22 Most Unique Gifts Under $50, According to a Gifts Editor
The best gifts are the ones they'd never think to buy.
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As a gifts editor, I always want to recommend gifts that feel unique to the recipient. Of course, I don't know exactly who you're shopping for, so I have to rely on picks that are a little unexpected—things they likely wouldn't think to buy, but would love to receive. Think a nostalgic viewfinder filled with your favorite memories for a partner, a lightweight projector for your teen that's always watching movies, or a inkless photo printer for kids with a creative side.
Unique gifts can be silly or funny, like plush pickles that were a hit among our kid testers, but they should also be thoughtful, personalized, and pleasantly surprising. I rounded up the most unique gifts for everyone on your list, including some of the most popular gifts among our readers. And, these gifts aren't all over the internet yet, so snag them before they become too trendy.
Our top picks:
- Most unique gift: IMAGE3D Custom Viewfinder
- Best value: WISHOLY Mini Projector
- Cute gift for her: Birthstone Necklace
- Cool gift for him: Phomemo Thermal Pocket Printer
Best Deal
Who's it for: For anyone who loves a sweet treat
Why we love it: Popular among our readers, this small machine whips up soft serve ice cream in 15 minutes. They can add their favorite mix ins—I love adding berries, chocolate chips, and cookies.
RELATED: I Tried Dash's $40 Ice Cream Maker—Here's My Honest Review
Who's it for: Your mom, grandma, or friend who just started a family
Why we love it: This dainty necklace can be personalized with up to 11 birthstones to honor her kids or grandkids. It's made from 925 sterling silver, and available with gold or rose gold plating.
Who's it for: Tweens and teens
Why we love it: The internet is obsessed with squishy toys, especially these adorable dumplings that arrive in a faux steamer basket. The viral mystery squishy buns are nearly impossible to track down at Five Below, because they keep selling out, but we found a similar item ready to ship on Amazon.
RELATED: This Viral Glitter Dumpling Is TikTok's Latest Obsession—Here's How to Find One
Who's it for: Artistic kids, teens, and adults
Why we love it: Our readers can't stop buying the Buddha Board, which makes it possible to create art with water. I've tried it, and it's really fun to watch your doodles disappear and draw again.
Who's it for: Your girlfriend or wife
Why we love it: Fill a vase with a bouquet of glass flowers that'll never wilt—just note each stem is around $24. Choose their birth month flower, or opt for their favorite bloom, like a rose, daisy, peony, poppy, or aster.
Who's it for: Your jewelry-obsessed friend
Why we love it: Whether she recently got engaged or loves wearing jewelry every day, this hand-painted trinket dish feels like a personalized gift without the price tag. Pick one up with her monogram.
Who's it for: Anyone who loves capturing the moment
Why we love it: No matter their age, digital cameras are back—all of my 30-year-old friends started buying them again. This affordable camera is available in four colors and great for beginners, even kids.
Who's it for: Your best friend
Why we love it: Perfect for your next girl's night, this chic bracelet kit includes everything needed to DIY three beaded bracelets. There are assorted letters, so her and her besties can spell out names or favorite phrases.
Who's it for: Tweens and teens
Why we love it: It's easy to print photos, texts, or patterns with this mini printer—no ink required. Connect the thermal printer to your device via Bluetooth to print endless stickers.
Who's it for: Pet parents
Why we love it: If they're always talking about their furry friend, these adorable sweatshirt can be personalized with their dog or cat's face, name, and birth year. You can add a second pet, too!
Who's it for: Dad
Why we love it: Turn the sofa armrest into a side table—great for anyone who lives in a small space and spends a lot of time binging TV. There's a cup holder, rotating tablet stand, and ample space for snacks.
Who's it for: Teen boys
Why we love it: One of the most popular gifts among GH readers, this magnet fidget toy can be configured into endless shapes—chairs, animals, or a standard writing utensil.
Who's it for: A friend, partner, or family member celebrating a sentimental milestone
Why we love it: Reminisce on your first date, favorite brunch spot, or childhood home with a custom watercolor painting they can cherish forever. The digital file starts at $39, while prints start around $57, and you can add on a hardwood frame.
Who's it for: Kids and teens up for a challenge
Why we love it: Fun for all ages, this travel-friendly game will test their skills as they follow the flashing lights to recreate the patterns. They can play solo or go head-to-head with friends.
Who's it for: Gen Alpha and Gen Z
Why we love it: Junk journaling is having a moment, especially among teens and young adults. Great for beginners, this book is filled with 52 weekly prompts to tap into their creative side.
Who's it for: Anyone who craves a bigger screen
Why we love it: From outdoor movie nights to indoor gaming sessions, this lightweight projector makes it easy to stream from practically anywhere up to 200 inches. Online reviewers say it's easy to set up and connect via Wifi and Bluetooth.
Who's it for: Your romantic partner
Why we love it: Retro is trending, and this custom viewfinder allows them to look back at the past. Your purchase includes a voucher for one free reel, which you can add up to seven of your favorite images at image3d.com.
Who's it for: Tweens, but also anyone who enjoys a cozy vibe
Why we love it: Popular among our readers, this textured moon lamp can be 16 different colors. Use the remote to set the brightness or set a timer. I recently got one, and it makes a really adorable nightlight.
Who's it for: The happy couple who's recently engaged or married
Why we love it: Celebrate their love with this customizable bamboo matchbox, complete with red hot-tipped matches. You add their initials and the year.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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