Tired of unwrapping socks every year? Same. We’ve all contributed to the great Bad Gift Cycle — the frantic dash to grab something “quirky” on the way to Secret Santa — but it’s time to break free. Let’s make a pact: no more default gifts.
If you’re hunting for something that actually feels thoughtful (and won’t end up in a drawer), you’re in the right place. Whether you’re buying for a gamer, a homebody, a tech fiend, or someone who claims they “don’t want anything,” this year’s gift guide is packed with ideas that are fun, clever, and genuinely useful.
And don’t worry — not a single pair of socks in sight.
Ditch the socks! Turn any photo, meme, or artwork into a custom metal poster they’ll love (and won’t stop staring at).
Board Game Night Upgrades
This year, the board game scene is packed with clever twists on old favorites and brand-new titles designed to get everyone off their phones (for at least an hour). Here are a few that’ll earn their spot on the table:
- Ticket to Ride: Legacy – Legends of the West – a new take on the railway-building classic, perfect for long, cosy afternoons.
- Codenames Duet – a team-based word game that works just as well for couples as for the whole clan.
- Dixit: Disney Edition – dreamy art meets storytelling, with a dash of nostalgia.
- Exploding Kittens: Good vs. Evil – chaos, cats, and quick rounds for all ages.
- Wavelength – the viral party game that’s part telepathy, part chaos, and totally hilarious.
- Uno Quatro – the next evolution of the classic, mixing colors, numbers, and strategy in a whole new way.
Family game night? Sorted. Just don’t forget snacks, and maybe a referee.
For more board game gifts, check out 25 Amazing Gifts For Board Game Lovers (That Aren’t Board Games).
Galaxy Projector for Stargazers
If they’re big on outer space, why not give them their very own night sky with a galaxy projector for their room? A galaxy projector is the perfect gift for anyone who longs to bring the magic of the cosmos to their bedroom or living room.
Ideal for making a calming, mesmerizing indoor environment, this gift would work for young children who struggle with sleep, teenagers who want to decorate their rooms, or adults who just love stargazing!
Sweet Treats & Candy Gifts
Chocolate Poster by Adam
Who doesn’t love candy? If the person you’re buying for has a favorite chocolate or candy, do some digging and find them a hamper or gift set for it. Alternatively, if they’re someone who likes to bake their own sweet treats, give them a set of cookie cutters or oven gloves — anything to speed up the productive line of goodies coming out of their kitchen.
If they’re into candy from their childhood, you can find a selection of retro candy hampers online that deliver delicious, nostalgic treats too.
Wall Art That Speaks Their Style
I Paused My Game Poster by StoryStyle
Movies, games, anime… whatever they’re obsessed with, a Displate is the gift that gets it. Sturdy and hanging-ready, it’s the easiest way to turn “meh walls” into epic walls. That’s right! Our metal prints stick, swap, and stun with zero tools, and with multiple sizes and finishes, you can mix, match, and curate a wall that’s as unique as their fandom.
And let’s be honest—once they own one, they’ll probably start a collection. Who can stop at just one?
Mindfulness Journals & Planners
Life can get pretty hectic at times. If you know someone who needs to slow down, why not give them a dash of mindfulness with a wellbeing journal? A gift of this nature might just function as the gentle reminder they need to carve out 5 minutes each day to check in on themselves, their goals, and how they’re feeling.
The best part is that there are so many different types of these journals that, no matter what they class as self care — be it spirituality, fitness, or diet — you can find a planner to give them some structure.
Skincare & Self-Care Mini Fridges
Speaking of self care, our next gift hits the nail on the head when it comes to pampering. If you’re buying a gift for someone who loves makeup and skincare, they’ll absolutely love you for this one. Mini fridges have begun to feature on Christmas lists everywhere since the skincare trend took off — more specifically, since things like reusable sheet masks, gua sha, and cooling eye patches have become all the rage.
Treat your friend or family member to a mini fridge for their skincare (in their favorite color, naturally) and watch the smile spread across their glowy, pampered face.
Neck & Shoulder Massagers
Sticking with the theme of self care, If you’re buying for an athlete or someone with notoriously bad posture, a reliable neck or shoulder massager is the ideal gift. Elevate their couch potato time with a plug in, electronic massager to iron out all those knots in their neck — trust us, they’ll thank you later.
Fun Kitchen Gadgets & Accessories
For the homebody, you can’t go wrong with a couple of novelty kitchen accessories in their stocking. From humorous egg timers to a fancy set of ramen bowls (complete with chopsticks, of course), we’re very much of the opinion that no one can have too many kitchen gadgets. The next time you pop round to theirs for drinks or dinner, scope out what their current culinary gadget situation is like before buying. From spoon rests to tea towels (you know, the fancy ones for show), there’s always a handy little something that you can buy for the person who’s always in their kitchen.
Smart Trackers for the Forgetful
If losing things is their full-time hobby, lend them a helping hand with some Apple AirTags to keep track of their things.
Imagine if you never had to hear, “Have you seen my phone/keys/wallet/bag/water bottle?” again. Ok, now hold onto that feeling and channel it into buying Mr or Mrs forgetful the perfect practical solution to their inability to remember where they’ve put their belongings.
For more picks, check out 11 Gifts for the Person Who Always Forgets.
Retro Polaroid Cameras & Instant Memories
If they’re a fan of all things retro (and if you’ve got the budget), then a Polaroid camera is the perfect gift. Designed with the sentimental in mind, Polaroids are a timeless way to instantly capture memories to put on the fridge or in your wallet.
Make sure to get them the insert film as well and bonus points if they’re into photography already!
Wipeable Planners
If you’ve got a friend who writes everything down — and we mean everything — then this is the perfect gift for them. Save the planet and their wallet by replacing their notepad with a wipe proof version. Instead of going through reams and reams of paper when they need to make a shopping list or a todo list (or a to-do- before-they-do-their-todo-list list), an electronic version is ideal.
Indoor Gardening & Bird Feeders
Bird Feeder Bird Watching Poster by PangolinArts
If you’re buying for the outdoorsy type, a window bird feeder is the perfect, non-invasive way to bring a touch of nature to their home. If they regularly don’t answer their phone because they’re on a hike with no service or they can name every type of bird under the sun, this is the perfect gift.
Even if they don’t have a garden of their own or they live in an apartment, a suction cup window feeder will soon have birds flocking to their kitchen or bedroom windows for a snack at all hours of the day, bringing them joy along with the sound of bird song.
Bookish Gifts & Reading Accessories
For the friend or family member who’s always got their head in a book, we know just what to get them. Take some inspiration from the list of bookish gifts that are bound to be a bestseller, below.
- A personalized embosser. If they’ve got quite the collection of books on their shelves, lend them a helping hand with categorisation and buy them a personalized embosser for their library.
- A new Kindle case. If they’re more of the e-reader type, a new Kindle case or screen protector would be much appreciated, especially if it features a design of their favorite character or interest.
- A next-level bookmark. Bookmarks have evolved in recent years. Gone are the days of simple strips of cardboard or fabric. Nowadays, you can get customisations, bookmark calculators, and even bookmark pen holders. If they’re serious about their reading, get them the tools to help.
For more ideas check out 20 Unique Gifts For Readers, Book Nerds & Library Lovers.
Comfort-Core Plushies
The comfort-core trend has officially entered gift-giving season, and we’re here for it. Plushies are no longer just for kids. They’re for anyone who loves a bit of softness in their space (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?).
Whether it’s a giant squishy avocado, a collectible plush from their favorite game, or a sleek minimalist teddy that doubles as décor, these tactile little mood-boosters are one of 2025’s biggest gifting hits.
Why not pair it with a plushie Displate for a wall that feels just as huggable as their new plush companion?
Cookbooks for Foodies
Still a winning idea, but this year’s cookbooks are going global. 2025’s food scene is all about fusion and storytelling, think Korean comfort food, Mediterranean minimalism, and air-fryer masterpieces.
- Big Night In: Comfort Food for Modern Living by Katherine Lewin
- The Korean Vegan Cookbook by Joanne Lee Molinaro
- Samin Nosrat’s Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love.
Pair it with a set of sleek kitchen utensils or a personalized apron — and if they love to show off their plating, maybe a Displate foodie print to hang proudly above their dining table.
Next-Gen Gifts for Gamers
Gaming culture in 2025 is bigger, bolder, and more creative than ever, a world where storytelling meets tech, and art meets adrenaline. If you’re shopping for the gamer in your life, the best gifts are the ones that bring that world to life both on-screen and off.
This Year’s Must-Play Titles
It’s been a huge year for gaming, and these are the names everyone’s been talking about:
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows: cinematic stealth and samurai battles in feudal Japan.
- Black Myth: Wukong: stunning visuals and mythic storytelling inspired by Journey to the West.
- DOOM: The Dark Ages: the franchise gets medieval (literally).
- Star Wars Outlaws: an open-world scoundrel story from a galaxy far, far away.
Whether they’ve already conquered them all or are still mid-campaign, these titles are fuelling the conversations and the wish lists, this Christmas.
Gear and Gifts for the Gaming-Obsessed
Go beyond the controller this year with presents that make playtime even better:
- RGB light bars or smart ambient strips: make a scene straight from Cyberpunk 2077.
- Ergonomic gaming chairs: for those marathon sessions.
- https://www.target.com/s/headset+stand: for a setup that actually looks as sharp as it performs.
- Retro handhelds: for that nostalgia hit.
- A digital store gift card: the ultimate power-up for gamers who know what they want, our Displate gift card helps them transform their space.
Mindfulness & Wellness Kits
Wellness continues to dominate 2025’s gifting trends, with a greater focus on daily rituals and calm spaces.
A matcha starter kit (ceremonial-grade powder, bamboo whisk, ceramic bowl) makes a beautiful, mindful gift for anyone looking to swap their espresso for something a little gentler.
Add a mindfulness journal, a lush blanket, or a smart aroma diffuser that adapts scents to mood for a complete wellness bundle.
Match it with a mindfulness print to complete their calm corner.
Indoor Plants & Smart Planters
Plant care has gone high-tech and greener than ever.
The latest smart plant sensors track light, water, and humidity, while hydroponic countertop gardens make growing herbs indoors foolproof.
Even those without green thumbs can get in on the action with smart self-watering planters, ideal for busy apartment dwellers. Any why complement it with some tropical foliage, or minimalist botanical print.
Travel-Inspired Gifts & Accessories
Global adventures are back, and so are the gifts that inspire them.
For the jet-setter, try portable espresso makers or travel-friendly skincare sets (that are also TSA compliant).
For the dreamer staying closer to home, a Displate vintage travel print brings wanderlust to their walls.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gifts
Eco-friendly is no longer niche; it’s well and truly mainstream in 2025.
Gift options that balance function and conscience include smart reusable bottles, solar-powered chargers, upcycled candles, or recycled-fabric tote bags.
Creative Tools & Craft Supplies
The rise of hybrid work and home hobbies has brought creativity to the foreground.
Gift them something that fuels inspiration: a digital sketchpad, smart stylus, or an arts and crafts gift card to fuel their next creative project.
If they’re more analog, high-end journals, brush pens, and art storage sets are timeless choices.
Shower & Bath Relaxation Gifts
For those who never seem to stop: parents, professionals, or anyone whose version of self-care is finally getting a quiet five minutes to themselves. These clever little shower steamers turn an everyday rinse into a moment of calm, releasing waves of essential oils that melt the day away.
Place one on the shower floor, let the steam rise, and breathe in the blend, mint and eucalyptus for focus, lavender for rest, rosemary for renewal. It’s low-effort, high-impact relaxation, designed for people who don’t have time for bubble baths but still deserve a reset.
And for the finishing touch? Pair it with a calming misty forest for a bathroom that feels more like a spa retreat.
Personalized & Bespoke Gifts
There’s always that one person who’s impossible to buy for. In 2025, lean into experience and personalization:
- A DNA ancestry kit for the curious
- A personalized star map of a special date
- Or a custom Displate featuring their treasured memories
When in doubt, go bespoke, because nothing says “I actually thought this through” like something made just for them.
The Gift That Sticks
Some gifts are fleeting—chocolates get eaten, candles burn out, and gadgets get outdated before you know it. But a piece of art? That lasts.
If you want to give something that sticks (literally), choose a Displate. Our metal posters are durable, magnetic, and endlessly personal, designed to reflect every passion and personality, from movie buffs and gamers to sports fanatics to nature lovers.
Whether it’s one bold print or a full gallery wall, it’s art they’ll actually want to unwrap, and it’ll still be there long after the tree comes down.
Need more ideas? Dive into The Ultimate Christmas Gift Ideas for Men for even more inspiration.
