Life

35 Gifts For Picky People

by Maria Cassano

If there's any topic I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about, it's gifts for picky people. That's because, admittedly, I'm one of them. I prefer to pick out (and try on) my own clothes, I'm really into making sure my home decor matches perfectly, and I'm not a fan of clutter for clutter's sake. Basically, when it comes to gift ideas for people who are notoriously hard to buy for, take it from me: the best way to go is practical, unique, and innovative.

I'm sure you can think of someone similar, and now that the holidays are creeping up, you might be stressing hard about your gift list. Odds are you can't just walk into any old department store and find something for your picky mom or that friend who has everything. This one will take a little bit of extra planning.

Luckily, Amazon is filled with weird but genius gifts for people who are hard to please. Yeah, you can find all the same stuff you'd be able to find in a kitschy gift shop, but you can also find things that picky AF people will actually use on a daily basis. I'm not talking "a warm pair of socks"-use, but a "your present saved me when I was stranded somewhere with a dead phone"-use. That, in a nutshell, is gift-giving success.

1This Sleek Bamboo Tumbler For Piping Hot Tea Or Fruity Cool Water

LeafLife Bamboo Tea Infuser, $25, Amazon

This LeafLife tea infuser is as stylish as it is practical. It's made from 100 percent natural bamboo, and the inside is insulated with food grade stainless steel that keeps your drink of choice piping hot for 12 hours or ice cold for a whole day. It's BPA-free and won't absorb tastes or smells, so you can put a variety of beverages in it. It also comes with a detachable tea infuser and strainer to put loose-leaf tea that can steep while you travel — or pieces of fruit for some fruit-infused water.

2This Gorgeous-Smelling (But Badass) Bath Bomb That Turns Your Water Jet Black

Midnight Jet Black Bath Bomb, $8, Amazon

Bath bombs are pretty trendy right now, but this Midnight one turns your bath water jet black. It's made with bentonite clay and activated charcoal to pull impurities out of your skin, as well as coconut oil to moisturize and nourish. It has a citrusy cinnamon smell, and reviewers say it's fizzy, the size of a softball, and actually colors your water without staining anything else.

3A Sanitizer That Cleans Your Phone, Your Jewelry, And Your Earphones

Portable UV Cell Phone Sterilizer, $33, Amazon

This portable cell phone sterilizer is a lifesaver for anyone super picky about germs. It zaps and kills 99 percent of bacteria in just six minutes using a powerful UV light, and it charges your cell phone while doing so — and you can leave it in there overnight while it cleans and charges. It even works for jewelry, watches, earphones, and pens, and it has an aromatherapy function that works alongside your favorite essential oils for a clean-smelling burst of freshness. Reviewers love that it comes with a charging cord, won't damage protective glass screens, and even makes their phones smell good.

4This Lap Tray That Lets You Eat, Watch, or Work Anywhere

WELLAND Multi-Tasking Lap Tray, $32, Amazon

Filled with a soft and body-conforming layer of micro beads, this lap tray is great for eating on the couch, watching movies in bed, or working in any chair at all. It’s got an anti-scratch surface that’s sturdy but lightweight, and even has a convenient carrying handle for travel.

5This Extremely Relaxing Vibrating Head Massager

BONYON Head Massager, $13, Amazon

When it comes to increasing circulation, stimulating hair growth, and relieving tension, nothing will please picky people like this head massager. It has 126 dense massaging tentacles that vibrate for a relaxing scalp massage, and it runs on batteries, so it’s totally cordless.

6These 5 Tools That Stack Inside One Another To Save Space

Fruit Slicer Set, $17, Amazon

This kitchen tool can do 10 things with fruit — like scoop, mash, juice, grate, and slice. It's also compact, looks like a colorful apple, and gets through harder fruits like apples and pears. Reviewers say it's great to have on their kitchen countertop.

7This Frozen Ice Ball Maker That Ups Your Cocktail Game

Frozen Ice Ball Maker, $7, Amazon

These ice ball makers are perfect for crafting next-level cocktails with ease — and they're silicone, so the ice will be easy to remove once it's done. Also great for infusing ice cubes with citrus or mint leaves and making iced coffee without watering it down, these BPA-free molds are dishwasher safe. They won't tip over in the freezer, and they're leak-free, too.

8This Genius Gadget That Gives You Full Control Of Your Appliances From A Distance

Wemo Insight Smart Plug, $40, Amazon

Ever wished you could turn on a lamp with your voice, or shut off your straightener after you left the house? Cue the Wemo Insight Smart Plug, which turns any outlet into a smart one. It allows you to control your lights and appliances right from your phone, and even works alongside Alexa if you have it (no hub required). You can set timers for your lights to make it look like someone is always home, or put your electronics on a schedule to save power. It even tells you how much energy you're using up.

9A Warmer That Keeps Coffee Hot No Matter How Long You Take To Drink It

COSORI Stainless Steel Coffee Mug Warmer, $30, Amazon

Picky people don't put up with cold coffee. This stainless steel coffee warmer sits right on your desk to keep your coffee, tea, or beverage of choice at an optimal temperature. It heats from 77 to 194 degrees, and even has a backlit LED display and a large diameter heating surface that fits just about any mug. The warmer will even remember what temperature you use most and automatically revert to that temperature when you turn it on. It turns off when it overheats, and is great for soup or food as well.

10These Foot Masks That Make Callouses Peel Off In Sheets

Exfoliating Foot Peel Mask, $20 (2 Pack), Amazon

At-home spa baskets are always a solid choice, but throw in one of these exfoliating foot peel masks, and it'll be unbeatable. They use ingredients like aleo vera and milk extracts that cause the dead skin and callouses to literally peel off in sheets. Simply wear the foot masks for about an hour, wash your feet, and wait a few days. After the peeling finishes, you're left with baby-soft skin. They even smells like lavender for a more relaxing experience. You can customize the shoes to fit you exactly, too.

11This Six-Sphere Gadget That Stretches And Massages Feet

Moji Foot Pro Massager, $40, Amazon

With six stainless steel spheres and a slip-resistant base, this portable foot massager stretches and massages the entire plantar fascia for targeted relief wherever you happen to be. It can even be placed in the freezer for icy cooling benefits, and reviewers love it for easing the pain of pantar fasciitis, relaxing after a long day on their feet, or a subtle massage under their desk at work.

12This Awesome Daily Moisturizer Created For Picky Men

Bulldog Original Moisturizer, $8, Amazon

Bulldog is a skin care line created for men (but anyone can use and benefit from it), and their original moisturizer uses carefully-selected ingredients like aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea to nourish, hydrate, and heal. It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and smells so wonderful. One reviewer writes: "I have no problem borrowing it from my spouse and enjoy using it too. It doesn't leave behind a greasy film and is a pleasure to use.

13This Sugar Lip Scrub Fit For The Pickiest Of People

Hanalei Maui Sugar Lip Scrub, $14, Amazon

For the person who’s especially picky about their cosmetics, there’s this natural, sugar-based lip scrub. It doesn’t have any parabens or harsh ingredients, and instead only uses the best ingredients for smooth, hydrated lips. Real sugar buffs away dead skin cells, and kukui nut oil and shea butter lock in moisture. Reviewers says this scrub "leaves lips soft and exfoliated" and that it's made from "just the right blend of sugar and oil."

14This 4-In-1 Tool Is The Must-Have Kitchen Prep Appliance This Year

OXA Powerful 4-in-1 Hand Blender, $40, Amazon

The OXA 4-in-1 hand blender has thousands of reviews for a reason — it can blend, whisk, chop, and puree anything from salsa to pancake mix to sauces to smoothies. It comes with three attachments and two containers, both of which are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. The 300 watt motor tackles your most stubborn prep jobs to take all the stress out of cooking, and reviewers call it "silent but powerful" and "well-made."

15This Memory Foam Pillow With A Cooling Gel Layer For Hot Sleepers

Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow, $26, Amazon

This genius cooling memory foam pillow has a built-in gel layer that’s designed to balance body temperature on hot nights. The hypoallergenic mesh cover disperses heat and promotes airflow, and the soft interior cradles your head and and holds your neck in an optimal alignment for the best sleep ever, no matter what position you sleep in.

16This Weird Cushion That Improves Posture, Limits Back Pain, And Makes Any Chair Insanely Comfortable

Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Seat Cushion, $30, Amazon

With over 4,000 reviews, this Everlasting Comfort seat cushion must have something to it. It's filled with a heat-responsive memory foam that adjusts to your body while retaining its density. The orthopedic cut-out allows your tailbone to extend, relieving back pain associated with sciatica and tension, and the non-slip bottom stays put on any chair, from car to office. The removable cover is even machine-washable, and is even useful as a seat riser.

17This Aerator Pourer That Makes Cheap Wine Taste Like It's $50 A Bottle

Vintorio Wine Aerator Pourer, $15, Amazon

The Vintorio Wine pourer is a number one best seller because it stops stains, prevents leaks, and aerates your wine — all while you pour. It's elegantly designed and made with quality materials that last, and it infuses your drink with the optimal amount of oxygen for much more body and flavor. "The taste was like night and day," says one reviewer, while another says, "$10 blends are [now] better than $50 mark-ups at the local Napa vineyards."

18These Brilliant Gloves That Make Washing Dishes A Breeze

Cleaning And Scouring Gloves, $8, Amazon

Why didn't someone think of this sooner? These cleaning gloves keep your hands dry and clean, but they've also got a scouring pad right on the palm so you can wash dishes without a sponge. They're durable, hygienic, and ideal for the designated dish washer of the family. They're also great for any room in the house — you can clean the kitchen or the bathroom with these.

19These Awesome Bamboo Toothbrushes Ideal For Sensitive Mouths

ITS JUNLAN Bamboo Sensitive Toothbrushes, $9 (Pack Of 4), Amazon

These bamboo toothbrushes might just be the most thoughtfully-designed toothbrushes your picky person ever owns. The charcoal fibre bristles are polished for an extra-soft clean fit for sensitive teeth and gums, the handmade bamboo handle is carbonized in high temperatures to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, and it’ll never splinter or degrade due to water. They’re also BPA-free, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and come in a sleek-looking storage case.

20This Gadget Lets You Lock Any Door In Seconds, And Installs Without Tools

Addalock, $22, Amazon

The Addalock is a must-have gift for travelers, college students, or anyone who wants a little more privacy. It's a one-piece gadget that installs in seconds without tools, adding a lock to any door. It offers additional safety and security wherever you happen to be, and hundreds of reviews rave about how reliable and easy it is to use.

21This Hilarious (But Practical) Gift For Anyone With A Sense Of Humor

Wine Condoms Bottle Stopper, $14, Amazon

Hilarious yet pretty darn functional, these Wine Condoms will please anyone with a sense of humor. They look and feel like real condoms, but they slip over your bottles and beverages to keep them fresher for longer. They sit flush with the rim of the bottle to save space in the fridge (and can easily be put face up on a fridge shelf), they fit just about any size bottle, and they can be used as many times as you want.

22The Cup That Tricks You Into Drinking More Water

The Right Cup Brain-Tricking Cup, $30, Amazon

Everyone knows someone who doesn't like the taste of water. This genius cup is safely scented to trick the brain into thinking you're drinking soda, iced tea, or juice without adding sugar or real flavoring. You can get it in six different flavors (like cola, grape, and orange), and some even use it with seltzer to enhance the experience. It's a great gift for someone who's trying to cut down on sugar, and if you wash it by hand, the aroma will last for months. "Imagine my surprise when it worked!" comments one previously-skeptical reviewer. "I filled this cup with plain tap water and I could swear that I was drinking an orange flavored drink."

23This Weird Tray That Defrosts Food In Minutes Without Heat Or Chemicals

Magical Defrosting Tray, $28, Amazon

Defrost totally frozen food within 30 minutes to one hour using this magical tray. It works without chemicals or electricity, and defrosts evenly and safely while remaining cool to the touch. It's great for bacon, burgers, chicken, or steak, and reviewers say, "Everyone needs one of these... I can't say enough positive things about this tray!!! I show it off by putting an ice cube on the counter, and one on the (cold) tray. People are always shocked at how the ice cube on the tray immediately starts to melt." You don't need to preheat the tray, either — just take it out and start using it immediately.

24This Portable Espresso Machine That Doesn't Even Require Batteries

Alfawise Espresso Maker, $54, Amazon

This epic portable espresso maker doesn't use any batteries — you just need to charge it. All you have to do is add hot water, load in your coffee grinds, and pump. It's capable of making quality espresso with good crema in just a few seconds no matter where you happen to be, and it's surprisingly easy to clean, too. It's even hand-powered, too, if you're not around an electrical source.

25This Natural Solution Allows You To Give The Gift Of A Great Night's Sleep

Nutrovape Sleep, $26 (3 Pack), Amazon

It works like an electronic cigarette, but it's filled with essential oils (like passionflower and chamomile) that'll help you relax and sleep soundly through the night. It's portable, fits right in your pocket, and each one has around 200 inhalations. Most importantly, reviewers say it really works: "This sleeping inhaler is easy to use, tastes great, and works quickly. No hangover, and no trouble waking up early as usual. Pills take up to an hour to kick in, whereas the Nutrovape has me asleep before I even turn the TV off." The LED light goes up when it's in use, so you'll never

26This Cosmetic Bag That Lays Out Flat So You Can Stop Your Endless Digging

Lay-n-Go Cosmo Cosmetic Bag, $35, Amazon

The Lay-n-Go Cosmo cosmetic bag opens up flat to give you 20 inches of storage for all your makeup. It's even got a lip to stop things from rolling off and bands and pockets to keep everything organized. Best of all, when it inevitably gets stained with your foundation, you can just throw it in the washing machine. It comes in 14 different colors, too. It's easy to travel with, but reviewers just use it as their regular makeup bag, too.

27This Brilliant Kitchen Gadget That Cooks Pasta Perfectly In The Microwave

Microwave Pasta Cooker, $15, Amazon

It saves time, energy, and water, and the result is a perfect al dente dinner every time. This microwave pasta cooker evenly tackles any kind of pasta without boiling over or sticking. It's got a strainer right in the lid, so its insanely easy to make a full dinner in minutes. It's also dishwasher safe and BPA-free, and it won't boil over in the microwave.

28This Stainless Steel Credit Card Tool That Tackles 11 Different Jobs

Guardman 11-In-1 Credit Card Tool, $8, Amazon

With a slim design that fits right in a wallet, the Guardman 11 in 1 tool is an awesome thing to have just in case. It can open beers and cans, tighten bolts and nuts, and even has a built-in ruler and screwdriver. Best of all, it's made from durable stainless steel, so it'll last someone years of camping trips, emergencies, and quick fixes.

29This Odd But Intriguing Gift For The Person Who Has Everything

HemingWeigh Himalayan Salt Cooking Tile, $20, Amazon

This Himalayan salt slab is a unique gift for the person who has everything else. Grill, sear, chill, season, or serve on this natural cutting board that infuses your food with flavor. It's extremely absorbent, so it'll keep your food cold or hot for longer — so serve things like cheese or a seafood platter on it. You can even put it directly on your grill or stove top to ensure that your meals are flavorful, juicy, and expertly seasoned. It's also antibacterial, so it can simply be cleaned with a wet cloth.

30This Awesome Heated Wrap That Has Pockets

Chill-Away Heated Wrap, $23, Amazon

For that loved one who's always cold, there's this amazing heated wrap. Extra soft fleece and four settings offer customized heat, and a long cord ensures that you can use it just about anywhere. It's even got pockets to warm your hands, and comes in six colors to match any decor. It's great for watching TV in the evenings, drinking your coffee in the morning, or even bringing to work with you: "My office is always freezing and this is small enough to keep at my desk and keeps me warm," says one reviewer.

31This Mud Mask That Can Be Used On The Face, Body, Or Hair

Dead Sea Mud Mask For Face, Body, And Hair, $12, Amazon

This strange but apparently very effective all-over mask has people raving: Love this so much !! It goes on very smooth. Not gritty at all. Even has a pleasant smell." It's also vegan and made with dead sea mud, aloe vera juice, jojoba oil, and shea butter to exfoliate, detoxify, and deep clean your hair and skin.

32This Brilliant Strap/Wallet For When You’re Just Carrying The Essentials

Sinjimoru Phone Strap Wallet, $10, Amazon

This brilliant phone strap is a must-have for concerts, nights out, and situations where you can’t or don’t want to have a purse. It securely adheres to the back of your phone or case and includes a durable strap for your fingers that stretches to fit any hand. It even has a wallet that holds up to ten cards and a few bills. Should you choose to take it off, it won’t leave any residue on the back of your phone.

33This Essential Oil Aromatherapy Candle Set That Uses Only Safe Ingredients

ArtNaturals Aromatherapy Candles Gift Set, $23 (Set of 6), Amazon

Because they're clean-burning, use only soy wax, and feature real USA-made essential oils, these ArtNaturals Aromatherapy Candles are a great gift for the perfectionist in your life. Each one is named after a gemstone and have relaxing scent combinations like peach and prosecco or vanila and sandalwood. They're also paraben- and sulfate- free, and burn clean without any soot residue. Reviewers love how long the scent lasts, too.

34This Mini Blanket That Ensures Your Butt Is Always Clean And Dry

Matador Mini Pocket Blanket, $20, Amazon

I love gifts that ensure I'm always prepared for anything. The Matador mini pocket blanket fits in the palm of your hand when folded up, but when it's unfolded, it keeps you clean and dry on all your adventures. One side water repellent while the other is puncture-resistant, so you've always got a place to sit for impromptu concerts, barbecues, beach days, or picnics. It's got an integrated key loop and pouch, so you won't risk losing the case, and it's big enough to fit more than one person.

35The Ultimate Mood Lighting Bulb That Has 16 Million Color Combinations

Magiclight Bluetooth Bulb, $31, Amazon

Your phone or tablet controls this Magiclight Bluetooth bulb, which allows you to choose between 16 million colors and multiple pre-set functions. It's the ultimate mood light, and can help you fall asleep or wake up with its night light and sunrise settings. You can even schedule your bulb to turn on or off at certain times, and you can sync your bulb to your music for parties or an easier way to chill out.

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