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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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.
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.
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...
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.
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!”
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...
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.
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.
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!”
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!
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
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!
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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
A person's time and love are the best gifts. You can also tell the people who have never received such a gift.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
My brother buys my wife and I board games for Christmas and birthdays, I forgot how much fun they can be
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!
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.
Plus you can hear words and sometimes little Easter eggs that you never would've heard before.
A small tool box from my father-in-law the first Christmas after I got married. I have used it so many times.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.😊
One of those plastic covers to use in the microwave... absolutely game changing.
Yeah, those things make sure that when you microwave something liquidy it doesn't explode al over the mocrowave.
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.
I can relate. You need a whole team of crime scene cleaners to remove the banana guts from your bag.
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.
Instant pot. I just love it! I make delicious stews now.
An upright, self-defrosting food freezer.
Never thought I'd need one. Now, can't imagine not having it.
snow/ice grips for boots. living in a place where no one seems to know how to clear a sidewalk, they make a difference.
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.
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.
Orthopedic insoles are the best thing I ever bought. No more feet pain!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
A nice set of kitchen knives. I don’t have to struggle to cut veggies and raw meat with a steak knife anymore!
Superman socks with a cape on them that flow in the wind
Best gift I’ve ever gotten
Lasik eye surgery. Best gift I ever received, so far.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
Not just for bars. I use them anywhere my purse might have to rest on the floor/ground.
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!
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.
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
Weighted blanket. My wife and I sleep better than ever now thanks to it. Had no idea how poor my sleep was before it
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.
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.
Salad spinner, having dry lettuce is actually seriously underrated.
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.
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.
I have one. It's a good size for reading in bed. Lighter than a paper book.
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.
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.
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!!
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
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
Phoenix, AZ makes you realize real quick how much you'd want shade at all times
A smart watch. I would have never purchased one myself but now I can’t live without it!
Under water MP3 player. Now I learn Spanish (shout out to Coffee Break Spanish) while swimming laps.
One of those head scratcher things with a bunch of little metal strips with rubber tips. Very relaxing.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
One Christmas my family got me a clip on pasta strainer. I use that damn thing almost every day.
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.
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.
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
The book Little Women. Got me through some dark times.
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.
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.
Dude, also consider your sisters... personal hygiene products cost a LOT and there's no avoiding that cost.
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.
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.
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.
Keyring beer opener. Before used knives, lighters, furniture and never realized how amazing life can be.
Google home. Only knew like 2 functions and thought , eh, maybe I'll use it. A month later my whole house was automated.
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.
Upon buying our first home, my husband's aunt gave us a laundry basket that was filled with an assortment of household cleaning items. Was super handy to take that with us first thing after getting the keys. Also received a small electric screwdriver as a christmas present. Hubby is a carpenter so has a ton of heavy duty professional tools, but they're too big for random house needs. This thing is small and light so i can use it more easily, and also fits in the junk drawer.
I asked for needlenose pliers for my birthday once as a kid, because I kept stealing the ones in the hardware drawer for crafts, and instead got an entire tool set. I still use the pliers the most, but I’m very glad I have more than just those.
Bedding is the best gift. My mom was the best at picking out the softest cotton everything. Very expensive stuff but man I've used one cotton comforter every day for 20 years and it washes like it's brand new every month. I had it wrapped around me for two years now during isolation and there's not even a pulled thread. I try to do that now w my mil and sil. Silk pillowcases Casper pillows Egyptian cotton medium thread count washes up the softest way better than the highest. High quality cotton small square stitching is the absolute best to sleep in and keeps your body the perfect temperature
Kitchen towels, a kitchen garbage with a pedal to open hands-free and clothespins. All gifts from my MIL, eminently practical and amazing. I use the clothespins for chip clips too!
Finally, at 46, and becoming disabled, I had access to my own money and I could buy things I wanted and that made my life easier. Best buys: dishwasher, sunrise lamp, smart home gadgets, electric screwdriver set, mini fan I can keep in my handbag. I've also bought useful things for my partner: an electric one cup water boiler, waterproof Bose mini speaker, USB mini lamp. I love giving practical gifts.
A good electric drill and a ladder, lifesavers as a young single female
I got my daughter her own tool kit for Christmas this year. She laughed but she has used it so much to redo her room and bathroom this year. She doesn't have to go asking me or her dad for what she needs. Has an electric screwdriver and a foldable stool. Also got her a rechargeable kit that blows up flat tires, flashlight, phone charger. We live in an isolated area so it's a practical life saver for her. It also jumps your battery. She's used it twice. Things you don't think to buy yourself are always great
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I wonder if you can make popcorn in an air fryer? My mom had the air popper when I was young. It's got to be the same concept right ?
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A good gift to get someone who just bought their first house is a 5 gallon bucket, a 25' Stanley tape measure and a Home Depot gift card. They will use all three in the first year, I guarantee it. At least here in the US.
My parents got me a nice set of waterproof clothes for Christmas one year - having a dry butt after a long day of sailing is so much better than the old ones I had that constantly leaked and weren’t very waterproof
Upon buying our first home, my husband's aunt gave us a laundry basket that was filled with an assortment of household cleaning items. Was super handy to take that with us first thing after getting the keys. Also received a small electric screwdriver as a christmas present. Hubby is a carpenter so has a ton of heavy duty professional tools, but they're too big for random house needs. This thing is small and light so i can use it more easily, and also fits in the junk drawer.
I asked for needlenose pliers for my birthday once as a kid, because I kept stealing the ones in the hardware drawer for crafts, and instead got an entire tool set. I still use the pliers the most, but I’m very glad I have more than just those.
Bedding is the best gift. My mom was the best at picking out the softest cotton everything. Very expensive stuff but man I've used one cotton comforter every day for 20 years and it washes like it's brand new every month. I had it wrapped around me for two years now during isolation and there's not even a pulled thread. I try to do that now w my mil and sil. Silk pillowcases Casper pillows Egyptian cotton medium thread count washes up the softest way better than the highest. High quality cotton small square stitching is the absolute best to sleep in and keeps your body the perfect temperature
Kitchen towels, a kitchen garbage with a pedal to open hands-free and clothespins. All gifts from my MIL, eminently practical and amazing. I use the clothespins for chip clips too!
Finally, at 46, and becoming disabled, I had access to my own money and I could buy things I wanted and that made my life easier. Best buys: dishwasher, sunrise lamp, smart home gadgets, electric screwdriver set, mini fan I can keep in my handbag. I've also bought useful things for my partner: an electric one cup water boiler, waterproof Bose mini speaker, USB mini lamp. I love giving practical gifts.
A good electric drill and a ladder, lifesavers as a young single female
I got my daughter her own tool kit for Christmas this year. She laughed but she has used it so much to redo her room and bathroom this year. She doesn't have to go asking me or her dad for what she needs. Has an electric screwdriver and a foldable stool. Also got her a rechargeable kit that blows up flat tires, flashlight, phone charger. We live in an isolated area so it's a practical life saver for her. It also jumps your battery. She's used it twice. Things you don't think to buy yourself are always great
Load More Replies... I wonder if you can make popcorn in an air fryer? My mom had the air popper when I was young. It's got to be the same concept right ?
Load More Replies... A good gift to get someone who just bought their first house is a 5 gallon bucket, a 25' Stanley tape measure and a Home Depot gift card. They will use all three in the first year, I guarantee it. At least here in the US.
My parents got me a nice set of waterproof clothes for Christmas one year - having a dry butt after a long day of sailing is so much better than the old ones I had that constantly leaked and weren’t very waterproof
