Finding the perfect gift can be tricky at the best of times, and when you’re shopping for someone who already seems to have everything, it can feel genuinely impossible. That’s why we’ve rounded up 20+ unusual gift ideas, from unique experiences to keepsakes and quirky finds they won’t be expecting.
We also asked our wonderful independent creators about the wackiest gifts they’ve ever received, and let’s just say a pineapple isn’t even the strangest thing on the list…. Dive in, have a look around, and decide on what to buy someone who has everything!
Experience gifts
Experience gifts are a brilliant way to give someone a new memory rather than something else to stuff in their drawer. Whether it’s a daytrip or a stargazing experience, there are a bunch of different options to choose from.
1. Concert tickets
If their favourite artist is touring, grab a couple of tickets and head to the gig together. Do dinner before and drinks after to make a full evening out of it!
2. Stargazing experience
Whether they’re obsessed with all things space or just love trying new things, try a stargazing experience in one of the UK’s dark sky spots, like Kielder Observatory in Northumberland.
3. Candle making
They’ll get to mix and match scents and leave with something handmade for their home (ideal for creative people who love cosy things).
4. Pottery workshop
Whether it’s a masterpiece or more of a slightly wonky mug, a pottery workshop is perfect for creative friends and family.
5. Adventure day
From axe throwing to ziplining and paintballing, choose something that suits their interests and get it booked in.
Gifts based on hobbies and interests
Maybe they’re a keen gardener or always have a book in their hand? Go with a gift based on their go-to hobby.
1. Gardening kit or unusual plant
Why not put together a gardening kit, filled with handy tools, gloves, seeds, and twine? Or for something even easier, visit a local garden centre and pick out an unusual-looking plant.
2. Bookshop voucher
Rather than choosing a book they’ll never read, buy them a bookshop voucher so they can wander around the shelves and pick something they’ll love. This is especially good if they have super specific tastes.
3. Crafting kit
If it’s your creative friend’s birthday, grab a basket and stuff it with paints, pompoms, glitter glue and more. Or go with a jewellery-making kit stocked with elastic and pretty beads.
4. Photography accessories
From camera straps to polaroid film and even mini photo printers, there are a bunch of bits your photography-loving friend will appreciate.
5. Song lyric print
For music lovers, a print or poster featuring their favourite lyrics is a super thoughtful idea. You can find prints in all sorts of styles, from minimalist designs to bold artwork.
Budget friendly unique gifts
When you’ve got multiple birthdays and occasions popping up throughout the year, it’s not always possible to buy a big gift. Gifts under £15 can be just as lovely though, especially when you choose something that matches their personality.
1. Quirky mug
Choose one with a silly slogan or an inside joke only you two understand, then they’ll smirk every time they make their morning coffee.
2. Puzzle book or game
From card games to crosswords and Sudoku, pick a pocket-sized game that they can use whenever they’re bored on a train or relaxing with a cup of tea.
3. Decision dice
A decision dice is ideal for an indecisive friend or sibling! No more waiting around for them to choose what they want to eat or when they want to meet. Just roll the dice and decision made.
4. Coffee shop gift card
If they’re into their coffee, grab a gift card from a spot on their commute to work then they can get themselves a little pick-me-up.
5. Grow-your-own kit
From herbs and chillies to mushrooms and wildflowers, a grow-your-own kit is great for green-fingered friends with a sunny windowsill.
Personalised gifts
If you’re still stuck for gift ideas for people who have everything, the personalisation route is sometimes the best option. Most of these are also really fun to pull together:
1. Recipe cards
Whether it’s Mediterranean-inspired pasta or yummy desserts, handwritten recipe cards are always useful and thoughtful. Add some signature family recipes for a unique touch.
2. Mystery snack box
Put together a personalised mystery snack box filled with treats they’ve never tried (but you know they’ll love). We’re thinking international sweets, unusual crisps, and fun fizzy drinks!
3. Birth flower print
Personal and unique, birth flower prints make brilliant birthday gifts. You could even buy them a matching bunch of flowers if you’re feeling generous.
4. Personalised jigsaw
Turn one of your favourite photos together into a jigsaw puzzle for something that’s sentimental and fun. Frame the puzzle after for a cute keepsake.
5. Star map
Whether it’s the night you got engaged or your first date, this is a lovely way to turn a memorable moment into something to keep. Perfect for partners!
Really unusual gift ideas…
We also asked our independent creators about some of the most unusual gifts they’ve ever received, and here’s a look at what they said:
- “A pineapple.”-bagleyillustration
- “Coat hangers wrapped in a cardboard box.”-natashascxtt
- “Easter greetings cards at Christmas from my ex-partner’s nan.” – mitchianfox
- “An accordion!”-nancyandbelle
- “A spoon that said, ‘good morning sister’ from my sister for my birthday…that was it!”- deedeesween
It’s safe to say that these are definitely unique, and while we love an original gift, just maybe think twice about wrapping up a random household item and calling it a day…
And there we have it, a guide filled to the brim with unique and unusual gift options. We hope you’ve got a bunch of ideas on what to buy someone who has everything now, but if you’re still looking for inspiration, feel free to check out our other gift guides.
From gifts to cheer someone up like colouring books and cosy pjs to housewarming hamper ideas, we’ve covered pretty much all bases.
