Fortunately, the internet (and this post) is here to help. We look at some new concepts you could try if socks, scarves, and candles won’t suffice this year. Here’s everything you need to know:
A Custom Adventure Map
If the person you know is a traveler, then getting them a custom adventure map could be an excellent idea. These show where they’ve been, and where there are still dragons to conquer.
The nice thing about this concept is that it is unique. Custom adventure maps are different for everyone since nobody goes to the same countries or has the same plans to visit others in the future.
These maps can also function as visual bucket lists. For example, you could use one set of markers to show where the person has already been in their lives, and another set to show where they should go.
Framing the custom adventure map is even better. This way, the recipient can hang it in their living room and plot their next flight. Just make sure that there’s a way to change soon-to-be-visited locations to already-visited ones.
Campfire Tin
This gift might sound basic, but very few people think of it–it’s the campfire tin.
Campfire tins are popular among people who enjoy outdoor pursuits. It’s essentially a box that makes it easier to start campfires and toast food (or heat water). The tin brings the magic of a fire pit anywhere the owner goes, without the requirement for any digging. It’s suitable for backyards, strolls in the woods, and camping trips.
You can find campfire tins at most outdoor stores. Just be careful which metal you choose as some won’t last long outdoors.
Mini Bonsai
A mini bonsai tree is another option. However, instead of purchasing this plant fully-grown, you buy a set that enables the recipient to grow one themselves.
Bonsai trees are fun because they never grow taller than a couple of feet. Even so, nurturing them is an art form that takes time and patience, often many years.
Buying the gift of a mini bonsai is something that will keep the recipient going for years. These trees can survive for decades and continue generating a sense of fun for many future seasons. Many recipients become quite attached to their trees and view them as long-term projects, or even pets.
Record Player
Record players are another item that should be on your unusual gifts list. These are making a comeback (as are vinyls) and many people are interested in returning to them, even in the midst of the digital revolution.
Record players these days don’t just look like gramophones either. You can get them in sorts of unusual chasses you wouldn’t expect, like grand pianos.
Handwriting Jewelry
Handwriting jewelry is another signature piece that is doing the rounds at the moment. It’s an excellent way to personalize your gift-giving.
Numerous companies these days are jumping on this trend. The idea is to give you various blocks you can string together to make a name (or some other personal message you want to send to someone).
Often, if you buy a certain number of these blocks, you can get a special deal. These bring the price down and let you create the name or message the way you want.
Handwriting jewelry usually takes the form of a bracelet or necklace. However, there are other options. For example, you can engrave the interior surface of your rings to make them more special for the recipient.
Jewelry is among the most useful gifts you can give over the festive season. The receiver can wear them every day if they want, incorporating them into their look.
Hot Sauce Subscription
Yes, you read that right–it is now possible to get a hot sauce subscription. These provide the recipient with a new type of hot sauce delight every week or month to go with their French fries or fried chicken.
Hot sauces are surprisingly varied (many people are shocked to discover). While most recipes use standard chills, it turns out that there are dozens of flavors you can achieve, even with just chili and vinegar. Adding other elements ups the ante even more, making it an exciting experience every time they open a new bottle.
It’s not a completely original idea–you’ve been able to buy people hot sauce selection packs for many years. But the fact that it’s on subscription means that they always have the prospect of a fresh supply and trying something new when their old options run out.
Hot sauce subscriptions can get to super hot levels. Because of this, always check the spice rating on the bottle and follow the instructions carefully. Some chilies (and sauces) are simply too hot to eat and often included in subscriptions for fun (or adding tiny quantities to soups, stews, and sauces).
Photo Puzzle
Does the special person in your life enjoy finishing puzzles? If so, then you might want to get them a photo puzzle. These are just the same as conventional puzzles except the photo is one you or they have taken in the past.
Photo puzzles can be tremendously fun, especially when they first arrive. The recipient is usually shocked that such a thing is possible and that you can now get bespoke 1,000-piece brainteasers that reveal their snaps from years ago when complete.
Custom puzzles are a great gift for families and children. The desire to see the completed image encourages everyone to participate, making the entire experience much more exciting.
You can also get this gift for the geekier people in your life. They will also appreciate it and what it stands for.
Kombucha Brewing Kit
Kombucha is a type of fermented Korean drink containing billions of tiny bacteria. Usually, you buy it in bottles. But now kits are allowing people to make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
Yes, home-brewing is never a surefire bet. But by following instructions, the recipient of this gift can usually get pretty decent results.
Kombucha brewing kits also last longer than you might think. Once you start the fermentation process, it is sometimes possible to keep it going indefinitely as the bacteria continue to thrive and multiply.
Because you’re dealing with live organisms, you need to be careful. But as you’ll discover the technique for making it is quite simple (and better than for beer).
Mushroom Growing Kit
You might also consider a mushroom-growing kit for that special person in your life. These provide them with an almost endless supply of fungi to add to their dishes, all from a small box.
These work by taking a section of mycelium from a nursery and putting it into a container. Then, over time and with watering, the mycelium begins to sprout, providing edible heads the recipient can eat.
Interestingly, many of these boxes can grow back several times after harvesting which means they are the gift that keeps on giving.
Date-Of-Birth Newspaper
Finally, you could get the recipient a date-of-birth newspaper–a copy of their favorite paper on the day they were born.
This gift isn’t as gimmick as it first sounds. Many people enjoy it because it puts their lives in a historical context. They can see what the rest of the world was doing when they first arrived, and how the whole thing is just one continuous show. Try it today.
