18 Non-Boring Gifts That Work for Anybody
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It happens to everyone: You need to buy a gift for your sister-in-law or friend’s parent who’s hosting you at their beach house or second cousin twice removed, but you know very little about them. You don’t know their T-shirt size, what their home looks like, whether they have a gluten sensitivity or a nut allergy, whether they drink alcohol, what fragrances they enjoy (or whether they have a fragrance allergy). Youthinkthey have a dog — or was it a lizard? Put down the whiskey stones. This guide can help.
I’ve gone through the Strategist archives and my own personal Rolodex of tried-and-true gifts that walk the line between being low context enough to work for anyone and genuinely exciting to open. They’re all non-generic and under $100, because I assume you’re not breaking the bank for someone whose middle name you don’t know. And if you have the benefit of more context on what your gift recipient likes, we’ve got plenty ofother gift guidesfull of ideas for everyone — fromteenage girlstobirdwatcherstochefs.
Update on September 4, 2025
Added a set of Italian note cards, vintage Japanese ceramics, and a MoMA Design Store gadget for dinner parties. Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
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An elegant brass tool for the most universal experience: trying to get the last little bit of toothpaste (or skin-care product, or makeup) out of the tube.
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Recommended byTembe Denton-Hurst, president of the Strategist books caucus.
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It’s a pen and ruler in one, and it’s lightweight enough to clip onto a notebook or slip into their pocket.
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These pistachio deckled-edgenote cardscome in a beautiful, giftable box (they also come in 12 other colors, including three shades of blue and a warm brown called “nut”).
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Because no one’s mad to get an extra blanket. This one is made of organic cotton and is reversible.
I love these strangely beautiful massage tools from Wax Apple, each designed to serve its specific, esoteric knot-loosening purpose. They’re so pretty that I couldn’t pick just one;check out the full range here.
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Lip balm can be a boring gift — but notmonogrammedlip balm.
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A Japanese book of absurdist inventions that solve for common inconveniences, like slippers with a small dustpan and broom attached to the toes and a glue stick of butter for spreading on toast.
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A candle shaped like an Italian cow’s milk cheese — unscented and safe for the lactose-intolerant.
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These raw-edged marble cutting boards are a great multiuse kitchen item — they could be used to roll out pastry or serve snacks.
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Recommended by fitness writerJeremy Rellosa, this water bottle also works as a travel foam roller to get out any aches and pains.
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Artist Josef Albers’s seminal color theory work is a deeply enjoyable read, whether they’reartistically inclinedor not.
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Stoneware Treasury Tea Cup
Etsy store Stoneware Treasury has an amazing selection of vintageteacupsand other Japanese ceramics, any of which would make a very special small gift.
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An unfussy candy in a crowd-pleasing flavor.
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A MoMA Design Store gadget for a universal experience — cleaning up crumbs from your table or keyboard.
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.
