Give the gift of joy this holiday season with these 15 unforgettable surprises!
If you live for the look on your loved ones’ faces when they open presents, this is the gift guide for you. The best gift is the one that makes the recipient smile, whether it’s practical , beautiful , personal , or a mix of all three. We’ve scoured the internet to create a list of gifts that can achieve this goal, hopefully earning you the title of “best gift-giver” in the process.
Below, check out our picks for the gifts of 2024 that spark the most joy . From useful kitchen gadgets to games , activities , luxurious indulgences , and items your giftee will reach for every day , these gifts are sure to make an impact.
1. A crabby utensil rest to make cooking less messy and more fun
You may be familiar with Ototo's popular Gracula garlic crusher , which we've covered before. But the brand also makes other whimsical kitchen tools, like this crab-shaped silicone utensil rest , which can double as a steam releaser for pots and pans. This little guy is a silly twist on the classic spoon rest with his raised claws, and is sure to spark a little everyday joy. Even better, he's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
2. A pair of Bombas' popular and cozy Sunday Slippers
Bombas' Sunday Slippers are a standout on Google's 2024 Holiday 100 list, highlighting their popularity based on trending searches. These cozy slippers, available in a variety of colors and sizes for both men (7-13) and women (6-11), feature a plush sherpa lining and a memory foam footbed for ultimate comfort. Their easy-on, easy-off design makes them a great gift for anyone on your list who tends to have cold feet or simply enjoys the comfort of a soft, warm slipper. Perfect for adding a touch of warmth and relaxation to any winter day!
3. A pickleball paddle set for beginners to give them a fun new hobby
Pickleball has surged in popularity, becoming "America's fastest-growing sport" in recent years, making it a perfect gift for a fitness-focused loved one. The Recess Pickleball starter set includes two durable fiberglass paddles with sweat-proof handles and three balls, ideal for beginners. The brand offers a wide variety of color and pattern options, including the playful "Dog Day" doodles shown here. For those looking to level up, Recess also provides sets that come with paddle cases, gym bags, and even up to eight paddles, ensuring there's an option for everyone to enjoy this fun and active sport.
4. A set of self-watering plant inserts for the one who wants to have a green thumb
For the plant owner in your life, these self-watering planter insert globes make an inexpensive yet thoughtful gift. Made from beautiful and durable hand-blown glass, these globes are both functional and stylish. Simply fill them with water and insert them into the soil of smaller plants. They release water at a controlled drip, ensuring plants are neither over- nor under-watered. By adjusting the angle of the globes, you can even control the speed of the water release. Available in a variety of colors and styles, these globes are sure to delight any plant parent, making plant care easier and more visually appealing.
5. A mini waffle maker to make their breakfasts easier and more fun
A Dash mini waffle maker is a game-changer for anyone who loves a delicious, quick breakfast. I was gifted one as a housewarming present, and it completely transformed my Sunday mornings. The 4-inch cooking surface is perfectly sized for someone living alone, though it’s also great for young kids or anyone who enjoys waffles. With its user-friendly design, including an indicator light and a nonstick surface for easy operation and cleanup, it’s a breeze to use. Plus, the wide range of vibrant colors adds a fun, personalized touch to any kitchen, making it a thoughtful and practical gift for any waffle lover!
6. This interactive mug that can make your favorite bookworm smile every day
Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? This interactive mug is sure to bring a smile to your recipient every time they use it. Featuring a QR code hidden among the books, the mug reveals a classic literary quote each day, offering a daily dose of inspiration or wit. With a 15-ounce capacity, it's perfect for coffee or tea, and it's both microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe on the top rack for added convenience. A thoughtful and fun gift for any book lover or someone who enjoys a little daily surprise!
7. A Lego set for adults that they can hang as decor after they're done
Legos aren’t just for kids—there are plenty of adult Lego sets that offer a relaxing break from screen time and the everyday stresses, similar to jigsaw puzzles or adult coloring books. This 1,180-piece set, which reimagines the iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai in Lego form, is a perfect example. Once completed, it can be hung on the wall as a quirky and unique conversation piece for any home. Plus, the set comes with a QR code that unlocks an immersive, calming soundtrack, setting the perfect mood as they build. It's a thoughtful and creative gift that offers both relaxation and a beautiful display.
8. A lightweight, soft waffle-style robe for their cozy days
What could spark more joy than giving someone the perfect excuse to have a lazy, cozy day in? Robes were a bestselling product last year, and this organic Turkish waffle robe from Quince is a standout. With a near-perfect 4.9-star rating across over 1,400 reviews, it's clear why it’s so beloved. Available in four colors and sizes XS-L, this spa-style robe is made from 100% cotton, offering a soft yet breathable feel that isn’t too heavy, making it perfect for year-round lounging. It also features two pockets, adding extra comfort and convenience. It’s the ideal gift for anyone who loves to relax in style!
9. A fancy candle that smells like a summer garden party
A unique scent your recipient probably hasn't tried before, inspired by Roma tomatoes with notes of pepper and spice. It's warm without being too floral or citrusy, and can make someone who's missing summer smile in the middle of winter cold. The 8-ounce candle has a near-perfect 4.9-star rating with more than 500 reviews, is made with vegetable wax and comes in a recyclable glass jar. It’s a small daily luxury that’s sure to bring a little joy into your recipient’s home.
10. An ice cream maker so they can make frozen desserts in 20 minutes
If you're shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, the latest model of Cuisinart's ice cream maker is the perfect gift. It’s 25% faster than its predecessor, churning out frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbet in just 20 minutes. The machine is incredibly easy to use—simply freeze the 1.5-quart bowl in advance, add your ingredients, and flip the on/off switch. It even has a wide spout on top, allowing you to add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips without needing to pause the machine. Available in a stunning mint green or classic white, which also comes with a scoop, this gift will let them enjoy fresh ice cream every day!
11. A heady unisex fragrance for the stylish one who likes to smell good
Transport your recipient to the ambiance of an old jazz bar with Replica Jazz Club, a unisex fragrance from Maison Margiela. Available in three sizes, including a miniature version at Sephora (perfect for a stocking stuffer), this scent blends woody and spicy notes of rum, vetiver, pepper, and vanilla bean. The result is a sophisticated, balanced fragrance that doesn’t lean too masculine or feminine. Ideal for anyone who appreciates cocktails, cigars, or collecting unique scents, this fragrance will make a captivating addition to their collection, evoking intrigue and excitement every time they wear it.
12. A retro-style suitcase turntable for the music nerd with a vinyl collection
Turntables made it onto the Google Holiday 100, making this the perfect time to gift your music-loving loved one a stylish way to enjoy their vinyl collection. The Victrola record player is portable, beautiful, and functional, housed in a suitcase for easy transport. Just under two feet long, it plays records at three speeds and also streams music from Bluetooth devices through its built-in speakers. Plus, it has a headphone jack for personal listening. Available in a variety of colors, this turntable will surely excite any record collector or vinyl enthusiast on your gift list!
13. Mini Projector
A compact, portable projector that allows her to watch movies or display photos on any surface. Ideal for movie nights, sleepovers, or outdoor gatherings, it’s a fun and versatile gift she’ll enjoy for years.
14. Gorgeous towels for the practical one with an eye for design
This cotton towel set comes in a few ultra-cool retro colors, and can make your favorite homebody smile by sprucing up their bathroom. The set contains two bath towels and four hand towels, each made with absorbent Oeko-Tex-certified cotton. The bath towels can also double as beach towels, so your recipient can look like one of the most stylish people on the shore.
15. Reversible Octopus Plushie
The Double-Sided Flip Octopus Doll is an adorable and unique gift that will bring a smile to anyone's face. This cute, soft plush toy features a double-sided, two-color design, offering different visual and sensory experiences with each flip. Made of high-quality, durable plush material and filled with comfy PP cotton, it's not only cozy but also easy to clean with a small amount of soap and water. The non-toxic and safe design ensures it's child-friendly, with vibrant colors and a smooth, comfortable texture. This plush octopus makes an excellent gift for birthdays, baby showers, or Valentine's Day, and it can also serve as a charming decoration for any living room or kid's room. Perfect for any plushie lover!
