The best places to shop online and find that “something special”
Choosing gifts for a loved one can be difficult 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.
Top 14 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! There are some sleek and modern homeware gifts here, too, such as kitchen items and things to use at work.
A fabulous selection of traveller gifts can also be found at Animi Causa – check out their selection of world map ideas for some unique home decor; there’s sure to be something here for a special travel-loving friend.
PSST – you can get 10% off your first Animi Causa purchase here!
Scratch Map Deluxe XL from Animi Causa – $65.00
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 5000 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 Mothers Day gifts and Fathers 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 personalised – 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 creatives marketplace and reach customers worldwide.
Equally known for their personalised wedding gifts through to mothers day, fathers day, newborns, memorials – you name the occasion – anything with a personalised touch this is your best place to find it.
5. AHAlife (STORE NOW CLOSED – WE’LL UPDATE THIS SUGGESTION SOON!)
When it comes to unique gift ideas for women, AHAlife.com is one of the best websites. This site specializes in ladies’ gifts such as bags, jewellery, beauty products, and homeware and accessories.
Whether it’s your best friend or an anniversary gift, the ladies in your life will love pampering themselves with any of the luxurious gift items found at AHAlife. While it’s suitable for adult women, you might want to look somewhere else for gifts for the young girl in your life.
6. GS-JJ & CustomSticker
Established more than 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.
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
There are a few unique gift companies specializing 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 gift for a special occasion.
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 shipping in the US/Canada only).
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 a great 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.
13. Virgin Experience Gifts
Still not sure you’ve found the right thing for that special someone? Or perhaps no time to get a physical gift delivered, and you need your unique gift idea delivered FAST! Virgin Experience Gifts is our go-to for that truly special, something unique that will give a lifetime of memories.
Got a motorhead to buy for? Check out their unique driving experiences. Thrill seeker? Sky diving or bungee jumping! Or something a little more sedate, try a spa package, walking tour or a dinner cruise – this can be idea add-ons for those with upcoming travel plans you can contribute – perfect for occasions such as honeymoons, gap years or special anniversaries.
If you can’t decide, an eGift Card from Virgin Experiences can be your best option to cover all bases and let your recipient decide on their thrill level!
14. Gifts.com
Last but 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. You can easily navigate the site to find a gift for 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 special and one-of-a-kind that the recipient won’t have.
These are our favourite top 14 gift sites and each offers 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 2022.
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
- The best gifts for Dads who love travel
- 60+ Gift ideas for your adventurous tween girl
- Ideal gifts for moms who love the beach
- Last-minute stocking stuffers for your little globetrotters
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Disclosures: This page contains affiliate links to some of our favourite online gift stores. If you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link, we may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Our full website terms of use, privacy policy and disclosures can be found here.