The hardest part about the holidays is having to buy gifts for others. This isn’t to say I’m not thoughtful — but when your family is as picky as mine is, shopping for everybody can be a little difficult. So when it’s finally time to take the plunge and figure out what to get my eccentric aunt, moody mother, or artsy niece, I always head over to Amazon.
Why Amazon? For starters, I’ve become a little addicted to their free two-day Prime shipping. Anytime a package takes longer than 48 hours I start to get antsy. And for two, they’ve got literally everything and anything you can think of. Art supplies for creative kids, bonsai tree kits for nature lovers, headlamps for dads — you’ll find all of it in this list, and more.
So why are you still reading this? Frankly, I’m surprised some of this stuff is still in stock — especially that cool bonsai tree kit I mentioned.
A Scrubber Kit That Powers Through Tough Dirt On Your Car
If you know someone who’s in love with their car, get ready — because they’re about to become obsessed with this scrubber brush. The rotating head is powered by the water spurting out your house, and the nylon bristles easily scrape away all sorts of dirt without leaving behind scratches. Plus, each order comes with two scrubber heads.
The Fitness Cards That Add Variety To Your Workout
Got a fitness fanatic at home? These cards make a great stocking stuffer. Each one has a different workout displayed on the front, while the back has detailed instructions — just in case you’ve got a perfectionist on your hands. Take ’em with you to the gym, or simply use them at home for a quick burn.
A Neck Pillow That’s Easy To Clean
The last neck pillow I sent through the wash ripped apart into pieces of fluff. This one, on the other hand, features a removable cover that’s perfectly machine-washable. And unlike some neck pillows, you can also use this one for lumbar support, or even as a knee pillow when lying on your side.
This Bib Beard That Catches All Your Trimmings
Tired of clogging up your sink with beard trimmings? Use this bib to catch any shaved bits so that your pipes stay clear. It attaches to your mirror using two small suction cups — and each order even comes with a travel pouch so that you can take it with you on vacation.
These Liquid Chalk Markers Are Just Plain Fun
Whether you’re doodling on a blackboard or your car windows, these liquid chalk markers will have your designs looking better than ever. The ink easily washes off with plain water — and each marker features two tips: one chisel tip, as well as a second rounded tip.
The Kit That Helps You Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree
Come on — you’ve totally seen little bonsai trees and wondered about growing your own, haven’t you? So grab this kit. It comes with everything you need to grow three types of bonsai trees: silver birch, red maple, and mountain pine.
A Bath Pillow That Makes Your Tub Oh-So Comfy
A rock-hard bathtub is hard to relax in — unless you’ve got this plush bath pillow. Unlike some pillows, this one features a headrest as well as an extra-long portion that runs the length of your tub. And since it dries quickly, there’s no need to worry about mildew.
A Body Pillow That Won’t Leave You Sweating
Most body pillows leave me sweating after just a few hours of snuggling — the exception being this one from Snuggle-Pedic. The difference is that it has a breathable bamboo cover that helps maximize airflow, siphoning away my body heat so that I don’t wake up in a hot sweat. Plus, it’s easily removable if you ever need to wash it.
A Portable Vacuum You Can Keep In The Car
It’s almost too easy for crumbs to find their way to the floor of your car — so keep this handheld vacuum nearby for when things get a little too dirty. It comes with a variety of attachments to help you clean deep into tight crevices, and each order also comes with a travel case to keep everything packaged together.
These Organizers That Slide Under Your Bed
Got a closet that’s overflowing with shoes? Put the ones that you wear least often inside of these organizers, then slide them underneath your bed to save some space. The handles on each side are reinforced, ensuring that they won’t rip when you pull them out — and the transparent tops make it easy to see what’s inside without having to unpack anything.
This Insect Trap That Works Shockingly Well
Look, I know this insect trap isn’t the sexiest gift, but swatting away flies in your house is even less sexy. Sometimes the best gifts are the most useful ones, you know? And since it works on nearly all types of flying insects, there’s no need to worry about gnats or mosquitoes — this trap has both of ’em covered.
A Meat Thermometer That Any Home Chef Can Appreciate
Any home cook — excuse me, home chef — can appreciate this meat thermometer. Not only is the light-up LCD screen easy to read when you’re grilling outside in the dark, but there’s even a printed chart with the ideal internal temperatures of various meats printed directly on it. Never deal with undercooked steak again!
This Charging Station That Keeps Your Desktop Tidy
The most difficult part about working from home isn’t even working — it’s keeping my desk looking tidy. Luckily, this charging station has room for my phone, tablet, and my E-reader. Not only is it great for tidying up messy desks, but it also comes with six shortened lightning cables included.
The Eyelash Curler That Won’t Pinch Your Lids
With soft rubber pads along the rim, this eyelash curler won’t pinch your lids, yet it’ll still give your lashes tons of gorgeous volume. Each order comes with two refill pads for when they get dirty — and it’s even made from rust-resistant stainless steel.
This Mattress Protector Is A Total Gamechanger
Ever notice how old mattresses turn yellow? That’s not just age — that’s years of body fluids, sweat, and whatever else discoloring the surface. The solution? Put this cover over your mattress. It’s waterproof, noiseless, and breathable, which means it won’t disrupt your sleeping at all. Plus, it can even help protect against dust mites.
These Tough Clippers For Extra-Thick Nails
My parents always filled my stocking with toothpaste — but if I’m being honest, I’d much rather get these nail clippers. The stainless steel blade easily cuts through extra-thick nails, while the non-slip grip keeps them from accidentally shifting out of your grip.
The Compression Sleeves That Help Save Sore Feet
These compression sleeves aren’t just good for alleviating soreness from plantar fasciitis — they also feel great after a long day of being on your feet. The moisture-wicking fabric works to keep you dry, even if you’re sweating. Plus, they even come in five colors: black, grey, pink, beige, or white.
This Car-FriendlyPouch Made For Your Handbag
Don’t let your handbag sit on that dirty car floor — keep it next to you using this pouch. It sits between your two front seats, giving your bag a clean space to rest while also making it easier to grab stuff inside if needed. Choose from two colors: black or tan.
These Soft Pillows That Won’t Leave You Sweating
If you’re just as hot a sleeper as I am, you’re going to want these cooling pillows. They’re ultra-breathable, as the soft down-alternative filling doesn’t hold onto your body heat while you’re lying on them. “The pillow holds its shape and supports your head while being soft and comfy,” wrote one reviewer. “At night, I roll around about as much as a pig in mud and this pillow works in every position.”
These Headlamps Are Must-Haves For Dads Everywhere
There’s definitely a law somewhere that states “All dads must own at least one headlamp” — and wouldn’t you know it, this pack of two is on sale for less than $20. Be prepared for him to suddenly start offering to take the trash out or walk the dog at night, as it’ll give him an excuse to wander around in the dark wearing one of these bad boys.
These Sheets That Are Seriously Soft
How long have you been sleeping on your current sheets? Probably for too long — so upgrade to these soft ones made from luxurious microfiber. They’re fade- and wrinkle-resistant, as well as breathable so that you don’t get sweaty while you sleep. Plus, the extra-deep fitted sheet fits over taller mattresses.
A High-Powered Flashlight That’ll Hold Up In The Rain
Keep this heavy-duty flashlight in your emergency kit, and it’ll always be ready to go when you need it. The water-resistant exterior will keep it working when the weather takes a turn for the worse — and it only needs three AA batteries to provide hours of light.
The Salt And Pepper Grinders That Are Sleek And Stylish
Still using those plastic salt and pepper shakers you’ve had for years? It’s time to make the change to these sleek ones. You can adjust the coarseness using the dial on the bottom, and the tops are made from stainless steel that won’t get rusty over time.
A Brush That Saves Your Floors From Loose Pet Hair
Use this brush to give your pets a good grooming, and it’ll help keep your floors clean from any shed pet hair. My boyfriend got me a similar one as a gift last year — and frankly put, it’s cut the time I spend sweeping our floors in half.
This Infuser Bottle That Adds Fresh Flavors To Plain Water
Not a fan of drinking plain water? Add your favorite fruits to this infusion bottle, and their flavors will gradually leak out for a refreshing twist. The flip-top lid is leakproof, and the non-slip grips on the side help you keep a firm handle on it when you’re sweating at the gym.
A Hand Casting Kit That’s Fun On Rainy Afternoons
Rainy afternoon got you feeling down? Bust out this hand casting kit to give yourself and your kids something fun to do. It works great as an arts and crafts project, as well as a way to commemorate special moments between you and your significant other. Besides — thousands of positive reviews can’t all be wrong.
A Bike Seat That’s Actually Comfortable
Ever notice how your bike seat leaves your bum sore after a short ride? Grab this cushioned one for a more comfortable ride. The extra-wide top gives you room to shift around to find your ideal position — and it even comes with a travel bag in case you need to take it with you.
The Pizza Rocker That Won’t Veer Off Course
Whenever I cut pizza with a rolling blade, there’s a better-than-good chance that I’ll wind up steering off course — that’s why I bought this pizza rocker. Now my pizza slices are all even, and the stainless steel blade hasn’t developed a single bit of rust since I bought it.
Dirty Cars Definitely Need This Trashcan
Instead of letting trash fall to the floor of your car, throw it into this trashcan and save yourself some mess. The bottom is leakproof so that you don’t have to worry about liquids, and the lining is reinforced to help prevent rips.
The Mixing Bowls Made From Stainless Steel
I made the mistake of buying glass mixing bowls a few weeks ago, and if I’m being honest? I’ve already cracked two of them. But you’re better than me — that’s why you grabbed these stainless steel ones instead. And since they nest inside of each other, they take up hardly any space.
The Therapy Lamp That Melts Away Winter Blues
When the overcast sky has got you feeling down, just stare into this therapy lamp for a few minutes. It simulates sunlight, helping to boost your mood during the cold winter months — and this model, in particular, is small enough to take with you when traveling.
A Bottle Of Oil That Keeps Cutting Boards In Tip-Top Shape
If your wooden cutting boards are starting to split, you might want to give them a good douse with this mineral oil. It hydrates the wood, helping prevent cracks and chips so that they last longer — and each bottle is even made right here in the United States.
These Glowing Paints For The Little Artist In Your Life
Got a little artist in the house? Blow them away with these glowing paints. They’ll work indoors as well as outdoors, though they charge best when exposed to direct sunlight. And since they’re rich in pigment, it only takes one coat for full coverage.
The Heating Pad That Soothes Away Soreness
Shoulders feeling tense? Put this heating pad on to help melt away aches and pains. Or, if you’d prefer some cold therapy, simply keep it in the freezer so that it’s always ready to go. “This pillow is odorless and doesn’t leave you stinky for hours after use,” explained one reviewer. “It heats up evenly, and I do enjoy the extra weight of the product.”
This Pitcher Made From Sleek Glass
Made from thick glass, this pitcher is a definite upgrade to the cheap plastic ones sitting in your cabinet. The wide mouth makes for easy filling — and since the lid is leakproof, there’s no need to worry about accidental spills.
The Winter Gloves That Actually Keep Your Hands Warm
Not all winter gloves are created equal — these ones are thermally insulated to help keep your hands warm on even the coldest days. And if you need proof? One reviewer even wrote that “They are warm, thick and super cute. I have only used them outside for a short period of time, more specifically to run errands, take the dogs outside, etc and they kept my hands warm here in PA winter.”