About this list: This guide is published by 23andMe and includes our own products, as marked below. Our editorial team selected the other 14 gifts, and we do not receive payment, commission, free products, or other benefits in return from any of those brands. Product details are the responsibility of each brand, images are for illustration only, and prices and availability may vary.
Gift-giving is an art form that comes naturally to some people, but not everyone has that gene. If you find yourself scrambling for gift ideas during the holiday season or just need some inspiration, this guide is for you. We’ve gathered a list of 15 unusual Christmas gifts that are memorable, meaningful and useful, even for that friend or relative who seemingly has everything they could want.
Gifts for Lifelong Learners
Gifts for Animal Lovers
Presents for Foodies
Christmas Ideas for Puzzle People
Unusual Christmas Gifts Under $20
Interesting Christmas Gifts for Lifelong Learners
Have someone on your holiday list who loves to learn? You can’t go wrong with these subscription-based gifts.
MasterClass
What better time than the new year to pick up a new skill? MasterClass offers gift memberships that let recipients choose an unlimited number of courses for a full year. Instructors include notables like Wolfgang Puck, Alicia Keys and RuPaul.
Super Duolingo
Super Duolingo is the ad-free, unlimited-mistakes version of the popular language-learning app. For globetrotters and culturally curious people on your list, this gift could be the jumpstart they need to become confident in their foreign language skills.
From 23andMe: 23andMe Ancestry Gift
Help friends and family start a journey of self-discovery with an ancestry gift from 23andMe.
23andMe Premium Ancestry helps customers connect with ancestry groups across 5,000+ geographic regions and learn which parts of their DNA come from each parent. It also compares their DNA with more than 1,000 historical individuals, from Ötzi the Iceman to Beethoven. New historical matches are added throughout the year.
Gift tip: Holiday offers may change throughout the season, so check our gifts page for current deals, and order early to make sure the kit arrives in time.
Cool Unusual Christmas Gifts for Animal Lovers
Dog treats and cat toys make nice stocking-stuffers, but these pet-related gifts are sure to make a lasting impression.
Custom Pet Clothing from Crown & Paw
Crown & Paw allows shoppers to upload high-quality images of one or more pets to create a custom garment. Choices include photo socks, embroidered clothing, knit sweaters, T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. You can also order custom pet portraits.
Club Ocean Plushies
Every sale of a Club Ocean plushie supports sea animals, including penguins, polar bears, whales and more. Each plushie comes with a QR code you can scan to learn more about the specific animal you’re helping, and the whale plushie even comes with an adoption card connected to a live geotracker, so you can follow its journey from your smartphone.
Embark Gift Cards
Just as 23andMe helps people understand their roots, Embark helps dog owners learn about their pet’s lineage and health. A gift card lets recipients choose their own test, and once a pet is registered, owners can find out whether other registered dogs are a close genetic match and potential relative.
Unusual Christmas Presents for Foodies
For the cooks and foodies in your life, consider a fun gift they’ll actually use long after the holidays.
Hot Sauce of the Month Club
Heat Hot Sauce Shop carries more than 700 types of hot sauce, ranging from mellow to extra hot. When you buy a gift membership, you can choose the heat level, but the specific sauces that arrive in the mail every month are chosen by the business, and always a surprise.
Cozymeal Home Hibachi Experience
Cozymeal’s Hibachi Experiences offer a delightful twist on home catering. For under $100/person, a chef brings a hibachi grill and all ingredients to a home to prepare a meal for guests. This service is available in major cities throughout the United States, and you can customize the dollar figure on any gift card you buy.
Atlas Coffee Club Subscription
Treat your coffee-loving friends and family to a quarterly, monthly or yearly subscription to Atlas Coffee Club. These globally sourced coffees are available in whole bean or Nespresso pod form, and each variety arrives with an accompanying postcard that explains each country’s coffee history and culture.
Unusual Christmas Ideas for Puzzle People
Buying a holiday gift for someone who loves puzzles? Take a look at these fun ideas.
LEGO® Botanical Puzzles
LEGO®, known for its iconic and colorful building blocks, has branched out to create three-dimensional botanical puzzles that also double as home decor. These challenging sets come with another benefit: The “plants” you create never need watering. You can find LEGO® products on the company website and at several major online retailers.
WoodTrick 3D Puzzles
WoodTrick’s 3D puzzles are designed by engineers and made entirely of smooth, natural wood. Many of the puzzles have moving parts like wheels and gears once fully assembled, and putting one together can be a fun project for the whole family.
Odd Pieces Mystery Puzzles
Odd Pieces offers a fresh take on the classic jigsaw. Each puzzle continues a storyline beyond the box image, and the ending stays hidden in a sealed envelope until the last piece goes in. Gift options include 3-packs, 6-packs and a 9-pack “Mega Bundle.” The company partners with independent illustrators around the world to create the puzzle art, with artists getting a cut of the sales.
Unusual Christmas Gifts Under $20
Looking for different Christmas gifts for coworkers or a white elephant gift exchange? Take a look at these fun and inexpensive gifts.
Brewing a cup of tea is more interesting when your infuser is a sloth, a cat or the “Grim Steeper.” All three are available via Fred, which makes plenty of other novelty products to choose from.
A Dose of Positivity
Dillon the Positive Pickle Sound Machine is perfect for a desk, and for anyone who could use a little moral support. Just press the pickle to hear one of 16 uplifting messages. Dillon is available via World Market.
Mini Highland Cows
This set of 50 foldable cows from Uncommon Goods can introduce people to origami, as well as provide a much-needed brain break on stressful days. Send a herd to a friend (shipping is free if you sign up for Uncommon Perks).
