Whether it is a birthday, a holiday, or one of those “just because you care” moments, cool gifts are fun to give and fun to receive. You don’t want to get your friend another boring present she has seen a million times. No, you want to get her something new and exciting. This list is full of unique and special gifts that will dazzle and surprise the lucky person on the receiving end. And the beautiful thing is they don’t have to know that you mined some awesome list online. Let them believe it was their idea, and they’ll think you’re as cool as the gift you gave them.
50 Awesome and Cool Gifts for any Occasion
Air conditioning, Miles Davis, a good glass of lemonade, planetariums, and mint candies – what do they have in common? That’s right: They’re all cool!
Well, add these 50 present ideas to the collection, too, because these items are the coolest cats in the gift-giving alley. From sweet tech to trendy innovations to those things that you’d never heard of before but now realize you can hardly live without, these are gifts that are sure to impress, surprise, and delight.
One winning feature of what you’ll find below is that there is something for everyone, both in terms of who’s giving and who’s receiving. Whether you are buying for a young kid, a teenager, or an adult, you’re bound to find items that cater to that population. You’ll see that the prices vary quite widely, too, so the list can accommodate a broad range of budgets.
The common denominator across age, style, taste, gender, and budget, though, is that just above frosty descriptor: cool. Do watch out, though: Many a careless shopper when perusing a list of such appealing gifts has fallen snare to giver-receiver confusion. You may intend to buy for your mom or nephew or bestie and find yourself ordering two copies: one for them and one for you. Don’t worry. We won’t tell.
Amazing Geometric Sunset Colored Tote
This stunningly beautiful bag is available in two styles: tote and cross-body. With its almost three-dimensional design, this bag will look cool everywhere it goes and will class up any outfit. Get this for someone who loves unique, stand-apart accessories and who doesn’t mind being constantly asked where she got such a fabulous bag.
Check PriceAdorable and Dreamy Cloud-Shaped Shelves
If you know someone, young or old, who always seems to have their head in the clouds, these bookshelves are perfect for them. Available in three sizes, they can be ordered individually or in a complete set. And if you prefer something more unique than a standard white fluffy cloud, there are many colors to choose from.
Check PriceFun in the Kitchen – Molecular Gastronomy Kit
Any chef, home cook, or science lover will appreciate this molecular gastronomy kit that dives into the science side of the kitchen. There is a lot of chemistry that goes into a meal, and this kit will teach you how to create fun food creations such as chocolate that resembles spaghetti. Once you learn the basics, the kitchen is your laboratory.
Check PriceMinnie Mouse Polka Dot Tote Bag
Who doesn’t love Minnie Mouse? She is so sweet, cute, and representative of the feminine side of all things Disney. All you need to recognize her is her classic ears and adorable polka dot bow. Add your friend’s initials to this special bag to make it even more perfect and personalized.
Check PriceIncredibly Unique Sand Timer Cufflinks
These miniature sand hourglasses add a pop of color and a lot of personality to any man’s dress ensemble. They are a clever and unique way to capture a particular “time” in his life or in your relationship, and he will certainly never forget who gave him this thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift.
Check PriceFun and Playful Optical Illusion Kit
This kit is sure to elicit excitement from whoever is lucky enough to receive it. They will love exploring and seeing these amazing tricks play out. This kit explores the science behind some classic illusions and will give your friend insight into what goes into an optical illusion and why we see what we do. This is great for any age.
Check PriceCoffee, Also Known as Ninja Juice
This cute and funny little thermos takes the daily necessity of a cup of coffee and turns it into something a lot more fun: ninja juice. It is a funny way to look at a cup of coffee and may elicit a few laughs from coworkers. Maybe when they drink from it, they will be instilled with the powers of a ninja.
Check PriceSleek Wooden Case for Apple Laptops
Most computer covers and cases involve bright pops of color or popular characters or references. While those are fun, they aren’t particularly refined or sophisticated. If the person you are shopping for prefers the nightly news to Saturday Cartoons, this mature and stylish cover would be a perfect choice from them. Bonus points if it matches their desk.
Check PriceChallenging and Entertaining Aztec Puzzle
Inspired by the art of the Aztecs, this puzzle is trickier than it looks. It uses unconventionally shaped pieces that connect in surprising ways. The cool right-angle geometric art is mesmerizing. This is not only a fun puzzle but a great conversation piece as a coffee table addition or decorative piece.
Check PriceSweet and Welcoming Disney Home Mat
If your friend is a fan of Disney and they are proud to put that on display, this mat is a good choice for a home décor gift. With a few sizes and finish options, some prices work for all budgets. Your friend will love sporting their favorite mouse as friends and family enter their home.
Check PriceAdorable Fujifilm Camera in Rose Gold
This camera is perfect for the photography lover. It combines elements of classic cameras with an adjustable lens and three color filters, but it also incorporates modern updates like a selfie mode, macro mode, and automatic features. Thanks to the shoulder strap, your buddy can take this camera with them on their many adventures, perhaps even with you!
Check PricePersonalized Football Insulator for a Bottle
Koozies are great for cans, but what do you reach for when you are trying to keep the bottle cold? This beer sleeve is the perfect gift for your pal who loves to watch the big game with a cold bottle of their favorite brew in hand. Complete with laces and their name, they’ll love showing this off while tailgating.
Check PriceOtherworldly Magnetic Balancing Desk Lamp
Give a gift that is unique, interesting, and useful. This lamp fits perfectly on a desk and is turned on and off by magnets that cause the balls and strings to hover together in midair. There are no switches, so to turn off this incredible light, you simply break the connection between the two magnets.
Check PriceBuy One or Many Hexagon Shelves
These hexagonal shelving units are a great gift for someone who is looking for a way to spruce up their home décor. Not only are they lovely pieces all on their own, but they also make great shelves and perfectly frame whatever you choose to put inside. Buy your friend one or get them a few for a larger creation.
Check PriceAmazing and Surprising Coaster Cactus Set
When you first give this gift to your friend, they will think you have just given them a cute faux cactus. However, upon further examination, they will realize that this cactus comes apart to form seven perfect coasters. After drinks are done, they can rebuild their cool cactus in a variety of clever and unique ways.
Check PriceYummy Treats that are Out of this World
If science and sweets are two of your friend’s interests, you cannot go wrong with these amazing planet-inspired lollipops. Each planet has a different flavor inspiration, ranging from cherry for Venus to cotton candy for Earth. It comes in a set of ten, which means it includes the disavowed planet Pluto, as well as the sun.
Check PriceBeautiful Repurposed Hanging Bamboo Lamps
Believe it or not, these gorgeous lamps are crafted from handwoven Thai bamboo fishing traps. Your friend can decorate any area of their home with these special lamps, and you can buy them one or go for a whole set. Whatever you do, they will be grateful for such a thoughtful and cool lighting update.
Check PriceEven Superman Has to Use the Toilet
This funny poster is for the comic book lover with a sense of humor. It takes the world’s strongest man and puts him right where most of us are most vulnerable: on the toilet. Great for bathroom décor, it is available in many sizes so that no matter how big their home is, they will find a good fit
Check PriceSunny Days on Sesame Street Fleece Blanket
When you are having a down day, there is nothing like a bunch of friendly faces from Sesame Street to cozy up with and make it better. Great for the young or young at heart, Sesame Street has been popular for decades, meaning its reach extends to all ages. This blanket is available in three sizes and is customizable.
Check PriceCool and Modern Wireless Earphones
Music accessories are always a great gift idea, and right now wireless headphones are the ultimate option. They are a little pricy, but it is quite reasonable for the amazing quality and usability of the product. These particular headphones also contain a built-in microphone if your friend will be using them for phone conversations.
Check PriceClever and Fun Sink or Shoot Party Game
This new take on the classic contest of Battleship is a great way to liven up a game night. Featuring all the classic pieces, this new version carves out small holes on each ship for a shot glass. Now, when your opponent gets a hit, not only are they one step closer to sinking you, but you have to drink.
Check PriceIndoor or Outdoor Mini Fire Pit
This cool tabletop lantern can be used to hold candles or can come with rocks and sand to make it into a mini fire pit. Your friend can line their favorite table with a few of these for a beautiful glow. You can even use them to roast s’ mores indoors when the weather doesn’t allow for a bonfire.
Check PriceExposed Edison Bulb Rustic Desk Lamp
If your friend has a somewhat quirky taste with a solid dash of classic, they will rage over this amazing lamp. Made from piping, a wooden base, and Edison bulbs, it ticks all of the cool, hip, and trendy boxes. This lamp will look great beside or on their desk to serve as inspiration for creativity and innovative spirit.
Check PriceBrass Owl Vintage Touch Lamp
At first, it seems like this lamp is missing something: an on switch. Yet, when you give the sweet little owl a rub, the lamp magically lights up. Touch him again and you can toggle through three levels of brightness and then turn the lamp off. This is a great piece for someone who likes unique, antique-style décor.
Check PriceWalking Dead-inspired Coffee Mug for the Morning Zombie
With the abundance of zombie-themed movies and TV shows, you are bound to have friends who are super into it. Give them this spooky mug to freak out their family or coworkers. At first, it looks like a plain and simple black mug, but once it gets warm, it reveals a terrifying zombie and bloodied hands. Creepy!
Check PriceGorgeous Marbled Large Wall Art
There are few things in nature more beautiful than natural marble, and this painting captures its essence and nuances perfectly. The color palette is totally dreamy and has a watercolor effect. Then the pops of gold and copper hit the light just right to add a special warm glint to the piece. This comes available in multiple sizes and panels.
Check PriceBird-Themed Tangram Puzzle Box
Tangrams are tricky puzzles that present you with an outline and the pieces to you need to create it. It may sound simple, but it can be quite a feat to properly align each piece to create the final picture. This is a fun gift idea for a friend who loves puzzles and is up for a challenge.
Check PriceSuper Modern Knot Style Cushion
If you have a hip friend who is into the latest trends and styles, this knotted pillow cushion is a great gift idea. Available in a wide variety of colors, it is easy to match their living room décor. These cushions are cool and cozy and will add something special to a living space.
Check PriceDon’t Mess with Yosemite Sam T-Shirt
You can tell from the look on his face and the two smoking guns that Yosemite Sam is not one to mess around with. Get this for the friend who enjoys his classic cartoons but also likes to present a tough air. Since it is available in sizes small to 5X, there is a perfect fit for everyone.
Check PriceStylish and Super Practical Phone-Charging Bracelet
Nowadays, everyone is using their cell phones more or less constantly. Whether it is texting, browsing, or watching videos, when you are out and about, it is likely that you will, at some point, lose battery life. This lightweight minimalist design looks cool on everyone and is so nice to have readily available. Portable charging has never been more fashionable.
Check PricePlayful Minnie Mouse Leggings
These leggings feature the classic character Minnie Mouse in mostly black and white, although there is the occasional pop of a red bow. She is looking adorable in each image, as will your friend while she wears them. Get these for a Disney lover who likes graphic prints and isn’t afraid of making a bold statement with their clothes.
Check PriceBeautiful Oak Wood Restroom Signs
We see the classic men’s and women’s restroom symbols at restaurants and other public places, so why not add some to the home? Put this cute little solid oak pair on your bathroom door so that “turn right, then left, and it’s the third door of the right” can simply become, “it’s the door labeled bathroom”.
Check PriceChic Geometric Base Headphone Holder
Whether you use headphones professionally or not, it is important to keep such a nice device in a safe and secure place. This headphone holder means that you will always know exactly where your headphones are, and you won’t run the risk of squishing them underfoot. This is the perfect gift for a friend who loves their beats.
Check PriceCheeky “Pi” Dessert Plates
This one easily flies over the head of most, but for that geeky friend who loves baked treats, it is a perfect and unique gift. Read out loud, the plate reads, “I ate some pie,” using clever math symbols and formulas as homonyms. Give these for a special occasion or on March 14th to celebrate Pi Day!
Check PriceDark Forest Green Stylish Suspenders
Suspenders have had a recent resurgence in popular fashion, and for good reason. These handy little straps replace the need for a belt and almost always look super cool. Get these for a friend who you know is hip to the latest trends and who will rock them at work or on a date night with his sweetie.
Check PriceBeautiful Galileo Globe-Style Thermometer
Galileo thermometers are a pretty and clever way to get a read on the temperature. They can be used inside or out, and as the temperature changes, each of the bulbs rises or sinks. These make for interesting decorative pieces or are a good gift for a classroom or nursery. Its color and fun make it a great gift.
Check PriceLucky Kitty Red Accented Makeup Bag
This Lucky Cat Maneki Neko print is super cute, and this bag is perfect for that friend who always loses her mascara in the depths of her purse. The red interior, zipper, and accents give this piece a pop of color, and the print is brimming with personality. It is cute, functional, and a perfect present.
Check PriceBranding Iron with Customizable Logo or Design
For the cowboy or cowgirl at heart, this modern-day branding iron is one awesome gift. When you send this shop the image, design, or graphic of your choice, they will send you a custom-made electric branding iron. Luckily, you don’t need hot coals to heat up this bad boy; just plug it in and let it heat up. Now you just need to order yourself a cow…
Check PriceUltra-Cozy Chunky Knit Throw Blanket
Made of luxurious merino wool, this gift is perfect for the person who loves to relax. The weight of this heavy knit blanket only adds to its comfort, and it is perfect for cuddling up with a kitten, a partner, or a good book. Thanks to its large size, it can be used as a throw blanket either on a couch or bed.
Check Price50 Amazingly Cool Gifts for Your Friends and Family
Out of all these cutting edge gadgets and stylish fashion statements, there is one thing that is cooler still than anything you’ll find on this list: a good and generous friend or family member. Really, when your close one says “thank you” in response to receiving a gift, what they mean underneath the statement is “thank you for beginning in my life.” And for all the material things out there that you can use to show your affection for those you hold dear, there is simply nothing cooler than a friend or family member who makes the effort to browse a list such as this, who considers the right purchase carefully, and who gives with a happy heart.
