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50 Gifts For People Who Are Hard To Buy For
If there's a present I know a loved one absolutely has to have, I'll find a way to make sure they get it. But that’s pretty rare — most of the time, it's not easy to figure out what to get someone. People are picky! In fact, finding gifts for people who are hard to buy for can feel like torture — or used to, until I realized how to change my approach.
In my experience, there are two things you can do if you're stuck and literally have no clue what to get someone. One option is to go completely random with it and gift someone one of the insanely brilliant but bizarre products you can find on Amazon. Another is to visualize a need or a problem that person has and search for a product that helps with that. For example, if you're trying to find a present for someone with night sweats, a cooling pillow could be an awesome and completely unexpected way to help make that problem go away. Best of all, it could be something they'd have never thought of on their own.
Contrary to what you might think, giving a thoughtful present doesn't mean you have to break the bank. All it takes is a little imagination and maybe a dash of weirdness. Here are 50 hidden gems on Amazon that are sure to make even the toughest person on your gift list crack a smile.
2. Cook Meat Perfectly Every Time With This Best-Selling Food Thermometer
ThermoPro TP-16 Large LCD Digital Food Thermometer, $15, Amazon
An Amazon’s Choice product, this food thermometer nearly has a perfect five-star rating. It works with ovens, smokers, and stove-tops and can read temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. It has a timer, LCD screen display, flip-out counter stand, and magnetic back, and comes programmed with a variety of preset temperatures for cooking different types of fish and meat. Best of all, it’s covered by a lifetime warranty, and will only set you back $15.
3. Make Both Sides The Cool Side Of The Pillow With This Ultra-Soft Invention
Classic Brands Memory Foam Pillow, $32, Amazon
For a cool night's sleep, this cool gel-infused memory foam pillow is absolutely perfect because it responds to your body's temperature and molds to fit your shape, so you'll have continuous head, neck, and shoulder support throughout the night. Because this pillow is ventilated for increased airflow and naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, it's great for sensitive sleepers. It also comes with a machine-washable knit cover, which is designed to help disperse body heat and wick away moisture, so you'll get quality rest each evening.
4. Go Paperless With This Innovative LCD Writing Tablet
Boogie Board 8.5-Inch LCD Writing Tablet, $16, Amazon
Say goodbye to memo pads with this ultra-light and thin LCD writing tablet, which is designed to replace paper notepads and eliminate waste. Easy to erase with the touch of a button and write on with a stylus — which is included — or any other writing tool (even your finger), this tablet is pressure sensitive and powered by a watch battery, which never needs replacing and is good for up to 50,000 erase cycles. It can also attach to multiple surfaces but is durable enough that you can take it with you on the go.
5. A Three-In-One Speaker That You Can Take Outdoors
Ianzuk Bluetooth Speaker, $30, Amazon
This three-in-one speaker is a great companion for camping or outdoor trips because it does so much. Bluetooth enabled for a distance of 33 feet and 10 hours of wireless playback, the speaker functionality of this delivers a hi-fi sound experience and comes with 5-watt output. In addition, this device doubled as an LED flashlight, and has two dimmable modes, plus it works as a power bank/emergency power supply.
6. Incorporate An Incredibly Warm Accent With This Faux-Fur Blanket
Chanasya Faux-Fur Fuzzy Blanket, $30, Amazon
Nobody — literally nobody, I don’t care who you are — can deny the pleasure of a soft, fuzzy blanket. So no matter how picky the person on your list is, they’re guaranteed to use this: A microfiber throw that doesn’t shed and is machine-washable. It comes in 17 fun colors and patterns, including neutrals and animal prints, and five sizes, as well as a set of two throw-pillow covers.
7. Firm Your Skin Up With This Heated Facial Massager
iCoostor Portable Facial Massager, $21, Amazon
This portable facial massager uses micro-vibrations to help activate skin cells and firm up skin, restore elastic fibers, and stimulate blood cells to accelerate collagen regrowth. Made with a special ion massage head that heats up, this massager helps open the pores and works great on the eyes, forehead, face, and neck. It's also lightweight and helps skin absorb moisturizers and serums faster and more efficiently.
8. Keep Fresh Herbs Good For Longer With This Designated Container
Cole & Mason Fresh Herb Keeper, $19, Amazon
This container is designed specifically for keeping herbs fresher, longer. The lid has air vents that keep the oxygen flowing to the herbs, and three dividers allow you to store each herb in its own spot. It aims to keep herbs good for 10 days longer than your typical container.
9. Keep Jewelry Clean And Shiny With This Ultrasonic Cleaning Device
Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner, $40, Amazon
If there’s someone on your list who wears a lot of jewelry, gift them with something they’ll actually use: this ultrasonic cleaning device that works on eyeglasses, utensils, coins, and more. It’s super easy to use — just requiring water and some optional dish soap — as it erases dirt and grime through the use of ultrasonic waves. It has a digital display and can fit multiple items inside, resulting in sparkly metal.
10. Fall Asleep Faster With This Sleep Aid Device
Dodow Sleep Aid Device, $59, Amazon
This sleep device is a metronome (aka a device that produces an audible beat) with a relaxing light system and is a simple, natural way to fall asleep faster, and works especially well for those who struggle with insomnia, anxiety at night, or have unusual sleeping schedules. It comes in two modes — an 8-minute mode and 20-minute mode — and can help eliminate the need for sleeping pills or other medications to facilitate sleep. Best of all, it promotes greater relaxation and can help you reach a deeper, more restorative sleep. Reviewers love that it helps them sleep through the night, too.
11. This Seven-In-One Kitchen Tool That Saves Valuable Drawer Space
Prepara Fruit Multitool, $20, Amazon
Stainless steel for total durability, this kitchen tool functions as a peeler, knife, zester, apple corer, huller, pitter, and reamer. "I'd recommend it for any kitchen with limited storage space... or for boating, camping, gourmet picnics, etc.," wrote one enthusiastic reviewer. "Definitely a cool gift for any hard-to-buy-for gourmand."
12. An LED Digital Alarm Clock With A Dimmer Slider And Really Loud Alarm
Travelwey LED Digital Alarm Clock, $15, Amazon
Sleeping in a room with bright lights can be way too stimulating and distracting. This LED digital alarm clock solves that problem with a dimmer that lets you adjust its brightness to suit your needs. Otherwise, the jumbo illuminated numbers are simple to read and an optional nightlight is perfect if you want a subtle, soothing source of light. Another bonus: no matter how difficult it is for you to wake up and get going in the morning, this clock can help: its alarm is loud and keeps going for a full five minutes (good luck snoozing through that).
13. Pick Up Lint And Stray Hair With This Portable Lint Roller
Flint Reusable Lint Roller, $9, Amazon
This retractable lint brush roller looks like a tube of lipstick but it's actually a discreet and extremely convenient tool that makes it easy to get rid of lint, hair, and dirt even when you're traveling. Because it has a cover, the adhesive part won't stick or cling to materials in your bag or car. And because it comes with 30 multi-use, recyclable adhesive sheets made from Japanese paper, this roller comes with everything you need to keep your outfit looking profesh.
14. This 13-Piece Trimmer That'll Turn Their Bathroom Into A Barber Shop
Philips Norelco 13-Attachment Trimmer, $16, Amazon
This trimmer, from trusted brand Norelco, includes nine attachments that can get just about any job done. It's perfect for trimming or shaving their hair, beard, sideburns, nose, ears and more. And all the attachments are washable, including the main blade, so it's easy to keep clean and sanitary.
15. Get A Closer Look At Your Pores With This Lighted Magnifying Glass
Floxite LED Lighted Travel and Home Magnifying Mirror, $30, Amazon
This mirror magnifies by 10x and features eight LED lights with bulbs that never need to be replaced (because this takes batteries), plus a back stand so the mirror props up with ease, you can go hands-free with this mirror and use it on a variety of surfaces, not just your vanity table. Reviewers love that it lasts over a year without needed to even change the batteries.
16. Improve Your Selfie Game With This LED Camera Light
QIAYA Ring Light for Camera, $13, Amazon
If you or someone you know loves taking selfies but struggles to find good lighting for pics, this rechargeable and adjustable ring light is seriously a must-buy. Pocket-sized and compact, this ring light attaches to your phone and delivers professional-quality lighting, so no more dark circles or blurry pics. Featuring three light levels, you can dim or brighten this light based on your preference, for the best pics possible. It comes with a cord so you can recharge it with ease.
17. Get The Full Scoop With This Warming Ice Cream Scoop
Heat-Conducting Ice Cream Scoop, $15, Amazon
This ice cream scoop is unlike any other ice cream scoop you'll ever have because it warms frozen blocks of ice cream with only the heat generated from your hand. The aluminum scoop gets warm — and just enough to make it easy to get a perfect, full scoop out of super-hard and frozen ice cream, but its specially coated to keep ice cream from melting. There's absolutely no battery or electricity to make this work, and it's easy to clean by wiping with a damp cloth.
18. A Set Of 12 Hydrating Sheet Masks
Celavi Essence Sheet Masks, $13 (12 Masks), Amazon
Made with ingredients like tea tree, honey, and charcoal, these sheet masks add back moisture to the face. They're great for all skin types, and there's one in the pack for anything their skin might be feeling.
19. Snuggle Up With This Super-Cozy Heated Blanket
Sunbeam Reversible Sherpa/Mink Heated Throw Blanket, $60, Amazon
This super-soft heated blanket comes with a controller, offers three heat settings so you can customize it to get as heated as you need, but it also comes with a three-hour auto-off function, so you can feel confident it will stay safe to use. It's totally reversible, featuring a velvety side and one that feels like sheep's wool (but it's not made from real animal fur) that feel amazingly warm on chilly nights. It's also machine washable and dryer safe.
20. A Short, Plush Robe With A Hood
Mae Burn-Out Hearts Short Plush Robe (S-XL), $34, Amazon
Once you get over the cuteness of this robe’s heart design, you’ll keep falling in love with its other features, like the soft, plush material (it’s 100 percent polyester) and the fact that it has an actual oversize hood to keep your head warm. The self-tie sash at the waist holds everything together, it comes in two colors (red and grey), and reviewers describe this as a lightweight robe that’s amazingly fluffy and comfortable.
21. This Portable Personal Oven That Can Cook Or Heat Food Anywhere There's An Outlet
HotLogic Mini Personal Portable Oven, $50, Amazon
It might look like a lunch box, but this unique device is actually a powerful personal oven you can use anywhere there's an outlet. Reheating meals is the least impressive thing it does — it can even cook raw food, like frozen chicken breasts, without a problem. Prep food the night before, plug the oven in when you get to work, and you'll have a hot, fresh meal by lunchtime.
22. Exfoliate Skin With This Vegan-Friendly Scrub
The Seaweed Bath Co. Exfoliating Detox Body Scrub, $12, Amazon
Restore and detoxify skin with this exfoliating, vegan body scrub made from organic Maine bladderwrack seaweed, which contains more than 65 vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that work to increase hydration. It's also made with green coffee bean extract, which promotes skin cell regeneration, plus green tea extract and walnut shells to exfoliate and protect skin, this paraben- and gluten-free scrub packs a big wallop.
23. Treat Yourself With This At-Home Soft Serve Machine
Gourmia Healthy Frozen Dessert Maker, $48, Amazon
This soft serve maker makes frozen desserts that are actually good for you — because they turn fruit into all kinds of treats. All you have to do is add ingredients and the frozen fruits of your choice to this machine and it can quickly churn out a yummy dessert, from soft serve to sorbets that don't have added sugar or preservatives. Dishwasher-safe and easy to use, this soft-serve machine is also durable and built to last. You can use things like bananas, berries, and even cocoa powder in your creations.
24. Improve Your Mood With This Light Therapy Lamp
Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp, $55, Amazon
This light therapy lamp could be a great option for those that find their energy lower during cloudy days and the winter season. It helps improve mood, boost energy, and get your body's circadian rhythm back on track, since limited exposure to light can throw it out of sync. This light, which produces 10,000 lux that mimic natural sunlight. Featuring a sleek design and a 50,000-hour lifespan, this LED light therapy lamp is great for continued reuse. It also turns on and off with a touchscreen.
25. Dry Off With This Super-Absorbent Towel That Literally Dries In Seconds
Aquis Original Lisse Body Towel, $28, Amazon
This soft and lightweight body towel is woven with ultra-fine microfiber that won't feel harsh or coarse on skin like other towels, and also rapidly absorbs moisture — which is great if you're looking for a fast-drying alternative to your old cotton ones. You can dry skin more gently because it just needs to be patted on rather than rubbing it all over, and this towel also dries quickly after use and is machine washable, so caring for it is a breeze.
26. Take A Crack At The Perfect Breakfast With This Omelet Maker
Dash Omelette Maker, $28, Amazon
Whether you want to make fluffy omelets or frittatas, this versatile omelette maker is a no-fuss, no-muss way to do it — just add ingredients, close the machine, and you flip it over for dual side cooking. The non-stick surface heats up evenly, is easy to wipe clean, and has green indicator light signal functions, which show when its fully preheated. This omelet maker is also narrow, so it won't take up an entire counter's worth of space, and you can use it for other things like pizza pockets and even crispy skin salmon.
27. Experience A Refreshing Clean With This Foot Scrub And Massager
The FootMate System Foot Massager & Scrubber, $29, Amazon
Designed for use in either a shower or kitchen, this podiatrist-recommended two-in-one scrubber and massager works as a complete foot care system for stimulating, massaging, and cleaning feet. It features stiff outer brushes, which go to work on tough, callused skin and help stimulate circulation, while a soft-bristled inner brush massages gentle soles, leaving them feeling rejuvenated. This set also comes with cleaning gel, an anti-mildew rope, and a suction cupped bottom, so it won't slip or slide during use in the shower.
28. Create Your Own Time Machine With This Five-Year Journal
Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal, $13, Amazon
Wonder what you were thinking five years ago? With this classically designed journal, which comes with 368 pages, you can literally flip back to how you were feeling five years earlier and see for yourself. In this journal, you'll be asked 365 questions over the course of five years — like "On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you?" and "What can you smell right now?" — and provide up to 1,825 answers that will let you remember tidbits of your life you probably would have forgotten if you didn't write them down.
29. Take Your Lunch To Work In Style With This Adult Lunch Box
Bento Box And Utensils, $19, Amazon
If you bring your lunch to work with you, you'll definitely want to consider grabbing this Bento Box, which is inspired by the traditional Japanese lunch box. Designed in a minimalist black and wood, but also featuring a rubberized exterior, this BPA-free lunch box features dual layer air-tight containers, airtight and leak-proof silicone lids, plus utensils. Because this lunchbox is also dishwasher- and microwave-safe, it's an ultra-convenient way to transport your lunch.
30. Nourish Your Hair With This Repairing Hair Jelly
Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask, $15, Amazon
Formulated with royal jelly and six other essences, which work together to moisturize and strengthen weak and damaged hair (especially bleached hair), this replenishing hair mask is made in Japan and works best when it's used once to twice a week. Just massage it into your hair and coat strands thoroughly after shampooing and conditioning, then put on a shower cap (or saran wrap) and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing out. It can also restore shine, and reviewers write things like: "I have wavy, curly, dense and frizzy prone hair. I use about a small palms worth a few times a week and I think it really helps keep the frizz down and tightens up my curls."
31. Extend A Hand With This Useful Reaching Assistant Tool
Reacher Grabber By Vive, $16, Amazon
If you know someone who could use an extra hand, consider buying them this reaching assistant tool, which also acts as a trash and litter picker-upper, garden nabber, and arm extension. It stretches to 32 inches, is coated with an anti-slip material, and has a jaw that rotates 360 degrees. It can be used horizontally or vertically, has an ergonomic handle, and can even pick up things like glass bottles safely. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
32. Store Dirty Clothes With Ease Using This Over-The-Door Laundry Hamper
Urban Mom Door-Hanging Laundry Hamper, $16, Amazon
If you don't have much space to spare, this hanging-door laundry hamper is like a dream come true. It comes with stainless steel hooks, which fit most standard-size doors and make it easy to install, plus super-convenient front hole design, which makes it easy to drop dirty clothes in but keeps them from spilling out. Large enough to fit an average load of wash, this machine-washable canvas hamper makes a great gift for college kids, especially.
33. This Handheld Sewing Machine That Can Fix Falling Hems & Minor Tears Anywhere
Portable Sewing Machine, $17, Amazon
This handheld sewing machine is just the thing for quick fixes. It can easily tackle falling hems or minor tears, and it doesn't require any sewing knowledge to use. It can be powered by either four AA batteries or the included power adapter, and a six-month warranty is included with purchase.
34. Style Your Hair With This Innovative, Cord-Free Straighter
Huachi Hair Straightener, $43, Amazon
This mini hair straightener fits right inside most handbags and is a seriously amazing hair styling tool to have whether you're going on a quick overnight trip or you're traveling for weeks at a time. Totally cordless and rechargeable, it heats up in seconds, features three heat settings for all hair types, a USB port for cell phone charging, and a 30-minute auto shut-off function for peace of mind.
35. Pack And Store All Your Essentials In This Durable Cosmetic Bag
Casper & Coal Travel Cosmetic Bag, $18, Amazon
This canvas cosmetic bag is designed to hold products completely upright — and it's large enough to fit full bottles of shampoo — and has a drawstring to keep things secure. It's got three pockets and elastic bands to keep smaller items extra safe, a nylon interior to keep things leakproof, and is machine washable. Reviewers love that it leaves them extra space in their suitcase, and they love using it on their vanity even when they're not traveling.
36. Give Your Tablet Props With This Two-In-One Pillow
IPEVO PadPillow Tablet Stand, $21, Amazon
Whether you're traveling or just reading in bed, this travel tablet pillow and stand can make everything so much better. Featuring a front pocket that stores most tablets and e-readers, and back storage pocket, this stand is great for organizing. Best of all, it's made from 100 percent cotton and is available in a range of colors, so you can pick and choose based on what you most like — and use it as a pillow in a pinch.
37. This Cool Multi-Tool That's 'Ready For Anything'
Leatherman Stainless Steel Multi-Tool, $45, Amazon
The Skeletool has every tool they'll need to be "ready for anything." Despite weighing only five ounces, it features both needlenose and regular pliers, hard and regular wire-cutters, a combo-knife, a combination carabiner and bottle-opener, and large bit driver.
38. Relieve Neck, Shoulder, And Lower Back Aches With This Massager
Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager, $46, Amazon
Struggling with a sore back, or too much tension in your neck and shoulders? This Shiatsu kneading massager comes with eight deep-kneading modes and works to soothe tight muscles, release stress, and mimic the feel of an actual masseuse. Featuring a heating button, three speed functionality, auto-timer, and AC and car adapter, this massager also helps to improve circulation to troubled areas, making it a vital relaxation tool. "Oh my heck! Amazing! I used to spend $60 to $80on massage. Not anymore! Just amazing and I control the depth I need," one reviewer writes.
39. This Smartphone Holder That's Great To Use In The Car
Baseus Cell Phone Mount, $15, Amazon
This smartphone mount is one of those items that can make things so much simpler, especially if you use your phone as a GPS and want to stay focused on the road. This mount attaches to phones via a powerful magnet and attaches to surfaces with 3M adhesive technology. It also offers 360-degree universal rotation, so you can adjust with ease.
40. Get Out Of Your Own Head With This Hysterically Transformative Book
Unfu*k Yourself, $11, Amazon
A “BS-free” guide to self-empowerment, this funny book takes an “honest, no-nonsense, tough-love approach to help you move past self-imposed limitations.” Written by a personal development coach with decades of experience, it includes brutal — but useful — advice and self-help “tools,” if you will, to help readers redesign their lives. A warning, though: This book isn’t for the easily offended.
41. Everything You Need To Grow Herbs From Scratch
Nature’s Blossom Grow 4 Herbal Tea Plants, $20, Amazon
Amateur gardeners can grow herbs right in their kitchen with this herbal tea plant growing kit. The kit comes with seeds for mint, lemon balm, chamomile, and catnip, as well as biodegradable planters, soil discs, and plant markers. All seeds are 100 percent certified organic, non-GMO, and made in the USA. No worries if you don’t know what you’re doing — a step-by-step instruction guide will make an expert out of you.
42. These Moisturizing Heel Socks That Treat And Repair Dry Feet
ImageAmazonNatraCure 5-Toe Moisturizing Gel Socks, $15, Amazon
Although these toe socks look quirky, they're are actually amazing. The premium gel lining releases therapeutic oils and vitamins that give dry, rough feet and intense moisturizing treatment. They are recommended for daily use, but should be worn at least two to three times per week.
43. A Wireless Remote That Controls Electrical Outlets
Etekcity Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch, $22, Amazon
With this wireless remote control electrical outlet switch you can control your outlets with the touch of a button. This is a game-changer when it comes to saving electricity because you can turn outlets off when the appliances that are plugged into them are not in use. This will prevent energy vampire electronics from sucking up power even when they are supposed to be off. It carries a strong signal that works through doors and walls and outlets remain off after a power outage to conserve energy.
44. Avoid Campfire-Roasting Disasters With These Extendable Sticks
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks, $18 (Set Of 6), Amazon
Is there anything more frustrating than roasting the perfect, lightly-charred marshmallow, only for it to fall into the campfire as you attempt to bring it back towards you? Or worse yet — being unable to find a stick that’s supportive enough or reaches the fire. Say goodbye to all those woes with these extendable sticks, which are made of non-toxic stainless steel and have comfortable rubber handles. They hold almost two pounds, so they can roast hot dogs and sausages, too, and are tipped with non-sharp points that secure food, but won’t pose a risk to young kids. This pack comes with six, in a variety of fun colors — perfect for your friend or family member who’s always going camping.
45. Keep Track Of Your Keys With This Magnetic Rack
The KeyCatch by KeySmart: A Modern Magnetic Key Rack (6-Pack), $22, Amazon
Never lose track of your keys again with these genius magnets that eliminate the need for a bulky key rack. They hold up to three pounds each and require no assembly — just place one on the light switch next to each door, and you'll never be stuck fumbling around again.
46. This Two-Device Charger That's Great For Travel
Dual USB Wall Charger, $10, Amazon
This powerful charger can re-up two devices, and it promises to do so in half the time of most chargers. This is a great gift for anyone who travels often. The plug folds into the charger, so it can fit into even the snuggest of carry-ons, and it's perfect for making the most of the single outlet they'll get on the plane.
47. Take Smoothies On-The-Go With This Travel Blender
TopEsct Personal Blender, $22, Amazon
This portable personal blender blends smoothies and protein shakes on the go — and is easy to transport wherever you are. It comes with a rechargeable battery and can juice up easily thanks to its USB port (where you can also charge your phone with), and has six blades, which make slicing and dicing a breeze. Totally BPA-free, this tiny blender is powerful, comes with a convenient no-spill lid, and has magnetic sensors that will automatically stop the blades once opened.
48. Up Anyone's Spa Game With This Bamboo Bath Caddy
Bath Dreams Bamboo Bathtub Caddy with Extending Sides, $30, Amazon
Love sipping on a glass of wine during bath time? This bath tray, made with completely eco-friendly bamboo, extends to fit almost any bath size, and comes with holders for your wine glass, smartphone, book or tablet, and even skincare products. Because this tray comes with anti-skid rubber pads, your tub won't get scratched up with use and you can also feel confident that the tray will stay in place the entire time your in the tub.
49. This Collapsible Luggage Organizer You Can Hang In Your Hotel Closet
Portable Luggage System, $30, Amazon
This luggage system eliminates the annoying process of packing, unpacking at the hotel, and then packing up again when it's time to head home. It features three shelves where you can store tops, bottoms, and shoes, as well as a zipper compartment below. It easily collapses and fastens shut in your bag, and it's even easier to hang it in your hotel closet.
50. Bring The Sous Vide Technique Into The Kitchen For Way Less
My Sous Vide My-101 Immersion Cooker, $74, Amazon
There’s perhaps no trendier cooking gadget than the sous vide cooker at the moment — a tool that works to heat water to a precise temperature, resulting in perfectly-cooked food every time. This one has a timer, an LED display screen, and best of all, is way cheaper than most other models on the market. If you’re searching for a gift that the amateur chef in your life will love, this is it.
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