirror-polished stainless steel and wood nutcracker was designed in Italy by Andrea Branzi, a 1938 Florence-born architect. Reviewers rave that it is as artful as it is functional.
Stahlwille Toolbox
Last year, Trusco’s 2-level Japanese toolbox made our unique gifting list. This year, we’re picking German-made Stahlwille’s three-tray design in a fetching green. The durable yet surprisingly lightweight toolbox features three interior drawers plus one interior compartment, along with a safety lock and dip-coated carrying handles flanking its sides.
Frieling Double-Walled Stainless Steel French Press
Out of all of Frieling’s trusty U.S.-made kitchenware, the candy-colored French presses have to be our favorites. We selected the sunflower yellow–coated double-walled stainless steel coffee press that one reviewer calls the “BEST French press I’ve ever owned!” Others chime in to attest to its durability and charm.
Unique Amazon Gifts Under $200
LSA International Lotta Cake/Cheese Dome & Ash Base
Domino editors are big fans of London-based glassware crafter LSA—which just so happens to host an official storefront on Amazon. Whether you’re using it for cheese or cake, this handmade dome brings the drama to a dinner party.
Zafferano Olivia Pro Mini Table Lamp
You can find Venetian designer Federico de Majo’s homewares hiding on Amazon, the brightest (and most giftable) of which is this cutie-pie table lamp. The mini light is portable and crafted from powder-coated aluminum material that is durable enough to tote inside and out for up to nine hours of cord-free ambiance. We’re partial to the zesty orange colorway, but the little lamp is also available in seven other shades.
Cloudnola Flipping Out Clock
Cloudnola’s Dutch designs literally flip the idea of clocks as vanilla gift ideas on its head. This handsome tabletop time-teller hides a digital flipping mechanism beneath its retro silhouette.
Addison Ross Bobbin Pepper Mill
This cherry-lacquered, bobbin-shaped pepper mill hails from the family-owned British homewares brand Addison Ross.
Alessi 9090 Espresso Maker by Richard Sapper
We’re featuring quite a few Alessi designs on this list because the brand just has a whole lot of excellent gift material. This sleek (52% off!) espresso maker is a case in point. Designed by Munich-born architect Richard Sapper, the 9090 six-cup brewer is crafted from stainless steel in a truncated cone shape. The most noteworthy aspects of the gadget are its enlarged base that maximizes heat, an anti-drip spout, and a lever lock that allows a single-handed operation of the pot.
Emile Henry Baguette Baker
A burgundy baguette baker made of clay through proprietary manufacturing practices established in, you guessed it, 1860s France.
Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Pitcher
Copenhagen-based Georg Jensen is the mastermind behind this sexy stainless steel pitcher. Its eye-catching silhouette is reminiscent of a cobra that’s poised to strike. Reviewers have found success in gifting it to particularly difficult-to-please people—like designers.
Unique Amazon Gifts Over $200
Smeg Matte Black Citrus Juicer
For good-looking appliances you won’t mind leaving out on the countertop for company to see, look no further than Smeg. The Italian kitchenware brand’s new matte black colorway on its best-selling electric juicer is our top choice for gifting. The powder-coated steel gadget is equipped with a built-in sensor that automatically kicks in the reamer when pressure is applied.
Loftie Smart Table Lamp
From the same folks who brought us the Loftie clock, we now have the smart (in both style and tech) table lamp to gift this season. Made from porcelain and alloy steel with a soft matte finish, this intelligent decor piece functions as an alarm and uses gentle warming light to trigger your morning wake-ups and wind-downs.
Royal Classic Typewriter
Get back to gifting basics with this manual typewriter by classic maker Royal—a known favorite of Ernest Hemingway. Reviewers have gifted the gadget to all ages, spanning from 9-year-olds to golden oldies. “I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this typewriter. Not only is the practice extremely grounding, but it’s such a lovely way to start a collection of writing,” one pleased purchaser raves.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Bluetooth Speaker
Toss this speaker in the camp of expensive compared to other portable models you can procure on Amazon—but it is exceedingly excellent in quality and aesthetics. The German design is made of tough 100% waterproof aluminum that’s offered in eight different colorways. It’s sleek, lightweight, and Bluetooth-compatible, and it can hold a charge time of up to 18 hours.
“This speaker’s sound is absolutely gorgeous and balanced. It doesn’t have that weird muffled nasal quality of a lot of wireless speakers. It’s easy to pair with your iPhone. The app allows you to make adjustments to the sound. The battery lasts forever,” one reviewer raves.
Pendleton National Parks Wool Blanket
Pendleton’s U.S.-made blankets are handcrafted from 100% brushed wool in patterns that pay homage to the country’s most beloved national parks. Our favorite, gift-worthy throw is the Glacier design featuring colors meant to evoke the natural beauty of Montana’s landscape.
Malin + Goetz Rum Hand & Body Wash Gallon Jug
While $400 may sound steep for some body wash, we’re confident your giftee will get years of use out of this gallon-size jug of Malin + Goetz’s best-selling Rum formula that’s infused with purifying amino acids and hydrating glycerin.
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine
The priciest unique gift on this list is another one of our favorites. For starters, the made-in-Italy machine features manual commercial components alongside semiautomatic capabilities—the best of both espresso-making worlds. The sleek brushed stainless steel design is backed by over 1,000 5-star reviews that swear by it as the best espresso machine in its price range.
As one reviewer who previously worked as a barista attests: “I know my way around coffee, particularly when selecting beans; the roast; how to get the best grind using the best grinder; and how to achieve the best cup of coffee using almost every conceivable method and device. I recommend the Gaggia Classic Pro with a full 5-star rating. It is, without any doubt, the finest espresso machine anyone can purchase in this price range. It offers superior workmanship made from superior components and materials; it is a remarkably well-engineered device; it is an attractive model to place on your kitchen counter; it is easy to clean and maintain; and it will produce for you the tastiest espressos and cappuccinos at home for you to enjoy.”