The Best Last-Minute Nifty Doodad Gifts
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Last year for Father’s Day, I humbly made the case for gifting a doodad. My argument was as follows: The doodad is functional yet lighthearted. Thoughtful but not serious. Small but mighty. The doodad’s only job is to delight and fulfill a very specific purpose, all without breaking the bank. This year, I amend my argument with this even more important point. A doodad isn’t just agreat giftfor dads. A doodad is actually great for just about anyone on your list, especially the hard-to-shop-fors and the people who just need a little something. So, below, an updated list of great doodads, most of which come in at well under $100 — and, as of our latest update, should arrive before Christmas.
But speaking of arrival times, take note: Holiday order deadlines for every retailer, Amazon included, are fast-approaching, so be sure to double-check shipping timelines before placing any order. I’ve added some shipping notes to certain products below, and you can also checkour brand-by-brand holiday shipping breakdownfor more info about our most popular sellers.
For even more holiday gifting ideas, check outour gift hubfor a rundown of everything we’re recommending this year. And if you haven’t already, you should also sign up forour newsletterfor even more holiday coverage.
Updated on December 15:
We’ve made sure all the highlighted gifts below are in stock, priced correctly, and, as of this latest update, will arrive by Christmas.
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A miniature dustpan and brush for tidy keyboards and desks.
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… And a slug-shaped eyebrow and jaw massager.
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[Editor’s note: Counterpart ships out within 2 days of purchase and arrive via ground shipping within 1-5 business days, and priority shipping within 1-3 business days.]
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A sauté tool beloved by Strategist senior kitchen and dining writer Emma Wartzman.
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For the fisherman in your life, this retractable tether can be attached to their vest to easily grab their tools.
A trio of tools designed to make kitchen prep a lot easier.
[Editor’s note: For delivery from Williams Sonoma by Christmas, orders must be placed by 9 a.m. EST on December 18or standard shipping, and 11 a.m. EST on December 22 for rush.]
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An attractive gold nose- and ear-hair trimmer that promises painless pruning. And requires zero batteries.
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This wine funnel is great for decanting bottles that need to aerate and will also fish out any bits of cork that break off while opening — which can happen to everyone from novice drinkers to seasoned collectors.
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For the kid cousin with a computer problem, this mouse bungee will make any regular mouse feel wireless.
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Handy headlamp for the generally outdoorsy.
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An Alessi orange peeler worthy of winter citrus season.
[Editor’s note: Macy’s holiday shipping information can be found inour guide.]
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This multitool truly does it all when going through a Saturday afternoon chore list (including get you stoned) …
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An “indispensable” gardening tool for all your outdoor needs …
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[Editor’s note: Gardenheir Christmas orders must be placed by December 15 for West Coast deliveries, and December 18 for East Coast.]
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Kate Berlant’s go-to Secret Santa giftis this Japanese folding knife that comes in a very darling blue case.
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Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale
There are two types of travelers in this world: alarmingly laid-back and annoyingly high-strung. This gift is for the latter.
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High praise from Strategist senior writer Micahel Zhao: “It’s not often that I’m wowed by a new gadget these days, but this cup with a built-in scale got me. It works so well that it immediately felt like something I’d been using for years.”
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Opinel No. 08 Mushroom Knife
You can’t really go wrong with anything Opinel, but this dedicated mushroom knife feels more unexpected.
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Pro-gifterAna Gasteyer’sgood old-fashioned stovetop popcorn maker.
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A 12-sided productivity timer for the cousin with ADHD.
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It’s like a car wash for golf balls (and perhaps the platonic ideal of a father-in-law gift).
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[Editor’s note: Get yourTuckernuck ordersin by 2 p.m. EST on December for standard shipping, on December 19 for expedited, and December 22 for overnight.]
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A fuel-free lighter for the relative who loves to watch things burn.
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A work-from-anywhere keyboard for the roommate who abuses their company’s flexible schedule.
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Atire inflatorthat is roughly the size of a Poland Spring bottle.
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A handsome serving spoon designed specifically for lefties.
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Cute kitchen scissors that have a convenient magnet for hanging on the fridge.
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Zhao calls this an “endgame” flashlight that also includes a green laser pointer.
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A very festive candle carousel that uses the heat from the wick to turn the mobile at the top.
[Editor’s note: Standard Bloomingdales orders can take up to 5 business days, but you may be able to get next-day shipping for a $20 fee — check the site for specific details.]
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May I suggest this signal-blocking bag for the parent who can’t get off Facebook at the family dinner table?
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Metal Pen Clips
For the friend who ordered their 2026 Hobonichi months ago, try thesepaper-clip pen holders.
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An easy-to-store can opener from a 102-year-old French brand.
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The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
