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In my opinion, the best gifts are so clever, the recipient probably hasn’t seen them before, but useful enough that that they don’t just sit on a shelf. I’ve put a list together of all the fun gifts that are selling out on Amazon because they’re so freaking genius — and because thousands of five-star ratings prove that useful gifts are the best gifts.
When I say “clever,” I’m talking about cool finds like this weighted eye mask made from 100% natural jade stones that feels so good on your face at the end of a long day. I’m also talking about a little silicone tool that hooks onto your oven rack to pull baking racks out while keeping your hands safely away from high heat — perfect for your favorite home cook. Or what about a mini portable fire pit that you can take anywhere — camping, beach hangs, or just to the backyard — and that lights with a single match?
Possibly the most clever gift on this list is a weather-predicting instrument — it’s shaped like a cloud, but it’s filled with special liquid and crystals that change along with the atmospheric pressure. It also makes for a minimalist decor accent that looks great on any windowsill, desk, or bookshelf.
As long as you grab these ridiculously awesome gifts before they’re sold out, I promise your gift recipient won’t already have them. And the best part is — they’ll find them super helpful.
This adorable little banana keeper bag comes in yellow to match your bananas or in green to match your leafy green veggies. It’s insulated with aluminum film to prevent over-ripening and is super airtight with the drawstring. This is an easy way to slow down the ripening process of your bananas for up to two weeks.
This cozy beer mitten is perfect for outdoor parties and tailgating. The mitten keeps your hand warm but has a separate attached compartment for holding your beer (or canned drink of choice). The striped pattern comes in red, green, and variations of navy blue, and multiple reviewers have reported they love this for chilly football games.
This mini fire pit measures about 6 inches across, so it’s easy to stash in a bag. Think of it as an on-the-go campfire that you can take anywhere and easily pack. The flame lasts for up to 2 hours and is smokeless, the pit itself is made from super sturdy micro cement lined with stainless steel for safety, and the included extinguisher lid helps you put out the fire when you’re done enjoying it.
This durable, hand-made glass candy bowl is a unique gift — or countertop decor piece for your own kitchen. It’s made from hand-blown borosilicate glass and looks just like an unzipped snack bag. It’s dishwasher-safe, and many reviewers have even reported using it as a fishbowl for their small aquatic pets.
This weather-predicting instrument is a cool addition to your windowsill with its storm cloud design and sleek wooden base. The cloud itself is filled with a unique liquid that crystallizes depending on how cloudy, stormy, or sunny the day will be, making it a fun gift for the amateur meteorologist in your life.
For less than the price of lunch, you get two sizes of these avocado food savers that hug your avocado halves and keep them green. The BPA-free silicone grips to the avocado, and each saver even has a unique pocket design that pops out if you don't have time to remove the pit before storing.
So many reviewers love using this bedside caddy as a compact storage option if their space doesn’t have enough room for a nightstand. It comes in two shades of gray, and you can slide it right under the mattress, or — if you’re hanging out in the living room — under your sofa cushion to hold your remote. It comes in multiple sizes, including a larger style with a unique tissue box pocket.
Even if your hands get super strong using these finger exercisers, you won’t break them, because reviewers report that the material is how sturdy it is. “First thing I noticed when I got it was how THICK the material is. I don't think I could rip it with my fingers if I tried,” wrote one reviewer. This three-pack has color-coded light, medium, and heavy tension levels, so you can keep using them as your hands get stronger and stronger.
The best gift of all is the gift of moisturized lips — a feat that can be achieved easily with these lip butters from Melixir. Totally vegan and made with agave and shea butter, these lip butters (which come in a two-pack!) will give you the hydration your lips need no matter the season. And they go on clear, making them perfect for everyday.
So many reviewers can’t stop talking about how these collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C eye masks leave their skin so soft. Even better, they’re infused with 24-karat gold to improve circulation and expel toxins. This 30-pack even has over 1,500 five-star ratings, with reviewers regularly stocking up on them for gifts.
Instead of covering it up with wrapping paper, you might want to just wrap a bow around this brown sugar body scrub that comes in a chic container. It exfoliates with 100% natural brown sugar and glycolic acid to leave skin soft and smooth, while the addition of sweet almond oil deeply quenches dry skin.
Become an at-home barista with this pour over kettle that makes it easier to get your best brew. This kettle has a gooseneck that lets you pour the perfect amount of hot water without a mess, and it even comes with a built-in thermometer that lets you know when you water has reached the best temp for your coffee.
Having brilliant hair is always the dream. This keratin-based shampoo will help you or a friend fully reach that goal. Free from dyes and parabens, this is a formula you can feel good about. This set also includes a nourishing conditioner that includes True Tone Technology — which will help prevent it from feeling weighed down. Once you try it, it might become an important part of your morning routine.
If you hate meal planning, this foodie dice game means you’re not in it alone. Grab your new meal planning best friend — five wooden dice that are covered in different proteins and vegetables — and let them help you decide what to cook (or order) for dinner. The set includes dice with cooking methods, seasonally appropriate produce, grains, proteins, and bonus ingredients.
Do you know someone who’s a fan of hiking? It’s a great way to get out and enjoy nature while getting some steps in. These hiking poles will make the experience even easier. With the right tools, anyone will feel like a pro. These extend up to 54 inches, and they come in eight fun colors. They’re even good for kids as young as seven to use.
Once you find the right beach towel, you can give yourself permission to donate or toss the others. And, well, this might be the one. This towel is lightweight and can be packed down to easily fit your suitcase. But, the most impressive part about this particular towel is its absorbency. It can hold up to seven times its own weight in liquid. Impressive.
This set of mini cactus and succulent candles is perfect for anyone who loves plants or adorable candles (or both!). While the unscented candles truly are on the size scale of tealights, they can burn for 3 to 4 hours each — and since you get a dozen of them, they’ll last you a long time. They come packaged nicely so you won’t even need to wrap them if you choose to gift them — as one reviewer put it, “the packaging is so gorgeous with even cute little bows on top.”
Are you starting to get into cooking? Or, are you hoping to find small touches to help you upgrade your kitchen? These salt and pepper shakers are both cute and helpful. (Isn’t functional decor the best?) These have been designed to minimize spills and to keep your salt and pepper fresh. The set is especially great for peppercorns and pink Himalayan salt, both of which require grinding to be fully enjoyed.
This water bottle features time markings and super encouraging affirmations to keep you on your daily water-drinking schedule. On top of getting you to drink enough water, this 64-ounce bottle is shatterproof, BPA-free, and comes with a leakproof lid and carrying handle. It comes in 11 colors, including two gradient options.
The best part about these unique clay face mask sticks is that you can apply them like a balm to your face, then pop the caps back on to reseal — no need to get your hands dirty. The duo includes a green tea mask and an eggplant mask, which work to purify skin, control oil, and prevent clogged pores and unwanted acne.
This isn’t your regular travel mug for your morning cup of Joe — this mug actually brews your coffee for you. It comes with a (removable) stainless steel mesh filter that you can add your favorite grounds and hot water to for the perfect sized mug of coffee pretty much whenever and wherever you want it. And the lid is leakproof, so you won’t have to worry about it spilling in the car on your way to work.
Now it’s even easier to view your Google Maps or pull up your favorite driving playlist, all thanks to this magnetic phone holder that sticks onto your car’s dashboard. This sleek car mount has a super strong suction cup that keeps it secure on your dash, and the magnet to hold your phone is suitable for all smartphone models. Install this in your car in less than a minute.
This isn’t a quick and simple murder mystery game because it has over 50 evidence and photo documents, three mysteries, and plenty of reviews that say it takes a couple hours to play (but it’s so fun, it’s totally worth it). One reviewer raved, “I loved these! Definitely a great gift and perfect for a party or girls night!!”
Grab two or three of these faux books with a vintage-style faux leather design to hide away small items right there on your bookshelf. It has gold-tone “pages,” and one reviewer loved that it matches the “old library/study” look of their office where they use it to keep receipts and bills.
These invisible floating shelves create a modern and minimalist bookshelf wall, but many reviewers also love them for displaying plants and small decor items. They come in a four-pack in your choice black or white, and one reviewer raved, “Everyone always asks about them and where I got them. Great buy! Would also make a great gift for avid readers.”
Keep shrimp, veggies, and meat from falling between the grill grates with this pack of skewers and kebab baskets. If you want to go traditional, grab the two skewers and spear your ingredients, but for a convenient upgrade, pop open one of the four wood-handled baskets and place your food inside — they’re perfect for for smaller proteins and vegetables that might otherwise fall off a skewer.
This reusable eye mask is weighted and cooling to promote relaxation, and it’s even more soothing if you keep it in the refrigerator. The mask is made from 100% natural jade stones, complete with a beaded trim. Keep this in the fridge and use it when you have puffy eyes, sinus issues, a headache, or eyestrain after a long day of work.
These compact and cooling stainless steel facial tools are perfect for an at-home spa day, and each one has a unique gel inside that keeps them super cold. Run them along your face to reduce swelling, tighten pores, and ease irritation. They can also be used to chill down a glass of wine fast.
Instead of buying, using, and throwing away oil-blotting sheets, grab this reusable oil-absorbing roller from REVLON. It’s made from absorbent volcanic stone, which reduces shine and mattifies skin. It can be used with makeup or on a bare face, and you can pop the roller out and wash it with gentle soap for a refresh.
This ceramic garlic baker makes it easy to season and roast fresh garlic, and it’s both oven- and microwave-safe. Just place your garlic bulbs inside the glazed interior and pop in the oven. Made from terra cotta, it has a garlic-shaped handle, so it looks super nice on your kitchen counter when you’re not using it.
These terra cotta plant-watering stakes are perfect as a gift for plant parents who are frequently out of town — or for anyone lacking a green thumb. After placing a stake in the soil, just fill an old wine bottle with water and insert it upside down into the stake. Water will slowly be released into the soil through the terra cotta, keeping the plant happy and hydrated.
This ceramic butter dish keeps butter nice and cold, and when you’re ready to serve breakfast or dinner, you can flip it over and use the wooden lid as a cutting board for slicing. The lid also has a small cutout for storing the included butter knife, and this dish comes in four colors like white, turquoise, and red.
This compact egg maker comes with one large nonstick silicone cup for egg sandwiches and four small cups for those delicious little egg bites you see at coffee shops. It has over 5,500 five-star ratings, comes in three colors, and one reviewer raved, “It is easy and quick, plus you can make cheesecake bites with this!”
Pizza is a pretty versatile food. You can make breakfast pizza, meat-lovers pizza, or simply a pizza using fresh homemade basil and tomato slices. And, you can do it all at home. This pizza stone will give you full control of the pies you create. It’s easy to use on the grill or in the oven, and is grease and burn resistant. Over 2,700 people on Amazon didn’t hesitate to give it five stars.
Lay down this puzzle mat on the table before you start your next big puzzle project because if you don’t finish, you can roll it up without messing up your progress. The mat is made of soft felt and comes with an inflatable tube that helps gently hold all the pieces in place.
An immersion blender is one of the most versatile kitchen tools there is, and any amateur or experienced chef would love it. The nine-speed blender can be used to puree soup, whip cream, blend sauces, beat eggs, and more. The best part? You don’t have to transfer ingredients to a blending jar. Along with a blending stick, it comes with an egg whisk and milk frother.
For a wallet-friendly price, you can pop these silicone soap dishes next to at least three of your sinks (or just have two backups under your counter). With grippy ridges on the bottom, the flexible dishes won’t slip off your counter, and the funnel on each one allows water to drain right into the sink, so the bar of soap won’t get soggy.
Whether you’re Team Salt or Team Sugar, dress a perfect margarita (and sidecar... and any other drink) with this handy glass rimmer set. There are labeled levels for lime juice, sugar, and salt, too, so it’s easy to avoid mix ups.
This five-pack of BPA-free reusable plastic straws has finally solved the cleaning problem. These straws snap apart, so you can rinse the inside or place them in the dishwasher. The set comes in muted neutrals or a brightly colored pack.
These sleek and minimalist bookmarks clip onto the pages with magnets, holding your spot without damage. They’re small enough to not block any text, and they come in the best pastel shades — and you can choose the color combination you like most (there are more than a handful to choose from).
This pasta maker frees up stove space for your pasta sauce while your noodles cooks in the microwave in only 12 to 13 minutes. With more than 1,000 five-star ratings, it’s dishwasher-safe and has a unique design that won’t boil over. One reviewer raved, “Makes perfect al dente pasta, and the holes in the lid make for easy measuring.”
This aluminum tortilla press has over 4,000 five-star ratings, and some reviewers love it so much, they use it every day. It’s a breeze to use — just have some fresh masa on hand and press down. Plus, the silver-tone finish looks super nice displayed in your kitchen.
Keep your hands safe when baking with this silicone oven tool that’s designed to help you slide trays into place or even pull out your oven rack. Plus, this go-to helper for extra baking safety is heat-resistant up to 645 degrees Fahrenheit and has a hanging hook for storage.
Pop this drying rack next to your bathroom or kitchen sink for your linens, sponges, dishcloths, and more. Along with three racks and a tray, it has an easy-to-empty drain pan on the bottom that keeps water from pooling everywhere.
This toilet stool folds up when you’re not using it, allowing you to stash it away, but the bamboo finish makes it look way nicer than most, so you might not even mind keeping it on display. The stool fits around your toilet, and it comes in light wood, dark wood, and white finishes.
Mount this waterproof phone holder to your shower wall or kitchen backsplash because it has a strong seal you can rely on and is 100% leakproof. Plus, you can still use your phone to text, scroll through your recipe, or change your YouTube video, and the design is super elevated and sleek.
With multiple layers of insulation, these wine glasses will keep your drinks at the perfect temperature for up to 12 hours. The sliding lid makes it perfect for the beach or a picnic, and it’s shatterproof so it’s ready for all your adventures. Choose from four colors.
Toss it in your bag to stay hydrated throughout the day or toss it in the fridge filled with a homemade salad dressing. Any way you choose to use them, these glass water bottles will look great and stay closed. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
This 12-pack of reusable and washable nylon bags comes with multiple prints and colors, so you can separate and color-coordinate all of your groceries. You can choose from an animal pattern pack or a turquoise and gray printed pack. Plus, these large bags hold up to 50 pounds each and come in a zippered carrying case.
This pack of matte black coasters comes with a minimalist matching holder, and the best part is — they absorb the condensation from your glass. What that means is that instead of liquid pooling on top, these coasters hold the moisture in. Plus, they air dry on their own, and you can wash them in the dishwasher.
Give the gift of tidy cabinets with this all-in-one spice set with jars, labels, and even a funnel. Each order comes with 14 4-ounce glass jars with lids and more than 200 printed and blank labels to keep everything organized. “Came with so many stickers of different styles! The funnel is amazing and works well to fill jars, collapses flat for storage,” one shopper raved.
Take your relaxing bubble bath to a whole new level with this supportive back pillow that can sink right into the tub with you. Made from thick and plushy AirMesh, this pillow will help relieve discomfort which can result from laying down in the bath without a headrest. And this pillow has quick-dry technology thanks to its amazing ventilation, so you won’t have to worry about mildew.
Choose from six colors, including classic white and even bold purple, in this two-pack of multipurpose silicone microwave mats. Perfect as trivets, grabbing hot items, or as covers for preventing microwave splatter, they’re heat-resistant up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit, BPA-free, and have nonslip bottoms. One reviewer raved, “I use these every. single. day, I’m not kidding.”
A dream for French onion soup, these porcelain soup bowls are oven-safe for melting the cheese on top of the bread. Also perfect for any other type of soup or oatmeal, they come in colors like red, navy, and turquoise. Plus, thanks to two small holes that allow for drainage, the durable handles on won’t hold water after a cycle in the dishwasher.
Setting up at the beach, park, or an outdoor concert has never been easier. This large waterproof blanket measures 7 by 7 feet and comes with weighted sides as well as stakes so it won’t flap in the wind. Made from bamboo-derived viscose, it’s durable and machine-washable. Plus, it comes with a backpack to store it in when it’s time to go home.
Relax with these dreamy star print eye masks that self-warm to soothe tired, irritated eyes. Each one only takes 30 seconds to heat up and will stay warm for up to 20 minutes. Plus the ear loops guarantee your relaxation isn’t disturbed by your mask falling off. One reviewer raved, “These are a holy grail item for me. Dry eyes. Headaches. Spa moments.”
Use this Rachael Ray bench scraper for all kinds of kitchen tasks, like cutting pastry and scooping up chopped veggies. Made from stainless steel, it has extra-tall sides that prevent spills as you transfer ingredients. The comfortable ribbed handle comes in red, purple, gray, and three shades of blue.
Fill the top of this adorable paw-shaped dog bath brush with your pooch’s favorite shampoo before bath time, and it will dispense it as you wash. The brush bristles are made of soft silicone, making it easier to remove loose fur and massage your pup as you bathe. One reviewer raved, “It was easy to use, and my dogs loved it.”
One major perk of the unique design of this stainless steel flat whisk is that it’s easier to hand-wash than a traditional whisk. Some reviewers even say that it’s much more efficient, and one even wrote, “It is SO much better than a regular whisk, especially with eggs. I actually get excited every time I get to use it.” Use this for stirring batter, blending cream, mixing sauces, and more.
Grab these memory foam slippers lined in plush sherpa with uppers that look just like your favorite sweater. The machine-washable slippers have durable nonslip soles, and one reviewer raved, “They are perfectly form-fitted to my foot now and have so much support. Hard enough sole to take the dog outside in the morning. Good quality.”
This article was originally published on November 29, 2021