27+ best gift ideas for people you don’t know well

While I usually have a set list of people I do my holiday shopping for, a few extras always find their way onto my list, including people I don’t know well — a colleague, a family friend’s kid, my significant other’s cousin — the list can go on and on.

I approach my gift ideas in two ways: I ask the closest person I know for a few hints at their interests and hobbies, or I generally think about the best gifts for her or him. If you’re in a similar situation, you can peruse my list of the best gifts for someone you don’t know.

These items exclude gag gifts (if you don’t know the person well, it may be hard to gauge their sense of humor) and including giftable tech, self-care, travel and more. These should meet a variety of needs and lifestyles, making them the perfect gift for your favorite holiday stranger.

SKIP AHEAD The best gifts for someone you don’t know in 2024 | Why trust NBC Select?

The best gifts for someone you don’t know

Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This Bluetooth speaker is an NBC Select-staff favorite because it produces a clear, balanced sound when you play music. It’s compact, portable and water-resistant, so your recipient can use it at home or on the go without worrying about damaging it or running out of battery. A single charge provides up to 30 hours of listening time, according to the brand.

Calpak Luka Duffel

Whether or not you know your gift recipient travels often, they can use this duffel for long trips, short weekend getaways, daily errands or even as a gym bag. “I’ve used this bag for four trips now and I love it,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez.”It’s perfect as a carry-on personal item or if you’re making a short weekend trip because it’s deceptively spacious.” The NBC Select Travel Award winner has a large interior with pockets, a laptop sleeve and exterior pockets, a shoe compartment and a trolley sleeve.

Espro P3 French Press

You may not know whether they prefer coffee or tea, but this French Press can brew both in just a few minutes. I recently gifted this to a loved one, and it was a major success — after receiving it, they told me that it was fast and easy to use, and each cup felt balanced and smooth. They also loved how sleek it looked compared to other coffee machines.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2

This compact and lightweight photo printer, which has a 4.8-star average rating from over 800 reviews on Amazon, connects to smartphones so they can print their favorite photos on the spot and get them in their hands in 15 seconds, according to the brand. They can also get creative with their favorite pictures and videos by using the drawing features available on the app, such as adding bubbles, spray paint, glitter, and more to their shots before printing. If pictures aren’t their thing, they can also share videos, and the Mini Link 2 will print out a QR code that others can scan with their smartphones.

Anthropologie Volcano Candle

A candle is a tried-and-true holiday gift you can’t go wrong with. “I’ve received this candle as a gift many times and I’m never disappointed when I unwrap it,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. “It fills my home with an incredible fruity scent and burns for hours. I love the beautiful jar it comes in, which I always clean and save after my candle is gone so I can use it to store little trinkets.”

Brightland The Mini Essentials

This is some of the best olive oil of 2024 — it’s tasty, versatile and comes in pretty packaging, says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. The set includes mini sizes of its Awake and Alive (cold-pressed EVOO) bottles, Rapture (balsamic vinegar) and Parasol (champagne vinegar). “All of Brightland’s products are packaged beautifully, which gives the oils and vinegars an elevated feel you don’t normally get from pantry staples,” says Malin. “I love leaving the bottles out so everyone can see them, and they’re great tablescape decor, too. Everything Brightland makes is such high quality — I’ve never tried something I didn’t like.”

Wonderbox AMC Movie Theatres Tickets Package for 2

This gift box includes two movie tickets to any AMC location, two drinks and one popcorn and a notebook so they can jot down moments from their experience. The gift has a five-year validity, so they can choose a film that’s currently out now or save it for a movie they’re excited to watch.

Dusen Dusen Striped Bathrobe

Investing in a quality bathrobe can make anyone feel luxurious and pampered. This robe is made from 100% cotton terry and is available in two colorways with reversible high-contrast stripes inspired by Frank Stella paintings. “Dusen Dusen is one of my favorite brands,” says Schneider. “Their prints are always recognizable and everything I’ve ever bought has held up well and feels high quality.”

Malin + Goetz Make It A Double Set

One of my favorite gifts to give and receive is this full-sized soap and lotion set from Malin + Goetz. The hand soap is so gentle that it never dries out my hands and the matching lotion is fast-absorbing and lightweight. The rum-scented duo comes in a gift box, and depending on where you purchase it, you can include a gift message.

Craighill Playing Cards

Sometimes the best gifts are upgraded versions of everyday essentials, like this set of playing cards of Craighill. They’re made from paper sourced from sustainable forests and vegetable-based ink, which provides a more environmentally friendly option when playing, according to the brand. The cards come in a box that mimics the look of a cassette tape and has a magnetic closure to keep them secure.

Le Creuset Vancouver Mug

Le Creuset makes some of our favorite cookware — when you buy something from the brand you can have confidence it will last. This dishwasher- and microwave-safe stoneware mug, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 1,100 reviews on Amazon, has an enamel glaze that keeps it resistant to chipping, staining and scratching, according to Le Creuset. You can purchase them individually or in a set of four. “I love cooking, and every time I’ve received anything from LeCreuset, it feels so special,” says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. “This small, affordable and durable mug is perfect for gifting during the holiday, because they can prepare hot chocolate or in addition to coffee or tea.

Montrose Vinyl Record Player

Your giftee can add a vintage, nostalgic touch to their living room with this handcrafted wood record player. It has an attached plastic cover to prevent the player and vinyls from collecting dust. They can play records with 33 or 45 RPM (rotations per minute), connect it to a speaker to amplify the sound and even use its auto-stop feature so they don’t have to manually stop it and potentially damage it. It also has an automatic speed control motor, which helps provide clear sound.

Béis The Sport Sling

This unisex crossbody has enough room to carry most essentials, including keys and earbuds. It has a microfiber-lined pocket for their phone or sunglasses, a built-in card organizer and a water bottle pouch for walks and outdoor adventures. It has an adjustable strap and comes in multiple colors. The Sport Sling has a 4.9-star average rating from over 2,100 reviews at Béis.

Moleskin Cahier Journal Set of 3

Stationery sets and notebooks are some of our go-to items when it comes to buying gifts for someone you don’t know. This set from Moleskin includes three lightweight journals, which have 70 pages, including 16 detachable ones. They come in various sizes and colors and you can choose between Ruled or Plain pages.

Beekman 1802 There’s No Place Like Foam Set

Shopping for skin care can be so personal — you don’t know their skin type or preferred scents, but this 8-piece bar soap set covers all your bases. The soaps, which come in fragrance-free and scented options, create a rich lather on my skin, leaving it feeling soft without irritation. I also love how it feels like a gift inside of a gift because it comes in this bright yellow festive box, but each soap is wrapped in colorful, chic packaging that catches everyone’s eye when they look in my bathroom.

Bombas Gripper Slipper

These Bombas Gripper Slippers, which are available in both men’s and women’s sizing, slide on like socks and stay put as you walk around their home, says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez.

Alo Accolade Hoodie

When I first started dating my boyfriend, my mom had no clue what to give him, so I suggested this hoodie he could wear year-round when lounging around the house or going outside during cold days. I also own this unisex hoodie (available in women’s sizing), and I love it so much that I practically live in it. It’s soft and isn’t too thick where I feel like I’m overheating. Plus, if your recipient ends up loving the hoodie, they can purchase the matching bottoms to create a cohesive sweatsuit look.

Material Kitchen The Resting Stone

When I moved into my new apartment, my mom gave me these resting stones, and they continue to be one of my most cherished items. Your recipient can use it to rest utensils, rings, food garnishes and more on these hand-crafted, polished stones while making dinner or cooking. I love having these on display when people come over, and once I’m done using them, I wipe them down with a damp cloth and they look brand new.

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip-Top

“Practical but fun gifts go a long way for me, which is why this is one of my forever go-to gifts,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. “The bags are super spacious and last forever and I love that you can personalize them to match the vibe of whoever you’re gifting it to.” If you want it to feel more personal, add their monogram to the bag for an additional $8.

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

Although this may look like a traditional pillowcase, it’s so much more. This satin pillowcase will keep them cool and protect their skin and hair. “I love these Kitsch pillowcases so much that I’ve gotten one for most of my family members and friends,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “It’s so soft and doesn’t pull or tug at my hair or skin (which is great for my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin) and it makes a great gift if self-care is top of mind.”

Uniqlo Souffle Chunky Stole

This chunky scarf from Uniqlo is made of brushed acrylic, nylon, and wool materials for softness and volume, according to the brand. Reviewers say it feels like a blanket without being too heavy or weighing them down. The oversized, warming scarf has fringe detailing at the ends and has a versatile color block design to pair with multiple outfits. It has a 4.8-star average rating from 17 reviews at Uniqlo.

On Cap

This unisex On hat has a breathable mesh liner that wicks away sweat and a hook-and-loop adjuster so you can customize the fit. Your gift recipient can tailor its fit using its adjuster and hook-and-loop closure so it feels just right when they wear it.

Uncommon Goods Book Nook Reading Valet

This multitasking wooden display, which has a 4.9-star average rating from over 100 reviews at Uncommon Goods, can act as a bookmark or a catchall tray with designated spots for glasses, a book, drinkware and their phone. When purchasing, you can also add their name and a gift message included in the package to make it more personal.

Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Water Bottle

One of the best gifts I’ve ever received is this reusable water bottle from Hydro Flask. I love using this NBC Select Wellness Award winner daily. I can toss it in my bag and take it to work, the gym, or leave it at home.It keeps my drink of choice at the perfect temperature. It’s also convenient to travel with because it doesn’t spill, and I love the ability to change out lids for the days I prefer a straw versus the standard top it comes with.

Phf Throw Blanket

The holidays call for feeling warm and cozy as you lounge around the house with friends and family, and there is no better way to do so than with a soft and breathable blanket. This option, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 14,700 reviews on Amazon, has a waffle design and is made from pre-washed 100% cotton, which softens after every wash, according to the brand.

Cloudnola Flip Top Glass Vase

Your recipient can use this two-toned glass vase in two ways: Using the large opening, they can fit large floral bouquets or by flipping the vase over, they can opt for the smaller opening to display slender stems. The hand-blown pieces come in four sizes and colors, but regardless of the one you give, they’re all dishwasher-safe.

Funistree Modern Candle Warmer Lamp

This candle warmer lamp, which comes in 14 colors, uses two bulbs to burn candle wax — without needing a live flame — and scent their room. Your recipient can adjust the lamp’s brightness and set timers to accommodate their schedule, too. Using a lamp rather than burning a wick helps elongate the life of the candle, according to the brand. It has a 4.7-star average rating from over 800 reviews on Amazon.

Loftie Smart Alarm Clock

This Bluetooth alarm clock makes waking up in the morning a much more pleasant experience, according to Fernandez, who tried out the device. At night, your giftee can use it to set alerts when it’s time to wind down and fall asleep faster, and in the morning they can use its two-phase alarm to wake up gently. It uses soothing sounds to do so rather than a startling beeping noise. It also doubles as a sleep sound machine and has options for meditations and stories, which they can navigate on the machine or through the accompanying app.

Amazon Gift Card

Just in case nothing else speaks to you, you can always go the simple, but reliable gift card route. Available in six denominations or as a custom option, they can shop across all shopping categories on Amazon and finally get the desired item they’ve been eyeing and needing.

Why trust NBC Select?

I’m an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care and frequently write about new products for NBC Select. For this article, I curated gifts across different categories that may suit various interests — I relied on highly rated options from previous gift guides, products I’ve personally used and ones my colleagues love. I made sure to include items at different price points and also looked for gifts at retailers I know NBC Select readers frequently shop at like Amazon, Target and Nordstrom.