10 Unique Holiday Gifts People Did Not Know They Wanted
Ten unique, fun, and slightly quirky holiday gifts under $100 that are genuinely useful, considered, and easy to get right.
Collage by Outpost journal Team
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If your holiday shopping has narrowed down to the people who never send a wish list and only offer something vague like “You know my vibe,” this is for you. Especially when that vibe leans a little strange, a little funny, and very specific. The gifts ahead are not obvious picks, which is exactly why they work. They balance usefulness with personality, and they tend to earn their place quickly. Everything here is under $100, simple to gift, and chosen to make the process feel less exhausting and far more enjoyable.
1. Ceramic Sardine Tray
Where to buy: RIDER
Price: $50
Each ceramic sardine tray is crafted and hand-painted, giving every piece its own character. The porcelain is shaped by hand, with gently pinched and flared edges that highlight the handmade quality without feeling precious. Finished with a glossy, food-safe interior glaze, it works for serving small bites as easily as it does for holding rings, keys, or everyday essentials. Made in the Hudson Valley, it is compact enough to live on a table or counter and durable enough to be used often. Hand washing helps preserve the finish over time.
2. Hors D’Oeuvres Cocktail Napkin Set
Where to buy: LEIF
Price: $49
Made from linen and embroidered with small hors d’oeuvres motifs, this cocktail napkin set adds personality to the table without leaning novelty-forward. The fabric has enough weight to feel substantial, and the scale works well for drinks or small bites. They transition easily from holiday gatherings to casual evenings, which makes them a gift people continue to reach for.
3. Fuzzy Slide Slippers
Where to buy: Coming Soon
Price: $46
These faux fur slide slippers are designed for everyday wear around the house. The open-back shape makes them easy to slip on and off, while the soft lining stays comfortable for longer stretches of time. They feel relaxed without looking sloppy, which is why they tend to replace whatever slippers someone was already wearing.
4. Gemini Espresso Maker
Where to buy: Canyon Coffee/MoMA Design Store
Price: $65
The Gemini Espresso Maker is refreshingly straightforward. It brews directly into two cups, takes up minimal counter space, and does not require a deep dive into instructions. For people who enjoy espresso but do not want another complicated appliance, this one strikes the right balance between function and design.
5. Colorful Rice Wax Candle Gift Set
Where to buy: Little King
Price: $54.50
Hand-poured from rice wax, this candle set focuses on form as much as function. The colors feel warm and intentional, making the candles decorative even before they are lit. They burn cleanly and can be displayed together or split into smaller gifts, which makes the set especially versatile.
6. John Derian Three Carrots 1,000-Piece Puzzle
Where to buy: John Derian/Amazon
Price: $19.95
This puzzle features John Derian’s Three Carrots artwork, turning a familiar pastime into something more visually engaging. The image feels considered without being overly playful, making it satisfying to work through and pleasant to leave out once finished. It suits slow afternoons and long evenings alike.
7. Polaroid Go Instant Camera Generation 2
Where to buy: Polaroid/Amazon
Price: $79.99
Compact and lightweight, the Polaroid Go is built for everyday moments. It prints instantly on Polaroid Go film, encouraging spontaneous photos rather than staged ones. The simplicity makes it approachable, and the small prints feel personal enough to keep or pass along.
8. Bay and Rosemary Nero Caesar Soap
Where to buy: Wentworth
Price: $16
Scented with bay and rosemary, this soap leans clean and herbal. The bar is generously sized and long-lasting, making it practical for daily use. It works well as a small gift or stocking stuffer that still feels intentional.
9. Footsie Bathmat
Where to buy: Cold Picnic
Price: $70
Hand-tufted from cotton, this bathmat adds texture and color to a space that is often overlooked. The graphic design brings personality without overwhelming the room, and the size works well in smaller bathrooms. It is both useful and unexpectedly fun.
10. Monopoly Vintage Bookshelf Edition
Where to buy: FAO Schwarz/Amazon
Price: $47
This edition of Monopoly comes housed in a fabric-wrapped case designed to sit neatly on a shelf. The game components are stored inside like a book, making it easy to keep on display. Familiar and easy to pull out, it feels more likely to be played than packed away.