To be a hit, a gift doesn’t have to be meaningful or extremely personal; some of the greatest gifts our staff has ever given or received are silly but joyful trinkets and games. I never thought to ask for some of my favorite and most treasured gifts.
I’ve compiled a list of the top impractical presents that will make your holiday gift recipients happy. They might not be the main attraction or what you had originally intended to get, but I can assure you that your friends and family will love them.
GO Ahead and Skip2024’s top impractical presents that make people happy | Why should I trust NBC Select?
Our top picks
-
Best home giftBig Night Beeswax Fruit Birthday Candles
$undefined$32.00Big Night
Learn more
-
Best work giftUncommon Goods Desktop Pickleball
$undefined$15.00Uncommon Goods
Learn more
-
Best collector s itemSonny Angel Hippers Harvest Series
$undefined$11.50Sonny Angel Usa
Learn more
-
Best accessory giftOssa Tulip Wristlet
$undefined$55.00Ossa
Learn more
Related
Cousin’s new boyfriend coming for the holidays? Here are the best gifts for people you don’t know
Would you want more from NBC Select?Shop more wisely by subscribing to our newsletter, The Selection.
The best impractical gifts that spark joy
Big Night Beeswax Fruit Birthday Candles
Big Night Beeswax Fruit Birthday Candles
These tiny strawberry-shaped candles are at the top of my wishlist this year because, as much as I enjoy burning conventional candles in my flat, I equally like having ones with a quirky appearance. They come in a set of ten, so I can burn several at once, and they also serve as décor even though they aren’t fragrant.
MoMA Hoptimist Bobbling Figurine
MoMA Hoptimist Bobbling Figurine
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin says, “I knew this one at the MoMA would perfectly fit into my brother’s collection because he loves to put little tchotchkes around his apartment and on his desk at work.” The brand claims that the tiny bobbling figurine, created by Danish cabinetmaker and counterculture hero Gustav Ehrenreich, is meant to cheer you up with its colors and cheerful face design. It also functions somewhat as a fidget toy; you can bounce him around by bopping his head.
Sipcaddy Bath & Shower Portable Cupholder Caddy
Sipcaddy Bath & Shower Portable Cupholder Caddy
This elevates the bathing and showering experience. Your recipient may easily handle a glass of wine or a can of beer by adhering this portable Sipcaddy to any glazed or nonporous surface. According to reviewers, the cupholder sticks to walls nicely and has an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5,600 reviews on Amazon.
Love Pop Paper Flower Bouquet
Love Pop Paper Flower Bouquet
Love Pop is a popular brand among NBC Select employees and a popular source for holiday cards and presents. According to NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, their charming paper bouquets are a fantastic substitute for actual flowers and may also be used as a charming piece of desk or home office décor.
Uncommon Goods Desktop Pickleball
Uncommon Goods Desktop Pickleball
With this kit, which includes two paddles, a ball, and a detachable net, they can turn their desk into a pickleball court. Your receiver has the option of setting it up so they can practice alone or playing with a coworker. It uses suction cups to hold it in place, so they can easily set it up and take it down anytime they need to take a break from screens.
Sonny Angel Hippers Harvest Series
Sonny Angel Hippers Harvest Series
NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez began collecting Sonny Angels figurines three years ago and already has 33 of them. She intends to purchase more for herself and her loved ones. Every time I’m feeling really depressed, I purchase one of the various series available since it instantly lifts my spirits, she says.
Ossa Tulip Wristlet
Ossa Tulip Wristlet
“I can’t get enough of this phone charm; it brings me joy every time I see it,” says Lindsay Schneider, editor of commerce for NBC Select. Although it’s pricey for a phone attachment, I was astonished by the high caliber. The gorgeous tempered glass used to make the beads doesn’t feel overly fragile or priceless. It’s even more satisfying because I always receive praises on it.
Loewe Ivy Mini Soaps
Loewe Ivy Mini Soaps
Loewebar soap is a premium everyday item that I probably wouldn’t have spent my money on, but I’m glad I got it as a Christmas present last year. It’s one of the most useful yet impractical things I own. In addition to the soap’s nourishing and exfoliating elements that keep your skin clean, soft, and smooth, this ivy-scented pair leaves a subtle, woodsy, fresh, and flowery perfume on your skin.
Time Timer 60-Minute Clock
Time Timer 60-Minute Clock
The purpose of this little, silent 60-minute timer is to enhance time management abilities. Once the time has been set, your present recipient may tell how much time is left by watching the red disk gradually go away. They can customize the timer using a laptop and pair it with the Time Timer app. Based on more than 3,400 reviews, it has an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon.
Staff The Match Bouquet
Staff The Match Bouquet
65 hand-painted safety matches with cheerful faces and a ceramic match-striking vase to store them in are included with this bouquet. The bouquet was created in association with Susan Alexandra, a New York-based company that specializes in happy, vibrantly colored accessories, décor, and other items.
Petrass Funny Socks
Petrass Funny Socks
The soft, breathable cotton used to make these one-size-fits-all socks features magnets on the outside that allow the socks to attach and hold hands. “My feet have no reason to be connected, but these exist and they’re hysterical,” Malin adds, instantly thinking of five people she might buy them for to make them laugh.
Bearaby Crinkle-Cut Cuddler
Bearaby Crinkle-Cut Cuddler
Bearaby’s french fry-shaped body pillow can conform to the contours of your loved one’s body and maintain alignment while they sleep and unwind. The interior of the Crinkle Cut Cuddler is constructed of foam, and its velvet cover is detachable and machine-washable. Reviewers adore the distinctive character it adds to their homes and describe it as soft and cozy.
Ototo Red the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest
Ototo Red the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest
When you’re not using or stirring your culinary utensils, place them on this heat-resistant silicone crab rather than on the table or counter. According to Malin, it’s very cute and joyful to look at, and its claws can actually handle a spatula or mixing spoon. I always have the crab by my side, so I never have to search for a spot to set down my cooking tools.
Funko Pop
Funko Pop
Just for decoration, my family and friends like collecting and showcasing Funko Pops. Because of their wide collection range, which includes fictitious characters and professional sports teams, these bobblehead figures are ideal for practically every customer. You can even personalize a Funko Pop so that it resembles them or a loved one.
Related
Give the gift of self care with these items from Dyson, Glossier, Hatch and more
Why trust NBC Select?
I work as an associate writer for NBC Select, covering wellness, beauty, and new products. I’m also in my second year of producing gift guides. For this post, I’ve put together a list of presents from a variety of retail categories that will undoubtedly make your receivers happy, regardless of their interests. These products include things that my coworkers and I adore as well as well regarded choices from well-known stores like Amazon.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to stay up to speed, and catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness, and more.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!