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Good gift giving is basically a form of art. There’s nothing a nice present can't do; it can lift a mood or improve a relationship, repair a wrongdoing, or remind someone you care about them. So no wonder gifts have a special place in our minds, no matter how much we often dread them (don’t even remind me about the Christmas gift hunt!).

The useful gift route is the one to go, but hey, there’s no universal guarantee that whatever you think of as useful would feel the same for the person who’ll receive it. So today, we are taking a look into presents that pleasantly surprised people who had no clue they needed them.

“What’s the best 'I didn’t know I needed that' gift you’ve received?” someone asked on Ask Reddit a while ago and the responses are basically a solid list of cool gift ideas. Scroll down through them below and upvote your favorite ones!

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#1

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable When I first became a cop I was getting blown away with what I dealt with. There was also so much death and the fear of getting shot. In my own personal life I also had so much stress and depression. One day I was working a school detail and a little kindergartner skipped by. She giggled and handed me a drawing of a kitten she made for me. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I was truly touched. No one had ever thanked me for anything on the job or given me such a kind gesture in years.

RealJoe93 , Peter Lindberg Report

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Scagsy
Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Receiving an unsolicited gift from a child is like being touched by an angel.

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#2

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable I was furious with my husband when I figured out that money had been just...disappearing from our bank account. I confronted him about it in April. He straight lied in my face and said he needed to spend some of his paycheck on scaffolding. I didn't believe him, but he's never lied before, so I let it go. Celebrating my birthday in November, I'm unwrapping presents with him and my family, and there are 25 wrapped up...fish. Fish toys for cats, glass fish, candy fish, wooden fish...and an underwater watch. I'm not bright because I hadn't figured it out...They got me a trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico to learn how to scuba dive. I don't deserve them. He'd been saving for a year. I saw a DOLPHIN with a BABY DOLPHIN. UNDERWATER. 6 FEET AWAY FROM MY FACE.
It's the best thing ever. It's like flying on another planet.

octopusboots , Tambako The Jaguar Report

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Scagsy
Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a lovely tale. I wish I could afford to do that for my wife. She deserves it, putting up with me for all this time.

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#3

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My mom just randomly bought me a jogging shirt saying. Maybe you can use this if you run.

I was unhealthy fat short kid, she was trying to encourage me.

Couldn't even run 1 km without questioning my existence.

Several months later I could do 10km in below 40 min, and ran 50km a week.

I got so thin that my friends mom asked me if I'm sick (she thought I had cancer)

After a while I realized that this is not good for my back.

So I started lifting weights in the neighbourhood gym.

I went there so much that the owner made me take charge of it.

Im now the head of the gym and have transformed it completely.

I don't look sick anymore and have a healthy amount of muscle. But im still short .

All of this because of some random running fleece shirt. I still have it today 10 years later...

itsdtx , All about the clothes! Report

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To find out more about navigating the daunting world of gift giving, we spoke with Lynn How, the author of “Positive Young Mind'' and life coach who specializes in supporting educators, parents, and children with improving and prevention of mental health issues. She also runs this Facebook teacher coaching group which is an excellent resource for teachers in need of support when leaving, changing their mindset, changing their schools or setting healthy work/life boundaries.

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Something thoughtful is always the best way to go when picking a present for a person, Lynn argues. But “if you don't know the person, perhaps see if you can glean some information from a mutual friend if possible or see if their social media profiles give anything away,” she said and added to “not forget to check for allergies before buying food!”
#4

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My ex bought me vitamin D tablets maybe a month or so into dating. I'd been pretty unwell around that time, cancelling one date and bailing early on another. Id had blood tests done but the results weren't back yet.

He showed up for a date one day and had the tablets for me as a present. It was pretty sweet to just get me a present for no reason other than to make me feel better. And when the blood tests came back, one of the things wrong with me was a vitamin D deficiency, so I did need them but didn't know yet.

I guess you could say I really appreciated that he gave me the D...

Bansheli , Michele Blackwell Report

Final score:
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#5

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My nephew bought my wife a cheap plastic duck call. I have no idea why my nephew thought this a perfect gift, but he was 100% correct. It is now known as the 'cat whistle' in our house because the cats stop whatever naughty thing they were doing immediately upon hearing it.

UnknownHanson , midnightcomm Report

Final score:
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#6

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Two tickets to Les Miserables. I had absolutely no desire to see the show although my (now ex-) wife had been seriously hinting about it. When I opened the envelope on Christmas morning I was pretty pissed. She basically gifted herself. I was still pissed when I was dragged to the theater. The performance began... and I was in tears after ten minutes. It was just an incredible live performance and before we left I would buy the CD and listen to it for hours.

somewhereinks , Kilyan Sockalingum Report

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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its a good show. One of my students brought in part of the sound track for our song show and tell

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Lynn said that hands down the worst presents she has heard of are husbands buying wives items which are used for domestic chores: “a hoover is not a good gift!” But what if we put too much importance on the presents we give? According to Lynn, love can't be bought and although the odd grand gesture is lovely, “I'd much rather receive a thoughtful smaller gift or experience such as being taken on a surprise picnic with some lovely food!”

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#7

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A kitten, from a total stranger. Yes, really. I wouldn't describe myself as much of a 'cat person', per se, and I wasn't even sure what to do with it at first. A few years down the line, and it's basically my best friend. A constant companion whenever I'm @ home. And to think I preferred dogs once, yeesh!

LSDeann , Kote Puerto Report

Final score:
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Alessa Gillespie
Alessa Gillespie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never say you are not a cat person until you share your life with one. It baffles me that there's people who don't like them

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#8

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My husband's aunt buys the most practical gifts you could think of! Every year for Christmas I'm excited for her gifts like she bought some insulated bags last year. The year before she got me a nice nail care set and the Rock file is perfect to use on my baby's nails! I never think of the things she buys but every thing she buys is super useful!

wheaties201 , DIYNailArtDesigns Report

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#9

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Calvin and Hobbes book from my mother. Had never heard of them before but I subsequently bought the rest of the books and love them now.

fr-spodokomodo , Willis Lam Report

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Chich
Chich
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone should give these a read. They are great :)

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Moreover, the life coach and educator argues that “gifts become materialistic if they become expected and regular but it depends on what your ideals are for your individual relationship as well as how long you have been together.” Lynn concluded that “Someone who showered me with expensive gifts after only a few dates might be coming on a bit too strong for my liking!”
#10

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A good set of bath towels. My grandmother gave me a set as a graduation gift. I knew how expensive good towels and I knew she really had to save up for them, so I was thankful, but the same kind of thankful you are when grandpa gives you his dentures for Christmas.

"I'll be damned if I don't use those towels every day 7 years later (though I do need a new set at this point). They are very easily the most used gift I have ever been given.

eskamobob1 , Denny Müller Report

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Scagsy
Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun gifts are nice for a while but practical gifts just keep in giving.

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#11

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My parents got me an oversized bath robe when I was younger. Kinda disappointed until I saw the gift card stuffed in the pocket. I think I enjoyed whatever I bought with the gift card. But that bath robe, lemmie tell you, wearing that sucker right now.

PortalStorm4000 , Vladimir Yelizarov Report

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Chich
Chich
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never had one and my wife picked me one up a while back. Wear it all the time at home.

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#12

It's not really a gift, but hearing my stepmom say she'll always be there, and that I can always talk to her and also constantly getting hugs from her. Just my stepmom in general, really. After therapy and talking heart to heart with my stepmom I've realized my mom isn't that kind of person, it's not easy to talk to her about deep stuff, and we don't hug too often. I really didn't know how much I needed that

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Martin Kaine
Martin Kaine
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A person's time and love are the best gifts. You can also tell the people who have never received such a gift.

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#13

My brother jokingly bought me a squatty potty a few Christmas’s ago after we saw the commercial a few months prior.

I killed myself laughing again when I opened it up and stuck it in front of the toilet to send him a picture. Well, I forgot to move it after so it was there the next time I used the bathroom.

Let me tell y’all something. If you have any kind of digestive issues at all, the squatty potty is a work of art. Best poops of my life, I’ll tell you what.

Greyskiesgreeneyes Report

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Tiny Dancer
Tiny Dancer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure this is excellent advice, but all I can see is Hank Hill trying to poop in that one ep of "King of the Hill", lol. I'll tell you what!

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#14

My mom got me a new duvet when I was 12/13 and a second duvet she made into matching curtains, they were in hindsight pretty garish. But I’d shared a room until I was 11, so it was nice being given things that were just mine to make my space more personal. Seems an odd gift but for poorer families it can actually be quite meaningful.

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#15

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A printer. Back then I had absolutely no use for a printer. But fast forward about five years, now I am in university, and that printer is a blessing to have. Thanks Dad.

Starfall669 , Mahrous Houses Report

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#16

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A clock for the bathroom. Wasn't intended for the bathroom was just a cute small clock but it matched my bathroom decor so it went there. It helped massively with time management specially for morning showers when I had no idea how long my showers were and used to end up rushing to get ready for work.

shakakhannn , Jonny Caspari Report

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#17

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My brother buys my wife and I board games for Christmas and birthdays, I forgot how much fun they can be

jamesshithead , Nik Korba Report

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Kindlovinghumble
Kindlovinghumble
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have once a wk board game nights with our kids. It's become something they look forward to even though they are still younger. (12 and younger) It also gets them away from technology and is a way to discuss their lives and what's going on while having fun. (Instead of just talking at the dinner table about their days) I REALLY recommend it!

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#18

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A pair of good headphones. I listen to music almost on a daily basis and settled with ok earbuds because I didnt see the need for big headphones. It was like a revelation the first time I put them on because I never knew the audio could sound so clear before. It was incredible and I use them all the time now.

ThisPeachIsSubpar , Lee Campbell Report

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Kindlovinghumble
Kindlovinghumble
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plus you can hear words and sometimes little Easter eggs that you never would've heard before.

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#19

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A small tool box from my father-in-law the first Christmas after I got married. I have used it so many times.

_austinm , Tekton Report

Final score:
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Cactus McCoy
Cactus McCoy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everybody should have a basic tool set and the knowledge to use it.

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#20

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My best friend mailed me a humidifier a couple years ago when I had a chest cold. It’s the best gift I didn’t know I needed.

MeridianHilltop , HS You Report

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#21

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A door stopper on the end of a telescopic stick. Truly moving around in a wheel chair has been revolutionized for my mother. No need for anyone to hold the door.

Redland_Station , CDC Report

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Gwyn
Gwyn
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are still so many places that don't have ADA accommodations. ☹️

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#22

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable I'm a big dinosaur nerd. A couple years ago for my 30th birthday I got a mint in box Dino Riders torosaurus that I always wanted as a kid. It totally blew my mind and it was a weird yet fantastic feeling opening up a dinosaur toy at that age

tweak0 , puuikibeach Report

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#23

A bidet attachment for my toilet! Now I feel like a caveman pooping anywhere else. I tell everyone that they need to invest in one, and those who have enjoy it as much as we do.

notmybradandbutter69 Report

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#24

When my aunt gave me the Lord of the Rings, the trilogy all in one amazing book. It changed everything and made me a nerd.

Nynydancer Report

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MarmotArchivist
MarmotArchivist
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A familiy friend lent me his copy when I first read it. My parents then bought me my own copy for christmas. I was elated to say the least.😊

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#25

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Gloves that let you text with them on.

AjiiMaat , Gesa Henselmans Report

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Sam
Sam
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still too big for my hands. The ones I've seen seem to be sized for men

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#26

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable One of those plastic covers to use in the microwave... absolutely game changing.

pmME_urTITS-plz , Doug Waldron Report

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TheHappyBookCat
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, those things make sure that when you microwave something liquidy it doesn't explode al over the mocrowave.

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#27

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A Banana Saver. It's a hard case that encloses a banana to protect it. No more bruised banana or banana guts squished into the bottom of your bag.

ncmagpie , Andrew Bell Report

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MarmotArchivist
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can relate. You need a whole team of crime scene cleaners to remove the banana guts from your bag.

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#28

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable I got a waterproof bluetooth speaker for my shower as a stocking stuffer 5 years ago. I can't take a shower without my tunes anymore. I love it.

SithLard , Hannah Xu Report

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#29

Instant pot. I just love it! I make delicious stews now.

zullyannr Report

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Who - me?
Who - me?
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first I read this as (instant "pot") and thought "Really? Just add water? Where do I get some?"

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#30

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable An upright, self-defrosting food freezer.

Never thought I'd need one. Now, can't imagine not having it.

Back2Bach , Enrico Mantegazza Report

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Dl B
Dl B
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Told my wife for years that we needed one but she wasn't convinced. Finally just went out and bought one. Don't know what we did without one. I bought a chest type so I would not have to worry about frozen food flying out and hitting me in the foot.

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#31

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable snow/ice grips for boots. living in a place where no one seems to know how to clear a sidewalk, they make a difference.

[deleted] , freestocks Report

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Scagsy
Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! Similarly, my wife bought me a fancy little metal attachment on a hinge to fit onto my walking stick for a trip to Iceland. It stays upright when you don't need it but when you're traversing snow or ice, you flip it down and it gives your walking stick little spikes to grip with. I went from Bamba On Ice to Torvill and Dean with the flip of a gadget.

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#32

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Insoles for my shoes. Hands down. I had never used insoles before, forgot they were even a thing to be honest. When i received them as a gift from my Mom and put them in my shoes was incredible. They make the world of a difference and helped A LOT with my constant foot pain from my insanely arched feet. Greatest gift ever.

InkingMyPainAway , Ivan Radic Report

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Maya Baggins
Maya Baggins
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Orthopedic insoles are the best thing I ever bought. No more feet pain!

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#33

A steak quesadilla. Was going through a lot, had a bad day, life falling apart, but my brother brought me a quesadilla from Taco Bell once and it really turned things around. I kinda just saw that I have close people that think about me. Really gotta keep in mind that those small gifts can mean the world to somebody.

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Gwyn
Gwyn
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes when things seem dark it helps to eat. Just yesterday my husband and I were stressing about something and figured we'd better eat first and it really helped us make a good decision and feel better about the whole thing. Calms you down and gets you that blood sugar so you can think clearly. I bet brother knew that would help you!

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LetsGoBrandon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anything from Taco Smell is NOT a gift! Especially after you have "digested" it :)

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#34

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My boss bought me a fountain pen with my name on it as a Teachers' Day gift. It's not even a quality one but it's actually my first fountain pen at the age of 20. I never knew I would be this obsessed, now I'm going to get myself a Lamy Safari and then even more. Prost, to expensive hobbies we've all not been able to resist!

nowatrueredhead , Laura Chouette Report

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Eunice Probert
Eunice Probert
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of us! I loooove fountain pens! There's a subreddit devoted to them. Lots of Lamy fans there. Personally I prefer their Al-Star, but Safari is good.

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#35

An electric blanket.

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Lilian
Lilian
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oooh those scare me tbh, I have a weird fear that it will overheat and melt me. Am I the only one?

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#36

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable It's kind of a weird one, for many reasons. About a year after my now-ex-wife and I separated, but before we actually divorced, she gave me a pocket knife as a random gift one day. It's nothing special, just a simple little knife. Unusual, since neither of us in our 15 years of marriage ever carried a knife, owned a pocket knife, or even expressed interest or desire in one. Every time I pick it up I still think to myself why did she give me a knife?' Holy s**t I use that little bastard all the time! Get yourself a pocket knife - you'll be surprised how handy they can be.

REO_Jerkwagon , Denise Jans Report

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MarmotArchivist
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Swiss and a pocket knife is a universal gift to all children. On a school feld trip into the mountains you would be ostracized if you didn't have one.

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#37

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Years ago someone gave me a smooth edge can opener. I didn’t ask for it but I do like to cook. I absolutely love that thing and still have it in my kitchen to this day and I enthusiastically recommend it to everyone.

IAmIrritatedAMA , Dave Crosby Report

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#38

A nice set of kitchen knives. I don’t have to struggle to cut veggies and raw meat with a steak knife anymore!

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Dadolwch
Dadolwch
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A good chef's knife is life changing - it doesn't even need to be fancy or expensive, just take care of it and sharpen often. You'd be amazed how much less you cut yourself.

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#39

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Superman socks with a cape on them that flow in the wind

Best gift I’ve ever gotten

RomanV02 , Rob Lawton Report

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#40

Lasik eye surgery. Best gift I ever received, so far.

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#41

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A hot water bottle when I was living in an attic with terrible insulation. I went from freezing cold feet every night, to getting too hot halfway through the night.

HaxWeinberg , Bianca Report

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Katherine Boag
Katherine Boag
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hot water bottles are incredible I can't live without one. I have poor circulation so often my feet are freezing but the rest of me is fine

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#42

Toilet paper. I know that seems like such a basic thing, but when I was moving into my first apartment, my friend asked me if I had any and then gifted me a roll after he saw my "hammer between the eyes" expression. It literally hadn't occurred to me that I should buy some.

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Kiwii Stone
Kiwii Stone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same, my parents bought me some when I moved into my own flat ^.^

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#43

My ex-MIL got me maid service when I was 9mo pregnant. I hate having a dirty house but between gaining 60 lbs and banking PTO working OT cleaning was impossible. I was in full on nesting mode but all I could manage was organizing. She gave me the number and said to let them know when it was convenient for me. It was so unobtrusive. But so needed!

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Fat Harry
Fat Harry
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Banking PTO [to take for maternity]" Tell me you're American without telling me you're American.

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#44

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My husband let me pick out this gift but my winter boots. They're probably ugly to some but they're lined with sheep's wool and they're so comfortable to wear and warm! I never found such comfortable boots and I wear them almost daily.

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Alana Voeks
Alana Voeks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The picture looks like a cartoon tomboy's go to for footwear lol

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#45

A purse hook. Rolls up to the size of a silver dollar, holds my purse out of the way at bars that haven’t caught on to them yet.

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LJ Robinson
LJ Robinson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not just for bars. I use them anywhere my purse might have to rest on the floor/ground.

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#46

A fountain water bowl for my cat. He used to knock his water bowl over all the time, or at the very least make a scene about having to hover to get a drink. No more wet floors!

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Kel_how
Kel_how
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My sister has had fountains for her cats for years. I used to think it was a bit over-the-top. Now that we live together, I see how much the cats prefer them to a bowl -- they like moving water and they're able to drink without hitting their whiskers. I even bought one for my dog.

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#47

A stand Mixer, I resisted it for years saying that it was unnecessary and that I could do everything myself. But it completely changed my world and I am so grateful for it

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Kay blue
Kay blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a very basic one, only has k-paddle, dough hook and whisk but I love it. It makes me smile just seeing it on my kitchen counter.

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#48

An ebook reader, simply amazing

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#49

Weighted blanket. My wife and I sleep better than ever now thanks to it. Had no idea how poor my sleep was before it

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#50

My son was born on Christmas Eve. I have never thought of myself as being super maternal but now I can’t imagine a life without him.

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#51

A pepper grinder. I’d lived all my life just assuming that pepper from a regular pepper shaker was good enough. Then one day a friend was throwing out a pepper grind and gave it to me with some black peppercorns and my meals have all been improved ever sense.

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Lilian
Lilian
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pepper is sooo much better when it is freshly ground, call me a food snob, but pepper that has been sitting for months? It's a food crime.

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#52

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Salad spinner, having dry lettuce is actually seriously underrated.

Taygr , Bruce Turner Report

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#53

A turbie twist... got one as a gift... LOVED IT... and have bought more and gifted them on since to a few friends and family.

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#54

Kindle. I have the app but I was given an actual kindle recently. It is so much easier to read books on than on my ipad or my smart phone.

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Eunice Probert
Eunice Probert
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have one. It's a good size for reading in bed. Lighter than a paper book.

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#55

When laptops became affordable, my husband bought one for himself & one for me. I didn’t want it at first because I was happy with a desktop. Within a month, I’d converted. I didn’t have a clue how convenient they were.

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#56

When I was probably 11, my mother gifted me teal curtains and I absolutely hated them. Now that I’m an adult, I actually can’t imagine not having them because they really do tie the room together.

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#57

A backpack for work.

It is a very nice business-style bag that I carry my laptop, chargers, snacks, etc. in.

It has been a lifesaver!!

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Alana Voeks
Alana Voeks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Backpacks everywhere are great. You can be inconspicuous while carrying entertainment, first aid, whatever, and you can hold a crap ton while leaving your hands free

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#58

My mom got me an umbrella for Christmas one year, and I thought it was an odd gift but her response was “well I know you walk around all the time since you don’t have a car, I thought you could use one.” Sounds silly but I never thought to get one for myself before that

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Alana Voeks
Alana Voeks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Phoenix, AZ makes you realize real quick how much you'd want shade at all times

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#59

A smart watch. I would have never purchased one myself but now I can’t live without it!

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#60

Under water MP3 player. Now I learn Spanish (shout out to Coffee Break Spanish) while swimming laps.

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Fat Harry
Fat Harry
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I started using Coffee Break Spanish ages ago!! Sadly I gave up because I had other priorities :(

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#61

One of those head scratcher things with a bunch of little metal strips with rubber tips. Very relaxing.

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#62

When I was 18 I got a pillow for Christmas. One of the fancy $100 memory foam firm thick pillows for side sleepers. I never realized how much I hated my regular flat pillows until that day

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#63

I hate receiving gifts, as a rule, but I was once given a camera tripod which has a mounting-feature for smartphones. That was kinda cool. Now I can make videos with my phone without constantly switching hands.

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#64

Pacman wall lamp. I use it every night as a nightlight. Not too bright so I can sleep and when I wake up to go to the bathroom, I can see where to go.

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#65

A Tile, they are so helpful if you put them on your keys. If you lose your phone you can use it to find your phone, or if you lost your keys you can find your keys with your phone.

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#66

Plastic rice cooker for the microwave. I never liked cooking rice because I always burnt it or made it too soggy. Now I can eat all the rice I never knew I wanted.

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Fat Harry
Fat Harry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand people who can't cook rice properly, it's just so easy. Rice in a pan, cold water to twice the level of the rice, boil until there's basically no water left, put a lid on, leave for a while (1/2 hour if possible). Perfect rice.

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#67

One Christmas my family got me a clip on pasta strainer. I use that damn thing almost every day.

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#68

A tall makeup organizer. Didn't think it'd make much of a difference until I used it and freed up a ton of vanity space.

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#69

A zombie hand back scratcher, I got it in a loot box someone gave me for Christmas. Best present ever! I don't remember what else I was gifted that year but I take my zombie hand everywhere.

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Isabel Care
Isabel Care
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never had much money, but I'd try to get useful stuff. Back scratchers, battery testers, glasses cleaners, pickle pickers (for olives for most of the family) that you press at one end and a claw comes out of the other, small carabiner clips and head lamps. Most are still being used decades after I gave them

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#70

The book Little Women. Got me through some dark times.

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Alana Voeks
Alana Voeks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A great book is enough to get anyone through dark times and, more importantly, get them into reading. Flowers for Algernon was the book to get me into books and I've never looked at those dark ages aforehand.

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#71

I currently have a stockpile of 20 razors and won’t need to buy anything for a couple years. It was a real lifesaver actually because when you are going to college you don’t realize you need to buy all this shit for yourself and it can really eat into your food and alcohol budget so sometimes you don’t think about it. I really grew to appreciate it in the end.

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Rachel Peterson
Rachel Peterson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude, also consider your sisters... personal hygiene products cost a LOT and there's no avoiding that cost.

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#72

A leather steering wheel cover. No more driving around with a searing hot or icy cold steering wheel in summer and winter! It was a totally unexpected gift but I've been grateful for it pretty much every day since.

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#73

A ballpoint pen. It feels so much better than regular pen. They're more expensive but my previous pen lasted ten months. I used it at work every day and my job requires a lot of writing and making notes.

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Fat Harry
Fat Harry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK, I have to ask... what's the difference between a ballpoint pen and a regular pen? I would consider a regular pen to be a ballpoint, as opposed to a felt tip or fountain pen.

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#74

A socket and open wrench set. I’ve used the hell out of it and I’ve taken good care of it and have every piece still.

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#75

"the power of habit" book.

having a friend who is book savvy is extremely underrated.

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#76

Keyring beer opener. Before used knives, lighters, furniture and never realized how amazing life can be.

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#77

Google home. Only knew like 2 functions and thought , eh, maybe I'll use it. A month later my whole house was automated.

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Becky Samuel
Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Suuper. Now my entire home can lock me out whenever Google decides to have an off day. They're also vulnerable to hacking and a real nightmare for people in abusive and controlling relationships.

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