That whole "shopping for other people" thing doesn't quite work for me because I always end up wanting everything I find! The solution: maybe buy two, one for your giftee and one for you? Or just add it to your wish list and hopefully someone else buys it for you.
Either way, you'll find the perfect something for anyone on this list, especially if they're the hard-to-buy-for type. From outdoor enthusiasts to teens to hostesses, we've tracked down 37 of the handiest gadgets on Amazon that make amazing gifts. (Even if you're just treating yo'self! Fear not - you're in a judgment-free zone here.)
We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and Brainjolt may receive a share of sales from links on this page.
These Sleep Headphones Play Music And Podcasts
via: Amazon / Lissete A
I love falling asleep while listening to boring podcasts, but stay up much later than my husband. Problem solved - I'm putting these sleep headphones on a "Things I Want" gift list immediately. These bad boys combine a 3D eye mask with wireless headphones encased in a soft, stretchy band so they're comfortable to wear lying down, on a plane or road trip or whenever you need to cocoon yourself in a happy place without rude interruptions from the outside world.This Jewelry Stand Holds All Your Goodies
via: Amazon
This sleek, modern jewelry stand has a lot going for it: minimalist design that fits with most decor styles, generously-sized trays to hold all your stuff (even glasses!) and it looks way more expensive than it actually is. Happy reviewers use it to hold anything from nail polish to essential oils to "spirit crystals" (I'm on the East Coast, maybe that's an L.A. thing?), so it's a versatile, attractive present for yourself or a friend.This Glass Travel Mug Is Gorgeously Durable
via: Amazon
We've all got a stockpile of travel coffee cups, mostly freebies emblazoned with a corporate logo or just mundane-looking mugs but have we got any like this incredibly cool durable borosilicate glass travel mug? I think not! It holds a just-right 12 oz, so it's perfect for your favorite indie coffee shop - definitely expect some compliments from your barista. And the grippy anti-slip sleeve and splashproof lid prove that safety can be stylish.These Wineglass Markers Pull Double-Duty
via: Amazon
When a product is as cute as these squirrel wineglass markers and also versatile, it's kind of a no-brainer. These little guys will keep you entertained around the clock as they hold your tea bag string in place during the day and mark which wineglass is yours at happy hour and beyond. They come in a set of 15, so it's an amazing gift for book clubs or coffee klatches!This Umbrella Hat Sure Comes In Handy
via: Amazon
While your hands may not be quite as tied up as the gentleman walking all those dogs, you'll still find plenty of use for this umbrella hat! It's keeps your hands free while you're gardening, watching sports outside or just walking in the blazing sun or wet weather. Sure, it's a little quirky, but we all know a practical someone who would wear this loud and proud while they get on with their day!This Old-Fashioned Waffle Iron Is The Real Deal
via: Amazon
I love browsing Reddit's "Buy It For Life" subreddit for ultra-durable, well-made products that last forever and this old-fashioned waffle iron definitely belongs on that list. The heavy cast-iron pan makes huge round waffles in a snap - they only need one minute per side over a hot stove to produce pillowy waffles with that amazing bronzed crust. This is a thoughtful gift for breakfast lovers, campers or families to create cozy memories of weekend breakfasts that'll warm their hearts for years to come.This Funny Coffee Mug Is Perfect For Your Snarky Coworker
via: Amazon
This "Probably Whiskey" coffee mug is just the thing for your coworker that always has something salty to say or the one that wishes office drinking was still en vogue à la Mad Men. Or you can display it brazenly on your desk and keep HR guessing on your beverage of choice. This oversized, lightweight but durable enamel mug will stand up to years of use and hold 16oz of pure rocket fuel, be it caffeinated or something higher-proof.This AirPod Charging Case Is High-Tech Eye Candy
via: Amazon
What's the best way to protect (and keep track of) your super-expensive AirPods? This handy shock-resistant, waterproof AirPod charging case, of course! It snugly fits your precioussses and supports wireless or wired charging so you'll always have a pretty place for them to call home. It comes in 16 gorgeous patterns and is less than $15 bucks, so makes an impressively thoughtful gift that won't break the bank.This iPhone Wallet Case Holds It All
via: Amazon
If you like to travel light or don't like wearing a big purse, this iPhone wallet case will blow your mind. The wallet part of the case has a game-changing zipper so your charge cards and ID don't fall out, plus it has hidden pockets for cash - there's literally room for all your important stuff. This case is as handy as it is stylish, and the perfect gift for moms on your list. Anything to organize the chaos and make grocery shopping or Target runs with kids in tow less painful gets rave reviews in my book.This Plantable Pencil Is The Perfect Green Gift
via: Amazon
If you look closely at the top of this graphite pencil you'll see its eco-secret: a tiny seed capsule to plant when you've used the pencil up! The plantable pencils, made from 100% eco-friendly materials, come in a set of eight, each with a different plant to grow including basil, sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, forget-me-nots, flax, coriander, thyme and calendula. Environmentally woke friends, especially kids, would get a real kick out of these clever pencils with a second life.This Indoor Smores Maker Brings The Hygge
via: Amazon
Winter can drag on way longer than it's welcome, so brighten up dreary days and dark-at-4PM nights with this indoor smores maker. Simply plug it in and the electrical heater quickly warms to marshmallow-toasting temps, no open flame required! It comes with four roasting forks and space to hold all your yummy ingredients around the base. It's amazing for family parties, holidays, sleepovers, birthday parties and game nights - whenever you've got a crowd with a sweet tooth!These Collapsible Food Containers Are So Useful
via: Amazon
If you or someone you love brings school or desk lunch regularly, you're gonna want this set of super-handy collapsible food containers. You can do so many things with these durable silicone boxes - bake in them, freeze 'em, store leftovers and of course, pack a lunch. They collapse down virtually flat, which makes a huge difference in how chaotic your food container storage area is. (Mine is stacked precariously enough to spill all over the floor whenever I open the cabinet door). The best part is you can use the included washable pen and stickers to personalize them or just label what's inside!This Travel Pouch Is A Mobile Command Station
via: Amazon
This RFID-blocking, waterproof travel pouch keeps every important ticket, boarding pass, ID, and credit card plus cash right around your neck to prevent loss or theft. As the kids say, this invention is EVERYTHING. I think this would be spot-on for the travelers in your life, especially the seniors who could probably use a little help organizing and keeping track of vital travel docs (hi, mom!) It'll make getting through airport security a breeze and will come in handy on group tours, cruise ship outings or self-guided sightseeing.These Cute Paperclips Are So Whimsical
via: Amazon
We all know that person that's obsessed with office supplies who would be giddy to receive these obscenely cute animal-shaped paperclips to lend a little whimsy to boring TPS reports. Choose from four breeds of dog and four cat poses to delight your furbaby-loving coworker. These would also make a supersweet gift for your vet, pet groomer or dog walker.This Kids Dinner Set Is Beary Cute
via: Amazon
How ah-dor-able is this panda-shaped kids dinner set? It comes with everything they need to make mealtime more fun including a plate, bowl, cup and utensils all made from eco-friendly bamboo fiber. It's so nice to find kids dinnerware that's not made from disposable neon-colored plastic that gets warped after one trip through the dishwasher. This will stand up to years of use and look good doing it!This Gummy Candy Maker Is The Best Surprise For Kids Or Kids-At-Heart
via: Amazon
What person under 16 would not squee with delight upon spying this fabulous gummy candy maker that churns out gummy bears (giant and regular-sized), fish and worms? The adults in the room will be happy to know they can add CBD oil to take grown-up gummies to the next level for much less than the packaged ones cost! It just requires readily available gelatin or Jello mix and bam - now you're Willy Wonka.This Bike Storage Bag Is A Commuter's Best Friend
via: Amazon
This waterproof bike bag has room for all your stuff and then some. It installs easily with velcro straps and can hold your phone, keys, wallet, bike repair tools, charging cables and anything else you might need on your commute. It's packed with thoughtful details like the sun visor that lets you see your phone screen clearly and reflective tape trim that lets you ride safely at night.These Decorative Trays Pack A Graphic, Fashionable Punch
via: Amazon
Your friend that's obsessed with home decor is going to love these stackable trays to hold anything from snacks to trinkets. The set of four geometric shapes make a cool pattern on their own and can be used as an objet d'art when they're not in use, too!This Monocular Gives You Super Vision
via: Amazon
Whether you're watching sports, birds or just the neighbors, this HD monocular offers a lot of viewing power in a small package. The 55mm lens provides 12x magnification and lets you adjust the zoom to laser focus on your target. And it's waterproof, so you can use it in crappy weather conditions without worrying about durability!This Sharpie Set Is A Doodler's Dream
via: Amazon
Teens are notoriously hard to buy for, but I guarantee they'd be excited to receive this set of Sharpies to doodle on anything from phone cases to themselves. It includes a rainbow of 16 fine point sharpies, plus four neon and three metallic markers to spice things up. Adults love them too for crafts, adult coloring books, meal planning and more!This Meat Tenderizer Makes Dinner Faster & Tastier
via: Amazon
Coming up with ideas for dinner every night is the bane of adulthood. The good news is this meat tenderizer turns out a tasty product that cooks faster so it takes some of the pain out of meal prep! This little gadget has 56 sharp blades that break down collagen in all types of meat to help it absorb flavors and marinades and shortens cook time up to 40%. It's easy to use and has built-in safety features, so it's perfect for the novice cook or new grad figuring out how to feed themselves daily.This Survival Bracelet Saves Your Bacon In Wild
via: Amazon
Wearing this paracord survival bracelet if you're venturing into the great outdoors while hiking, hunting, mountaineering or just a on camping trip is a smart precaution that could save your life in an emergency. This lightweight bracelet's packed with tactical survival tools - a whistle, flint for starting fires and a compass to help you find your way to safety. It also comes in kid sizes - it'd be the coolest gift for adventurous kiddos!These Gold Playing Cards Level Up Your Game
via: Amazon
If you want to jazz up your next game of cards, snag these gold playing cards to fancy things up a bit. These durable, waterproof cards are plated with 99.9% 24K gold, but they won't cost you a mint! And they come in a gorgeous wood box that makes a great presentation, even if you're just gifting them to yourself - no judgement.This Meat Thermometer Keeps Food Poisoning Away
via: Amazon
Once burned, twice shy especially when it comes to food poisoning from undercooked meat. My husband was hit by a bout of it a while back and immediately got this meat thermometer that's become his trusty sidekick whether he's grilling, pan frying or baking. It has an ultrafast display that works in under three seconds, shows the temp on a large LCD lighted screen and can be used for any kind of cooking like candy making and deep frying, too. And it has over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon so it comes HIGHLY recommended.These Water Beads Are Incredibly Soothing
via: Amazon
Originally developed as a vase filler to keep plants hydrated, these water beads have been co-opted by intrepid preschool teachers to use in sensory playtimes. These amazingly squishy, tactile little guys expand exponentially when you soak them in water and they're fun for kids to work on motor skills by filling cups, transferring and picking the slippery buggers up. Grown-ups find it incredibly soothing to play with these beads, too! Run your hands through some next time you're stressed - but fair warning: they're pretty addictive.These Gear Ties Organize Your Life
via: Amazon
The uses for this variety pack of 12 gear ties is virtually endless. The rubber material stretches to perform tons of jobs from bundling wayward cords to hanging a lantern in a camping tent. I also have a sneaking suspicion these would be pretty useful for building sheet forts inside on yucky weather days!These Wooden Earphones Are Anything But Basic
via: Amazon
If the earphones that came with your phone or MP3 player always slip out of your ears or are uncomfortable, try these wooden earphones. The noise-isolating design reduces ambient noise, and the included interchangeable silicone ear tips in small, medium or large ensure a custom fit. Reviewers love the crisp sound quality and warmness of the wood to offset their sleek tech devices!This Slate Serving Tray Is So Chic
via: Amazon
If you want an upscale way to present a yummy spread at your next get together, try this stylish slate serving tray. Use it as a cheeseboard or charcuterie board or display tapas and other small bites like hors d'oeuvres or teensy, cute desserts. The sleek brushed gold handles are a great contrast to the rustic slate, and the geometric shape is on-point. Since I want it so badly for myself, I'll pick up an extra for my favorite hostess.This Magnetic Wristband Lends A Helping Hand
via: Amazon
You can tell it's a manly product since it's called a magnetic wristband, not a bracelet. But really, it's a handy tool for anyone that needs an extra hand when building, crafting or fixing anything. My dad's been making household repairs around our old farmhouse and he's constantly misplacing a drill bit or specific screw that's vital to the project. Now he can simply pop on this velcro wristband and everything he needs is at his fingertips!This Portable Lunch Steamer Gives Your Desk Lunch Life
via: Amazon
Soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwich and room-temperature apple for lunch...again? Save that for the kids and make a grown-ass lunch with this portable food steamer. Just prepack the included stainless steel bowl and plate with noodles, rice, leftovers or whatever sounds good, then fill it with water from the measuring cup and plug it in - in about 20 minutes, you have a gorgeous hot lunch without waiting in line for the microwave that hasn't been cleaned since 2005.This Gel Mousepad Is A Treat For Your Wrist
via: Amazon
Not just a pretty face - although it is gorgeous - this gel mousepad ergonomically cradles your wrist to prevent strain or injury. The memory foam and gel cushion is incredibly comfortable and there's a handy non-slip backing so the mousepad won't slide all over your desk. Choose from 16 fabulous patterns to liven up your workspace and work pain-free.This Portable Apple Watch Charger Keeps Your Fave Accessory Charged Up
On the occasions I forget to charge my Apple watch at night, I'm hit with extreme regret the next day as the battery dies just when I'm about to complete my exercise ring. With this portable Apple watch charger, you'll never run into that situation since you can plug the cordless charger's USB jack into your computer, car, or powerbank to refresh your battery fast! It's also great for travel since you don't have to find a compatible plug for your standard watch charging cord.
This Glass Meal Prep Set Is So Classy
via: Amazon
If you're serious about meal prep, upgrade from those plastic containers to this set of five divided glass food containers. You'll be able to see just what's inside these clear, durable borosilicate glass containers that'll survive dings and drops with ease. They'll also perform beautifully in the oven at high temps, in the dishwasher, freezer and microwave. And they've got built-in portion control - the main compartment holds two cups and the two smaller ones hold 1.25 cups.This Extra-Large Beach Mat Is Perfect For Picnics
via: Amazon
There aren't many outdoor situations where this oversized waterproof beach blanket wouldn't come in handy - sure, you can use it at the beach but it'd also be swell for picnics, watching kids' sports, outdoor concerts, festivals, pretty much anything where there's casual seating. It can easily hold four adults or a gaggle of kids and has a waterproof PEVA backing so no one gets damp butts.This Iceless Wine Chiller Is Stone Cold Awesome
via: Amazon
Now you can keep wine cool for hours without worrying about dripping, melting ice with this iceless wine chiller. Just pop it in the fridge for three hours before the party, and it'll keep your champagne chilled without the hassle! The sleek, minimalist design fits with any party theme or decor and looks so elegant, you won't mind leaving it on display.This Aerating Wine Glass Creates The Perfect Pour
via: Amazon
If you're only having a glass or two and don't want to aerate the whole wine bottle, this aerating wineglass is a great solution. Just pour your glass like usual, and the wine flows through the aerating cell inside the glass to make your vino so smooth and delicious, even if it's Two Buck Chuck you're serving. Plus, they're shatterproof, so you can use them outdoors worry-free!This Wireless Charger Juices Up Two Devices
via: Amazon
We've all got more than one piece of tech to charge at the end of the day, probably some combination of a phone, tablet and smartwatch, so why not do it in style? This sleek dual wireless charger juices up a pair of devices at the same time - it has a small footprint but is also incredibly attractive so you won't want to hide it away! And it's powerful enough to charge your phone through the case which is hella convenient.