My Picks for Uncommonly Good Christmas Gifts

{This is a sponsored post, however, all opinions and gift picks are my own. You’ll see…}

I hate to admit it, but the Christmas gift-giving season fills me with dread. It’s not that I don’t like giving or receiving gifts. I do. In fact, nothing makes me happier than coming across the perfect gift for a particular person. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen at the right time, or in the right price range, or for all the people on my list.

For some strange reason, I can always find gifts that I’D like to receive. So shopping for my friends and sisters-in-law and anyone who likes the same things I do is easy. And my kids are pretty easy, too. Probably because they straight-up tell me exactly what they want. They also write lists and helpfully shove catalogs in my face to show me what to get them.

It’s those OTHER people on my list that are the problem. I have the parents who don’t need anything, the in-laws who won’t say what they want, and the husband who buys himself whatever he wants, whenever he wants, so when Christmas rolls around I’m racking my brain to come up with something—ANYTHING!—to put under the tree for him (besides a ginormous flat-screen TV). Can you see why Christmas stresses me out?!

Fortunately, I have discovered some solutions. No, not gift cards. Thoughtless and unimaginative! (Unless you’re giving me a Target gift card. In that case, thanks!) Museum gift shops. Boom! These are great places to buy unique, creative gifts. The only problem is that they are usually found in museums.

But wait! Here’s the next best thing: Uncommon Goods. Are you familiar with this company? I began getting the catalog in the mail years ago and was immediately intrigued by their unusual products, such as these things I thought were cement donuts but are actually stone disks from Finland that relieve tired eyes.

(Getting these for my mom, who once rejected a red silk bag I specially picked out for her from a market in Portland because it was “impractical” and “too flashy.” Useful Finnish eye stones for you, Mom!)

I also love that Uncommon Goods is all about sustainability and offers lots of handmade, recycled, and organic products. It warms my crunchy, environmentally friendly, vegetarian heart. OK, back to the gifts! Here are my top picks:

For kids, these balloon animal night lights are adorable.

For a college student or lazy bachelor, these bags that let you make grilled cheese in a toaster are genius.

A babysitter, niece, aunt, or any other fierce feminist will certainly appreciate this shattered glass ceiling necklace. (Note: currently backordered. To no one’s surprise.) More original ideas for the ladies in your life here.

There is no one harder to buy for than a dad or husband who doesn’t like sports, grilling, or beer. For that guy, may I suggest this eyeglasses holder, necktie travel roll, or facial hair maintenance kit? (It probably works on man-buns, too.)

And for myself, and other wives who are sick of getting kitchen items and sweaters in colors they’d never wear, I’d recommend this cool embroidered wallet or these musical wine glasses. (Hint, hint.)

Did this help? No? Well, I give up then! Gift cards for those people. Merry Christmas!