The best places to shop online and find that “something special” for someone special
Choosing gifts for a loved one can be challenging at times. Not only do you have to think about what to buy them, but also where to get them from – not made any easier in times when many of us cannot physically get to shops.
Perhaps you are looking for some of the best unique gift websites to browse for some inspiration when it comes to finding a special gift idea.
That’s why we have picked out the best online shops to buy gifts from the comfort of your own home. Remember, if you’re shopping for family and friends in other countries, you may need to use a VPN to complete your online purchase.
Whether it’s birthdays, anniversaries, leaving gifts, housewarmings, or the holiday season, you are sure to find something suitable for any occasion and any recipient from one of these great online gift shops.
This post is part of our travel gift guides series
Top 15 Unique Gift Websites
We are affiliates of some of the mentioned brands and may earn a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.
1. Uncommon Goods
Perhaps one of the best-known unusual gift websites, Uncommon Goods, is always our first stop for unique online gift shopping ideas! There are loads of categories on this site, so you can easily find perfect gifts for men, women, and children.
They have everything for the home and kitchen, fun things to wear, practical repurposed travel gear, and even give the gift of an experience (think cooking classes or cocktail making, with all the ingredients delivered before a live class!). There are so many ideas to choose from, and we simply love their community ethos.
You can find our guide to the best travel keepsakes to be found on Uncommon Goods here.
2. Animi Causa
Animi Causa is our next go-to site for fun and unusual gifts. This site is packed with great gift ideas for the whole family, many of them unique items they are unlikely to have already – perfect for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list!
A fabulous selection of traveller gifts can also be found at Animi Causa; there’s sure to be something here for a special travel-loving friend.
There are some sleek and modern homeware gifts here, too, such as kitchen items and things to use at work.
3. Not on the High Street
This UK online gift shop is one of our favourites for finding creative gifts and personalised gifts. Bringing together small businesses, there are over 5,000 sellers that utilise the Not On The High Street online shopping platform.
Gift categories and their marketplace creatives are constantly being renewed and refreshed each season, so you’re bound to find something unique year after year. It’s our go-to for Mother’s Day gifts and Father’s Day gifts, as well as newborn gifts – in fact, name a special occasion, and I bet they’ve got it!
4. Etsy
If you love your gifts hand-crafted and personalized – just like you’d find in a Christmas market stall – then Etsy is the online store for you. A community of sellers from around the world can promote their unique crafts in this creative marketplace and reach customers worldwide.
Equally known for their personalized wedding gifts through to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, newborns, memorials – you name the occasion – anything with a personalized touch, this is your best place to find it.
We have found Etsy particularly good for personalized travel and leaving gifts – these are our favorite world map gifts on Etsy!
5. Personalization Mall
When it comes to unique gift ideas with a personalized touch, Personalization Mall is our go-to. The site specializes in items that can all be personalized, at no extra cost!
Be it adding your family names to mementos such as Christmas ornaments, teachers’ gifts with their student’s names, anniversaries with dates inscribed, or any special occasion you can think of; Names, special slogans, dates, team names, and more are added to your specification to make for a thoughtful and special gift for your recipient.
6. Packed With Purpose
Another newbie to our list of best unique gift websites in 2023. If you are seeking out an exceptional gift that has social impact, consider the great range of artisanal gift baskets available at Packed with Purpose.
This certified Woman-Owned gifting company gives so much more than just a physical gift to recipients; the products are ideal for the corporate gifting market, though equally can be gifts for family & friends.
As part of their ethos, products must be made with sustainable materials. Partners are rigorously vetted across 6 criteria across women’s empowerment, diversity, youth development and workforce development.
These truly are gifts that give back and include fabulous and unique culinary items at reasonable prices that you may never have seen before.
7. SkyMall
SkyMall sells a little bit of everything – travel items, homeware, toys, electronics, beauty products, clothing, and accessories. So, it’s the perfect place to find something for everyone on your list!
There are also gift guides for men, women, children, and even pets to make finding something they will love easier. Free shipping for anything over $50 in the United States is also a bonus.
Find our top suggestions here for unique beach gifts moms will love!
8. Sharper Image
If you need a gift for someone who loves technology and gadgets, Sharper Image is a seriously cool online gift shop. Here, you can find all kinds of tech gifts and new products on the market, such as headphones, cameras, electronic toys, and more.
Electronics aren’t the only thing you can buy at Sharper Image; it’s also possible to find travel items, games and toys, and things to use outdoors, including toys, golf accessories, bikes, hoverboards, and more! There’s sure to be something here for everyone.
9. Viva Terra
A few unique gift companies specialise in homeware and accessories, and Viva Terra is one of our favorites. You can find lovely décor and gift ideas for all areas of the home on this site – kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, outdoors, and there is even a dedicated gifts section, including gift cards.
There are many unique, artisan items that you won’t find elsewhere, making it one of our favourite places for finding unique housewarming gifts.
10. Red Bubble
If the kids have been begging you for merch from a particular YouTube star or obscure online game you’ve never heard of, this is the place you might just find what they’re after!
Redbubble.com sells everything from hoodies to phone cases, pet bandanas to wall art, all made by a vast array of indie artists from around the world.
Our own track record ordering from Red Bubble has unfortunately been hit and miss, with some artists able to dispatch instantly and some wonderful gifts, through to late delivery experiences.
Customer service is attentive, though, so we’d recommend making sure to order well in advance when using Red Bubble if you need a special gift for the young girl or boy in your life, to make sure it arrives on time!
11. Hammacher Schlemmer
Hammacher Schlemmer sells many unique gifts online, mainly for the home. There are also electronics, personal care items, sporting goods and accessories, toys, travel accessories, and more. So, no matter who you are buying for or what the occasion is, you are sure to find something here to suit.
The site also has a gift guide section to help narrow your search by the recipient or budget. Even personalised gifts are available here (NB ships only in the United States/Canada).
12. Elephant Stock – Unique Wall Art
Are you looking for the best and most unique gift for your family or friends? If yes, then consider unique wall art as a gift. ElephantStock is an excellent website for various types and styles of wall art, including canvas prints, abstract artwork, Asian-style wall art, and more.
You can easily browse the site to find unique wall art for your loved ones. In addition, you can buy trending wall décor from this website that everyone will love to hang on their walls.
They are also officially licensed to reproduce prints for a number of popular brands, including Harry Potter, Friends, Game of Thrones and Justice League.
13. GS-JJ & CustomSticker
Established over 20 years ago, GS-JJ.com is an industry-leading manufacturer of custom promotional gifts, including custom pins, challenge coins, custom stickers, and more.
They have some subsidiary brands, such as CustomSticker.com, where you can get the most exquisite and cheap custom holographic stickers with free shipping and design.
GS-JJ & CustomSticker.com offer the lowest trade prices with high-quality products if you are looking for meaningful anniversary gifts for someone special or promotional gifts for companies to show a sense of identity and collective pride. The professional customization services allow you to create your own unique designs for resale or promotional purposes.
Products they sell include promotional gifts, lapel pins, challenge coins, lanyards, trading pins, ornaments, keychains, wristbands, custom stickers, labels, and holographic stickers.
14. ExperienceGifts.com
Still not sure you’ve found the right thing for that special someone? Or perhaps you have no time to get a physical gift delivered, and you need your unique gift idea delivered FAST! ExperienceGifts.Com is our new go-to for something truly special and unique to give a lifetime of memories.
Do you have an adrenaline junkie to buy for? Look for water sports and bungee jumping gifts! Foodies? Try their unique selection of food tours around the world. Culture vultures? Look for guided walking tours or scenic flights.
These can be ideal add-ons for those with upcoming travel plans you can contribute – perfect for occasions such as honeymoons, gap years or special anniversaries.
15. Gifts.com
Last but by no means least, if you are looking for alternative sites like Uncommon Goods where you can buy the perfect gift for all your family and friends at once, Gifts.com has always delivered. One of the best gift websites for easy navigation, you will find gift suggestions for literally anyone – him, her, babies, kids, or teenagers.
Gifts.com can also be sorted by special occasions, and there are loads to choose from! Housewarming, graduation, bridal shower, easter gift baskets and sympathy gifts can all be found here, along with a handy birthday gift by age category!
Gifts.com also has many personalized gifts, so you can find something unique and one-of-a-kind that the recipient won’t already have.
These are our favourite top 15 unique gift stores online, each offering something slightly different. There are plenty of smaller independent sites, too, but these are our favourites for a huge selection of easy-to-purchase unique gifts for the holiday season in 2023.
Seeking more gift inspiration? You can also check out our gift guides for
- Most insanely useful gift ideas for traveling families
- Practical non-toy gift ideas for kids of all ages
- What to buy parents-to-be who LOVE to travel!
- Expat leaving gifts for a friend moving abroad
- Unique travel gift ideas for your big & little men
- 45+ Perfect Gifts for Outdoorsy Women
- The best gifts for Dads who love travel
- 60+ Gift ideas for your adventurous tween girl
- Ideal gifts for the beach-lover
- Last-minute stocking stuffers for your little globetrotters
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