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35 Underrated Christmas Gifts That Definitely Deserve More Hype, As Shared By People In This Thread
Growing up, I remember every movie and TV show seemed to portray a few things as the worst possible Christmas presents you could receive: socks, underwear, pajamas and money (as opposed to something more personal). However, as an adult, I have realized that I cherish high quality socks, comfy pajamas are a godsend, and money is a much more practical gift than something I may never use or have to find space in my home for. So to help relieve some of the stress you pandas might be feeling to pick the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season, today we’re talking about underrated Christmas presents.
One curious Reddit user recently sparked a conversation asking people to share their ideas of Christmas gifts that deserve more hype, and people did not disappoint in the replies. From toiletries to groceries, we’ve gathered some of the best underrated gifts down below to help you decide what to hand out this December. Be sure to upvote the ideas you find most brilliant or that you would be thrilled to find under your tree, and then if you’re not quite done channeling your inner Santa Claus, be sure to check out this Bored Panda article featuring even more gift ideas next!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Every year my grandma would get everyone toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste, Q-tips….didn’t realize how great it was until she was gone
Grandma didn’t have a lot of money so she would shop at krogers and however much she saved, she would use towards Christmas toiletries
Natalie Bohrteller 3 years ago (edited)
Apart from grandma being unbelievably wholesome, it's also a very useful gift, compared to much of the nonsense that people buy.
RELATED:
#2
Last year my Dad got me a box of snacks. But they were all things from my childhood he would get me if I was emotional in any way. It was just filled with so much love and happy memories.
#3
One time at work, we were doing this white elephant thing (I don't remember the exact rules, but essentially, everybody brings a gift and everybody leaves with a different gift). The plan was to buy goofy, funny things, like the non-risque stuff you see at Spencer's or something. When I opened mine, it was a 124 pack of toilet paper. Everybody laughed and thought it was funny, but I've never even come close to receiving a gift as amazing as that, I have no idea why nobody tried to take it from me unless they somehow knew I'd physically fight them over it.
#4
My grandmother paid my gas bill one Christmas. I thought that was a nice present.
Scrapiechick 3 years ago
Aparently I'm a pain to shop for so my parentals pay for my Internet as a combined crimbo and birthday, its a couple of hundred quid they know I will make full use of save me a bill. Bills are a great gift
#5
Grandma told us every year, "Just get me something I can smoke, drink, or eat."
#6
Premium subscription to something the person already uses the free version of.
They're guaranteed to use it, and it's already something they've decided that they weren't going to splurge on themselves for. So as a gift, it's both a necessity and a luxury.
I did this for my wife last year and she still talks about what a great gift it was.
#7
One year when I was pretty broke someone gave me a nice tote filled with non perishables. I suddenly had a nice stockpile of stuff like soup, crackers, and cookies and on top of that had a tote to store stuff in when I emptied it!
It was way more useful to me than a soap set or something else like that that they could have potentially given me.
#8
My mom always gives me a “care package” that includes: Toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, laundry detergent and trash bags from Costco. I look forward to that s**t every year. I don’t have to worry about buying that stuff for a couple months.
DennyS (denzoren) 3 years ago
That would be an awesome gift....and you have use for all of it.
#9
A blanket. I don’t care how many f*****g blankets I have, I’ll always appreciate another one.
#10
New bedding. That s**t is so expensive.
Kika González 3 years ago
Yes it is! I still have not gotten my bed or sheets because I'm paying off the frame I wanted
#11
Quality Coffee
Shyla Bouche 3 years ago
*laps up the spilt coffee in the saucer* Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! *pounces everyone and everything*
#12
A really good version of something that’s usually inexpensive. A nice pen, great tea or coffee, good leather bound notebooks. Even a nice version of most of those things is going to be under $50 but is still really luxurious.
#13
My MIL always gets my husband and I and BIL and his girlfriend a HUGE box of everyday household items for Christmas. Laundry detergent, paper towels, dog treats, lysol, dish soap, bounce sheets, kleenex, etc. BIL once had a girlfriend who complained and said she never wanted to receive that again. I think it's the best gift ever. Totally underrated and totally useful!
#14
Pet toys. I love when people remember my kitties.
#15
Nice sheets or towels. Everybody enjoys them but no one i know can ever justify spending good money on sheets or towels. I have gifted a bunch and are always well received.
Firstname Lastname 3 years ago
I will never pay for an overpriced towel, but if someone gifted me one, I'd probably never get dressed after my shower. I'd just towel cocoon myself.
#16
Experiences. Like when someone gives you a coupon or something and it's good for going to the movies with them.
Mad Dragon 3 years ago
I showed my dad a video from Jaime Farr of M*A*S*H* fame personally singing him Happy Birthday on his 70th birthday and he still talks about it 4 years later. He said at his age he didn't need more "stuff" and would rather get memories and experiences.
#17
One year when I didn't have much money but a lot of wrapping paper, I bought random groceries and wrapped them. No one complained. People called when they used the box of pasta/cake mix/pancakes months later.
#18
Restaurant gift cards, especially for local, non-chain restaurants. You give them a reason to go eat out with their SO, its thoughtful and usually will bring them a lot of joy.
D-m Keilman 3 years ago
YES! This is my gift to my family every year. Hubby and I choose a mom & pop/family owned business (usually a restaurant) and get each family a $25 or $50 gift card. This year we are doing a family butcher shop. They have the best meats but ooh they are pricey.
#19
A massage. I believe the only people who don't need a massage today are the people who got one yesterday. So many people who have never had one don't realize the benefit of getting one and it can be life-changing for people who've been living with some kinds of pain.
#21
I don't think I have ever bought pajamas for myself once in my life. Gift pajamas feel more comfy somehow too.
Full of Giggles 3 years ago
It’s become tradition for my husband and I to gift matching pajamas to our immediate family. Then, each household takes a picture of everyone in their pjs in front of the Christmas tree. We frame each picture and hang them all on our walls during Christmas.
#23
Lego
#24
As a cat owner: catfood and cat litter for my cat (or a gift card for the respective shops). It’s something that is always needed and very much appreciated at any time of the year.
Basically: if unsure- everything for the cat.
Bored Retsuko 3 years ago
Not sure about this one... many people have a brand they swear by, and won't experiment with their pet's food, so unless you buy the very same product, they'll end up not using it.
#25
Cash
#26
A well-built multi-tool, like a Leatherman or Victorinox. Finding one portable enough that someone can keep it in a pocket/car/purse means they’re more likely to use it. And a good multi-tool comes in handy much more often than people who don’t have one realize.
Nadine Debard 3 years ago
Bought one for my now husband 20 years ago, I was a broke student and I saved money during a full year. One of his more precious belongings and still very useful
#27
Extra long charging cables and a multi port fast charger. Go to the Anker website load up. Show up on Xmas with a bag and say lighting or usb c and hand them out or be god tier and give everyone one of each that’s 6ft long with a fast charger. Everyone needs more cables, not enough people think to go extra long or they just use the charger that came with the device.
#28
Wiper blades. Stop pretending they're "fine", you can't f*****g see!
DennyS (denzoren) 3 years ago
This is weird because just this week I was like....damn okay it's time to change these, I can barely see. Lol
Tim Douglass 2 years ago
Spend the extra money and get quality silicone wipers. I'm still using the same set I bought almost 5 years ago - and that's in Oregon's Willamette valley where they get a lot of use.
Richard Anderson 2 years ago (edited)
What brand do you use and where do you get them? I had been in the habit of changing them out every year at the end of the sunny season because the heat would cook them in Central Oregon, but if I can get away from that now that I am in the valley it would be fantastic.
Load More Replies...
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago (edited)
This pic is one crazy wiper sweep! Never seen anything like it! Wtf kind of vehicle is this on?!
M O'Connell 3 years ago
Also, try and do the environment a favor and just change the rubber insert rather than replacing the whole wiper bar. The original equipment wiper bar will always work (and look) significantly better than a replacement one, and the rubber inserts will cost much less.
Csilla Kaszas 3 years ago
It's still good, no biggie! I just have to bend over and there is that clear spot, no problem...
#29
A one-time Mobile Detail or Landscaping Service.
Got one of each once. Life-changing. Such a small but positive thing to motivate you to keep things that may have gotten out of hand clean.
#30
As a kid I used to pity my uncles for getting socks for Christmas. As an adult I look forward to it and its almost always one of my most appreciated gifts.
Jill Bussey 3 years ago
I blew my grandson's mind when I told him I have socks older than he is!
#32
Jerky.
That stuff is too expensive to buy for yourself, like $100/kg, and everybody loves jerky. My cousin got a huge jar of jerky one year, and we were all sitting there gobbling it up around the Christmas tree.
Alexandra Davis 3 years ago
I wouldn't say everyone loves jerky, but I imagine it's a nice present for those who do like it!
#34
A bidet, better than sliced bread
Groaver Andout 3 years ago
Butter doesn't spread so easily on it "Nutella" however is a completely different matter..
#35
Extra phone chargers and wire organizers. I'll be damn glad I have an extra charger if mine goes missing/breaks. It's something I'd probably not think about until it happens, and then I'm scrambling to find a charger before my phone dies.
Wire/cord organizers are just great year-round.
#36
My best friend from college buys me fancy panties every year for Christmas and I love it so much.
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What do you think ?
DrBronxx 3 years ago
A couple of years ago my dad sent me a wonderful gift out of the blue - it was a graphic novel version of my favourite book growing up - To Kill A Mockingbird. He put a card in it and wrote "I saw this online and thought of you". This is really strange, but it was so random, and so incredibly heartfelt that I sobbed when I realised what it was. I'm tearing up now just typing this.
Tamra 3 years ago (edited)
Sometimes, just knowing that someone was thinking about us is the best part of a gift.
Load More Replies...
VonBlade 3 years ago
Train tickets to the nearest big city. At this end of the rich/poor spectrum (relatively) I can either afford to get there, or do something when there, not both. Being able to get there for "free" means a rare day out, and as we all know a change of view is sometimes all we need.
MellonCollie 3 years ago
My mother gets my sister and me a big basket of non-perishable food items that she knows we like, every year. She puts in something for our whole families, some treats for our children, a bottle of wine we can share with our husbands... It's always very thoughtful. She also puts in a gift voucher for a weekend away. The gift basket started out as a way of not just giving the voucher on its own, but to give us a nice gift and not just a sterile, lonely voucher. I like basket with the food&treats almost more than the voucher, it's so nice to pick something from 'grandma's basket' when we want to treat ourselves!
Deborah B 3 years ago
1) Snacks/junk food from our home country. There are childhood favourites that aren't sold in the UK, except at one specialty import shop. 2) Exotic fruit box - or just a fruit basket of good out of season fruit, that they won't buy for themselves due to price, big win for fruit lovers.
Auntriarch 3 years ago
Yes, I get a load of goodies for my South African friends, as I randomly have a very good shop near me
Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I love the ideas for things we need every day. Food, toileteries, etc. Like my grandma before me, I ask for birdseed, b/c I like to watch them at the feeders. Things like that.
The Other Guest 3 years ago
My dad owned a cabin in the mountains, and when I was 18 or so I started going up there by myself pretty much every other weekend. That year for Christmas he bought me jumper cables and snow chains. Not only were they extremely useful, but I knew it was his way of saying, "I love you and want you to be safe."
CarpeDentum 3 years ago
When I turned 30 (yeah yeah, not Christmas, whatever) my wife gave me the money I owed her. We have separate economies since I was an irresponsible young adult and still have to pay for the sins I committed back then. I couldn't and still can't pay back much at the time, so she gave me exactly what I still owed and I could push that thought out of my min. Best gift that year.
Megan Boswell 3 years ago
Plants. Can't ever go wrong with a unique/beautiful/ cherished plant.
Seanette Blaylock 3 years ago
You could with someone like me who is hopeless with plants. The poor thing would be doomed in my home.
Load More Replies...
April Caron 3 years ago (edited)
Every year, I stock pile things I find useful as Christmas gifts and end up giving a random assortment of things that my parents and kids wouldn’t necessarily think to purchase for themselves, but I know they’ll use. My daughter tells me I “win” Christmas every year. This year’s packages contain things like: a good mini flashlight, a digital otoscope, cable clips, silicone lids for cans, silicone sponges, a ceramic box opener, an emergency car escape hammer… stuff like that.
OnAFreakingRollercoaster 3 years ago
Bottom line for anyone paying their way, the best gift is something practical and they use every day. The added bonus to this is that the giftee then gets to decide how to spend the money he/she doesn't have to spend on essentials 👌
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
One year I started reading Sue Grafton. I think that first book was "J is for Judgment". For Christmas that year my son & his gf gave me a shoebox filled with Grafton paperbacks from A to I. I'm the girl that would rather shop at Home Depot than Nordstrom. A few years ago my husband gave me a Defiant LED Tactical flashlight. One of my all time favorite gifts.
Shelby Jackson 3 years ago
Every year for the last 10 years my parents renew triple a for all the drivers in our family. My youngest is the last one and he turns 16 next week. It's a great gift. May not always use it but man when you need to it's nice to have.
Mary Jeffries 3 years ago
One year my grandma sent me a fancy box of dried fruit. It was so amazing and lasted for over a month.
Helen Schicketanz 3 years ago
One year my sister gave me a hubcap to replace the one I had lost. Greatest gift ever.
jenjie.newt 3 years ago
As a young female, the most empowering and useful gift I received was an electric drill. It wasn't even a fancy one, but I could do so much for myself, learned so much, and never had to rely on anyone.
Casey McAlister 3 years ago
I don't know about that. On one hand, yes, all those things are useful, but I'm not sure I'd be excited to get a new blanket or a pack of paper clips for my birthday. I'd rather get something more memorable and unique, even if less useful.
Elizabeth De Simone 2 years ago
I bought my broke college student cousin a big jar of his favorite peanut butter one Christmas. He loved it.
Awsomemom52 2 years ago
I asked my sons... just out of curiosity, what they would think if I gave them socks for Christmas. They didn't find the idea strange at all and said that socks were perfectly fine for Christmas... because that way, they wouldn't need to buy any themselves. Since then, they've always gotten some... usually they're thick, plush and very soft socks for "hanging out on the couch." Of course they also get something else, if I have the enough money. I also like to give away small bags of homemade Christmas cookies to friends and family, etc
Ryza Tigno 2 years ago
Before the pandemic hit, my friend and I would bake for each other, it was fun. I miss her since she had to move to the province during the pandemic.
Timmy Pillinger 3 years ago
John Lewis grade version of the worn out thing you got from a pound shop and use constantly. Belt, wallet, phone case, kitchen knives, tea mug, bedding, pen.
DrBronxx 3 years ago
A couple of years ago my dad sent me a wonderful gift out of the blue - it was a graphic novel version of my favourite book growing up - To Kill A Mockingbird. He put a card in it and wrote "I saw this online and thought of you". This is really strange, but it was so random, and so incredibly heartfelt that I sobbed when I realised what it was. I'm tearing up now just typing this.
Tamra 3 years ago (edited)
Sometimes, just knowing that someone was thinking about us is the best part of a gift.
Load More Replies... VonBlade 3 years ago
Train tickets to the nearest big city. At this end of the rich/poor spectrum (relatively) I can either afford to get there, or do something when there, not both. Being able to get there for "free" means a rare day out, and as we all know a change of view is sometimes all we need.
MellonCollie 3 years ago
My mother gets my sister and me a big basket of non-perishable food items that she knows we like, every year. She puts in something for our whole families, some treats for our children, a bottle of wine we can share with our husbands... It's always very thoughtful. She also puts in a gift voucher for a weekend away. The gift basket started out as a way of not just giving the voucher on its own, but to give us a nice gift and not just a sterile, lonely voucher. I like basket with the food&treats almost more than the voucher, it's so nice to pick something from 'grandma's basket' when we want to treat ourselves!
Deborah B 3 years ago
1) Snacks/junk food from our home country. There are childhood favourites that aren't sold in the UK, except at one specialty import shop. 2) Exotic fruit box - or just a fruit basket of good out of season fruit, that they won't buy for themselves due to price, big win for fruit lovers.
Auntriarch 3 years ago
Yes, I get a load of goodies for my South African friends, as I randomly have a very good shop near me
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I love the ideas for things we need every day. Food, toileteries, etc. Like my grandma before me, I ask for birdseed, b/c I like to watch them at the feeders. Things like that.
The Other Guest 3 years ago
My dad owned a cabin in the mountains, and when I was 18 or so I started going up there by myself pretty much every other weekend. That year for Christmas he bought me jumper cables and snow chains. Not only were they extremely useful, but I knew it was his way of saying, "I love you and want you to be safe."
CarpeDentum 3 years ago
When I turned 30 (yeah yeah, not Christmas, whatever) my wife gave me the money I owed her. We have separate economies since I was an irresponsible young adult and still have to pay for the sins I committed back then. I couldn't and still can't pay back much at the time, so she gave me exactly what I still owed and I could push that thought out of my min. Best gift that year.
Megan Boswell 3 years ago
Plants. Can't ever go wrong with a unique/beautiful/ cherished plant.
Seanette Blaylock 3 years ago
You could with someone like me who is hopeless with plants. The poor thing would be doomed in my home.
Load More Replies... April Caron 3 years ago (edited)
Every year, I stock pile things I find useful as Christmas gifts and end up giving a random assortment of things that my parents and kids wouldn’t necessarily think to purchase for themselves, but I know they’ll use. My daughter tells me I “win” Christmas every year. This year’s packages contain things like: a good mini flashlight, a digital otoscope, cable clips, silicone lids for cans, silicone sponges, a ceramic box opener, an emergency car escape hammer… stuff like that.
OnAFreakingRollercoaster 3 years ago
Bottom line for anyone paying their way, the best gift is something practical and they use every day. The added bonus to this is that the giftee then gets to decide how to spend the money he/she doesn't have to spend on essentials 👌
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
One year I started reading Sue Grafton. I think that first book was "J is for Judgment". For Christmas that year my son & his gf gave me a shoebox filled with Grafton paperbacks from A to I. I'm the girl that would rather shop at Home Depot than Nordstrom. A few years ago my husband gave me a Defiant LED Tactical flashlight. One of my all time favorite gifts.
Shelby Jackson 3 years ago
Every year for the last 10 years my parents renew triple a for all the drivers in our family. My youngest is the last one and he turns 16 next week. It's a great gift. May not always use it but man when you need to it's nice to have.
Mary Jeffries 3 years ago
One year my grandma sent me a fancy box of dried fruit. It was so amazing and lasted for over a month.
Helen Schicketanz 3 years ago
One year my sister gave me a hubcap to replace the one I had lost. Greatest gift ever.
jenjie.newt 3 years ago
As a young female, the most empowering and useful gift I received was an electric drill. It wasn't even a fancy one, but I could do so much for myself, learned so much, and never had to rely on anyone.
Casey McAlister 3 years ago
I don't know about that. On one hand, yes, all those things are useful, but I'm not sure I'd be excited to get a new blanket or a pack of paper clips for my birthday. I'd rather get something more memorable and unique, even if less useful.
Elizabeth De Simone 2 years ago
I bought my broke college student cousin a big jar of his favorite peanut butter one Christmas. He loved it.
Awsomemom52 2 years ago
I asked my sons... just out of curiosity, what they would think if I gave them socks for Christmas. They didn't find the idea strange at all and said that socks were perfectly fine for Christmas... because that way, they wouldn't need to buy any themselves. Since then, they've always gotten some... usually they're thick, plush and very soft socks for "hanging out on the couch." Of course they also get something else, if I have the enough money. I also like to give away small bags of homemade Christmas cookies to friends and family, etc
Ryza Tigno 2 years ago
Before the pandemic hit, my friend and I would bake for each other, it was fun. I miss her since she had to move to the province during the pandemic.
Timmy Pillinger 3 years ago
John Lewis grade version of the worn out thing you got from a pound shop and use constantly. Belt, wallet, phone case, kitchen knives, tea mug, bedding, pen.
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