'Tis the season for our most love-hate task: shopping for the impossible giftee. It's one thing to find the perfect bestie friendship bracelet, or White Elephant presents under $20. But once we've Skydanced past the gifts we know how to give, we're left wracking our brains for that one person who either insists they have everything, or wants nothing. (Sweet, finger-licking lies.) It's more likely that giftee is not expecting, but would truly revel in something that packs a sincere, but delightful punch. Something that feels specific. Enter "Uncommon Goods."
If you're new to Uncommon Goods, the e-tailer is a happy, highly curated corner of the web where the best unique gifts curl up and hold hands. There are DIY kits galore, from a personalized reel viewer to a mini root beer brewery. There are gifts for sensible folks, loose canons, and hot sauce lovers. The puzzles are instant classics. The cheese boards, très ample. Whatever sensory delight you land on, the present will always feel thoughtful.
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We asked the Uncommon Goods team for the scoop on some of their best-sellers, and weren't disappointed. The following 15 items are packed full of clever goodness for babes of all ages and interests this holiday season. Especially you, Sagittarius.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Therapy Dough
"Remember playing with dough as a kid? Squishing, squeezing, and shaping it into anything your heart-and imagination-desired. This grown-up version lets you relive that childhood fun, and provides adult benefits: stress relief and aromatherapy."Uncommon Goods Therapy Dough, $15.00 Buy
New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle
"Your favorite history buff is always attempting to put the pieces together. Celebrate their (or your) special day--birthday, anniversary, milestone-- with this puzzle, an interactive memento made from the New York Times front page (since 1851) of your choice. Comprised of 500 pieces, the puzzles are made in Williston, Vermont."Uncommon Goods New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle, $49.95 Buy
Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
"Instant mimosas (or bellinis) as the champagne dissolves the cubes. With bubbles and color and pieces of fruit floating to the top, it's a beautiful sight. They're a fun, delicious surprise for brunches or bridal showers, and an easy cocktail any time."Uncommon Goods Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio, $30.00 Buy
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Root Beer Science Kit
"Little foodies will love this kit that includes ingredients needed to brew up a fresh batch of root beer."Uncommon Goods Root Beer Science Kit, $16.00 Buy
Create Your Own Reel Viewer
"Give yourself a double dose with this grown-up, just-for-you version of one of childhood's greatest gadgets: the reel viewer. Assemble snapshots of your favorite memories and add them to your very own reel using the redemption code included with your viewer. Once you receive your made-to-order reel, pop it in the viewer."
Uncommon Goods Create Your Own Reel Viewer, $29.95 Buy
Personalized Family Recipe Board
"Nonna's pie crust gives you instant potluck cred and keeps a family tradition going strong. Preserve those special recipes on something sturdier and more beautiful than a paper card. This unique cherry wood cutting board showcases the ingredients and instructions for one meaningful dish. Submit a scanned image of your recipe card, and the exact directions are etched in your loved one's handwriting."Uncommon Goods Personalized Family Recipe Board, $100.00 Buy
Essential Oil Shower Steamers
"Open one of these essential oil steamers in your shower and open your pores to a real reset. Choose Stress Relief with lemongrass, eucalyptus and orange; invigorating Wake Up blend with spearmint and two kinds of citrus; or Sleep Tight, which uses the soothing essence of lavender to wind you down. Handmade in Washington State."Uncommon Goods Essential Oil Shower Steamers, $14.00 Buy
DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit
"Sweet and chewy on the outside, cold and creamy on the inside, adorable all over: that's a mochi ice cream ball. Now you can make them at home. With this kit, you can give your favorite ice cream a Japanese twist. In just a few steps, you'll have eight irresistible ice cream balls nestled inside soft, sweet, chewy-gooey rice cake pillows. (Or 32, if you want to go nuts and make 4 batches all at once.)"Uncommon Goods DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit, $32.00 Buy
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Urban Map Glass
"Created by Boston-based designer Brian Johnson, these glasses feature an intricate city map that sprawls along the curves of the vessel. Interspersed street names and the locale's coordinates offer an unexpected way to show off your own stomping grounds. Glasses made in Ohio and etched in New Hampshire."Uncommon Goods Urban Map Glass, $16.00 Buy
Game of Phones
"Game of Phones turns your trusty cellular companion into the subject of a scavenger hunt between you and your friends. Just gather your friends and their smartphones (sorry, flip phone, you're not invited), draw a prompt card, and see who can use their phones the fastest to create an emoji masterpiece, show off the last photo you took, or find the weirdest Google Image result for your name. Collect the most points to win."Uncommon Goods Game of Phones, $20.00 Buy
Compact Swivel Cheese & Tapas Board
"Maximum spread with minimal footprint: That's what every good entertainer craves. This collapsible cheeseboard delivers. With special sockets for ceramic serving bowls, a groove that keeps your favorite crackers contained, and a secret drawer stocked with three cheese knives, this bamboo hosting hack helps make crudités and savory goodies look irresistible. The best part? It folds down to half its size, so it's easy to stow in your cupboard, too."Uncommon Goods Compact Swivel Cheese & Tapas Board, $85.00 Buy
Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden
"When chefs say fresh herbs make all the difference, they speak the truth. But where does that leave those of us with no garden, no time, and no green thumb? Harvest all that flavor with very little work with Sarah Burrows and Nick Behr's tinted, vintage-inspired jars. They're pure charm on the outside, but inside use a passive hydroponic system that brings nutrients up to the plants' roots while regulating moisture. Assembled in the USA."Uncommon Goods Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden, $20.00 Buy
Vintage National Parks Puzzle
"From Acadia to Zion and all points in between, our nation is home to more than 400 breathtakingly beautiful protected landscapes, wildernesses, and areas of cultural significance. Enjoy these destinations from the comforts of home with this 1,000-piece puzzle."Uncommon Goods Vintage National Parks Puzzle, $20.00 Buy
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Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
"There's nothing like a full-bodied hot sauce--and making it yourself can add an extra kick to the mix. Produce a piquant variety of hot sauces with this DIY kit, offering cayenne, ancho, curry, and chili spice packs. Simply follow the instructions, combining the spices with the included peppers, vinegars, and garlic to create your own handcrafted condiments."Uncommon Goods Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit, $40.00 Buy
Personalized Whiskey Barrel
"This miniature oak barrel ages spirits to peak flavor, just like the full-sized versions in professional distilleries—and like the pros, you can have your own "distillery" name (plus one or two names, "date established," and city and state) on yours. The barrel's petite proportions accelerate the aging process, so your choice of liquor will hit its prime up to ten times faster. Handmade by coopers in Manassas, Virginia. Ages 21+."Uncommon Goods Personalized Whiskey Barrel, $85.00 Buy
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