30 "Just Because" Gifts That Will Make Their Day a Bit Brighter
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If anyone tells you gifts aren't one of their love languages, you should try to change their minds by buying them a unique gift anyway. Gifts are awesome and can spark immediate happiness. Cheap gifts, luxury gifts, sentimental gifts — they're all great. And what's even greater? Gift-giving when your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or friends aren't even expecting it — after all, it's the thought that counts. That's where these unique "just because" gifts come in handy.
Is there something that's been on their Amazon wishlist for a while? Or have you noticed they're always talking about a product they wish they had around the house? If you're gifting for someone who is far away or going through a hard time, what's something that would make them smile? I can't answer all those questions for you, but this list full of thoughtful, inexpensive gift ideas is a good place to start. Heartwarming care package? Check. Cookbook with a recipe for the best cupcakes on the planet? Check. Puzzles, candles, and PF Flyers? Check, check, check!
If you can't find something that strikes the right chord below, take a look at the best gifts for wives, the best gifts for husbands, and our favorite gifts under $30 roundups.
Sunflower Care Package
While you don't need a reason to send this sun-filled gift basket, it would be a perfect care package for a friend who's going through a rough time or just had surgery.
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Reusable Grocery Bag
For the person who still doesn't have reusable grocery bags, eco-friendly company Out of the Woods has the ultimate tote — think elevated farmer's market. I'm also a big fan of their insulated tote bag for cold items, should they need more than one option!
Plushmates
TeeTurtle makes reversible plushies designed to both soothe anxiety and wordlessly communicate moods. Not feeling so hot? Turn the plushie to its angry side. Having a great day? Make the Avo-cat-o Cat smile! There are 16 different versions, ideal for kids, teens, and adults.
Jersey Boxer Briefs (Pack of 3)
Boxer briefs seem more prone to holes than any other clothing item. While I'd prefer not to dive into the causes of this phenomenon, I can recommend these Mack Wheldon undies for their impressively sturdy — yet soft — fabric. Now toss those other, lesser briefs in the bathroom wastebasket once and for all!
Hug in a Jar Candle
What does a hug smell like? Lavender, according to Calla Collections.
The Magnolia Bakery Handbook by Bobbie Lloyd
You know that parable about teaching a man to fish? Well, you can always ship someone Magnolia Bakery's famous banana pudding, but if you gift them this book, they can learn to make it themselves.
ThoughtFulls Pop-Open Cards (Pack of 2)
If someone is in need of a little pick-me-up, try a two-pack of these beloved cards from Compendium. Each box contains 30 cards that pop open — like a box on an Advent calendar — to reveal an inspirational quote. "You're Awesome" and "You Matter" are two of the brand's bestsellers, but there are plenty of themes from which to choose.
Organic Vermont Maple Syrup
You know what makes pancakes and waffles one million times better? Organic maple syrup sourced from a small farm in Vermont and concocted by a private chef.
"Love You Always" Custom Picture
Unless their house is already teeming with photos, or maybe especially if their house is already teeming with photos, they'll appreciate a sweet framed collage. Minted artist Angela Garrick came up with this design, which can be customized with different frames and color themes.
Pastel Beauty Hyacinth Bulb Garden
Freshly cut flowers are always a welcome "just because" gift, but bulb gardens are way cooler. These come as pre-planted bulbs and sprouts, and the recipient can watch them bloom over time.
Classic Western Boot
Cowboy boots are the ultimate season-less footwear. They look cute in the fall with tights and a skirt, in the winter with jeans and a jacket, or in the spring and summer with a sundress and a cowboy hat. This classic option from Ariat comes in seven colors and is beloved by Amazon reviewers for the quality leather and perfect toe shape. (Ariat also made our list of the best cowboy boots for women, so it's safe to say we're partial to the brand.)
Beginners Crochet Kit: Bjørn The Narwhal
It only takes a glance at Amazon's bestselling gifts section to see that The Woobles crochet kits are a certified phenomenon. These are the perfect projects for anyone with the tiniest crafting bone in their body and they come in tons of patterns. Not into narwhals? Go for a pastel penguin or a dinosaur. (And if you have 10 minutes, watch the founders dominate on Shark Tank. It's worth your time.)
Stemless Wine Glass Chiller (Set of 2)
Say no way to warm rosé with these chillers made for stemless wine glasses. Just pop the cradles in the freezer for a while before happy hour and they'll keep wine cool even in the summer heat.
The Weekend Duffel
If they're constantly hopping on and off flights, chances are high that their duffel is getting torn up. Upgrade their gear with Halfday's weekend bag, which comes in green (pictured) and blue. If they have an out-of-town event coming up and you're feeling generous, spring for the garment bag and a toiletry case, too.
Jacaranda Tree Pop Up Card
Surprise! It's a card that also makes a whimsical desk decoration. Lovepop makes a ton of these, many of which are perfect as "just because" gifts.
High Top Sneakers
Does your giftee want some shoes guaranteed to run faster and jump higher? Grab a pair of PF Flyers, made infamous by Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez in The Sandlot. (I'm partial to this suede pair, but the brand does have a 1993 Collection inspired by the movie.)
Cotton Apron
Aprons seem to be one of those items that everyone needs but no one seems to buy themselves. Grab one (or two) unisex aprons from Maison d' Hermine — there are 50 patterns from which to choose, and they're almost always on sale.
Cloud Comforter
There's nothing quite like a fresh, fluffy comforter! Drop some dough on Buffy's beloved duvet (and perhaps a cover) and prepare your giftee for the coziest night's sleep ever, even in the summer. Better yet, wash the comforter and have your bed made when they get home for an extra surprise!
Wonder Oven™
Don't just get appliances that work; get appliances that work and make you smile. The Wonder Oven™ from Our Place comes in six colors and can roast an entire chicken. It may look retro, but the technology is next-level.
Goldbears Gummi Candy
Why not just get some candy? Haribo Goldbears are tasty and they just happen to be adorable, too.
Roam Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Are they still listening to music from their laptop like it's 2008? Spring for a Sonos Roam, a portable speaker compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Setup is simple and you can just say, "Hey Sonos, play [insert their favorite artist's name here]" to surprise your giftee.
"Mayhem in The Library" Jigsaw Puzzle
Big Potato actually has four iterations of their popular riddle puzzles. Once completed, the puzzlers are tasked with finding 101 hidden books titles within the pictures. Already did this one? Try "Video Game Valley" (video game titles), "Night at the Movies" (movie titles), or "Day at the Festival" (band titles).
Glitter Nail Polish
While Nailboo has over 30 colors of its popular polish on Amazon, you can't go wrong with a flattering peach glitter. It looks fab on all skin tones!
Le Petit Pillow
Spice up their living space with a cute pillow from Anthro! They'd be surprised what a little punch of color can do to transform a space.
Navigator Sling 6L
Crossbody bags are becoming increasingly popular for both men and women, and NOMATIC has the trend dialed in with the Navigator. It comes in three colors and is perfect for travel or everyday items.
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Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
No need to hit up the local brunch spot for bottomless mimosas! This sugar cube trio, made by Uncommon Goods seller Allison DeVane, is genius in its simplicity: drop a cube in some champagne and your bubbly is instantly flavored. The kit comes with three options including citrus, peach, and berry flavors.
Apple Watch Band
Just like a new pair of glasses can transform a face, a fresh watch band can make someone feel like a new person. Amazon reviewers love WITHit, which makes dozens of adjustable band styles, including leather and stainless steel.
Classic Huggie Earrings
Jewelry doesn't get more classic than solid gold hoops. This 14k pair, from Kinn Studio, is a trendy size that won't look outdated in a few years — or even a few decades.
Lengthening Mascara
Maybe this is an "us" thing, but when my best friend needs a little boost, I send her mascara. Think about it: When is mascara not a welcome treat?
Karu Pizza Oven
Do they want the ability to cook an entire pizza in 60 seconds? Of course they do! Gift them a pizza oven then invite yourself over for monthly (weekly?) pizza nights.
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