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42 Random But Brilliant Products On Amazon That Even Difficult People Will Love
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When you hear “notoriously difficult to buy presents for,” I bet there’s that one person who pops into your head. I'm sure they don't mean to be; maybe they just have everything already, or maybe their standards are a tad high. Either way, you can find gifts for people who are hard to buy for. You just need to know where to look.
When buying for picky people, I find that Amazon is the best place to start your search. For one, there's a general sense of quality control, because if something sucks, the reviewers will let you know. For another, they sell over 200 million products in America. You're bound to find at least one (or, you know, the 42 in this list) that meet your even the fussiest friend's standards. And let's not forget about the reliable shipping and the fact that you don't have to leave your house — both of which make holiday shopping a hell of a lot more enjoyable. (At least for this introvert, they do.)
Now it all comes down to finding a great product with a personalized twist. A good mix of quality and practicality usually does the trick for anyone hard to buy for. Here's a ton of cool gifts for difficult people, because nobody's got the time to wander endlessly around the mall this holiday season.
2. This Classy Tea And Fruit Infuser Made From All Great Materials
Tea and Fruit Infuser Tumbler, $22, Amazon
With a thick glass body and a food-grade stainless steel strainer, this infuser is great for people who are skeeved out by plastic. The two-piece strainer can handle loose leaves, herbal tea bags, coffee, or fruit pieces without leaking residue into the drink, and it's especially impressive when it comes to keeping hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold.
3. This Sleek Hub For Quick, Secure Data Transfers
Satechi Premium 4 Port USB Hub, $13, Amazon
The Satechi premium hub adds four new USB ports to Apple computer to sync data quickly and securely. And although, it may not be an actual Apple product, it shares Apples design-forward sensibilities but at a wallet-friendly pice. It works for Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, and Mac mini, and reviewers say it's durable and lasts a long time.
4. This "Heavenly" Candle That Doubles As A Vase After The Candle Is Gone
Paddywax Fresh Air And Sea Salt Candle, $25, Amazon
Hand-poured with signature soy wax into a 13-ounce gilded glass, this Paddywax Fresh Air And Sea Salt candle is the very definition of sophistication. It fills the whole house with a "pleasant natural scent" that reviewers have called "heavenly," "earthy," and "incredible." When the candle is gone, use it as a planter or vase.
5. A Power Bank That Doubles As A Hand Warmer
Senlleo Rechargeable Hand Warming Power Bank, $26, Amazon
Not only does this Senlleo rechargeable bank offer three levels of heat to keep your hands warm but it can also charge your phone when you're low on power. The battery gives one full charge to most devices, and its sleek, curved design feels great in your pocket and in your hands.
6. A Unique Tool For That Person Who Cooks Everything With Olive Oil
COLE & MASON Oil & Vinegar Mister, $10, Amazon
Whether they're a chef, oil aficionado, or just a fan of practical products, they'll love this olive oil mister. A few pumps of this tool and you'll get a continuous, fine mist of oil to coat pans, season food, or dress salads. There are no drips because the return system catches any residue, and there's even an anti-clog filter to ensure that it all comes out smoothly. It can be used with vinegar, too, and the BPA-free bottom and stainless steel are durable and will last a long time in the kitchen.
7. This Genius 3-In-1 Tool For Any Style
xtava Hotness 3-in-1 Ceramic Hair Curling Iron, $36, Amazon
The xtava 3-in-1 iron gives you three different styling options with just one tool — ionic tourmaline plates straighten with less damage, a rounded ceramic exterior curls hair, and thermal bristles boost roots or volumize ends. There's four heat settings, an auto-off feature, and a locking button that helps you transition from one use to the next. It's great for all hair textures and lengths, and comes with a heat-resistant travel case.
8. This Mini-Whirlpool Foot Bath With Temperature Settings And Massage Rollers
ArtNaturals Foot Spa Massager, $50, Amazon
Lights, bubbles, heat, and massaging rollers — what more could anyone want from a foot spa massager? It can be used alongside essential oils or foot salts to soften callouses, hydrate skin, or provide a deep pedicure-level clean, and the built-in temperature controls and digital display are easy enough for anyone to use. It's especially great for athletes to roll out sore spots, or anyone with achy feet. Reviewers love that it's relaxing, lightweight, and has a convenient handle for easy transport.
9. These Color-Coded Mats To Prevent Cross-Contamination And Sticky Messes
Monster Kitchen Mat Pack, $12 (Pack of 6), Amazon
These kitchen mats are color coded and easily identified to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of germs in the kitchen. The poultry, seafood, meats, and vegetable mats are eco-friendly, food-safe and have a crosshatch textured back to prevent sliding — and you never have to worry about mixing up what you used them for. Then there's the bonus non-stick grill mat to keep your grill clean, and a silicone pastry mat to easily measure out doughs for breads and cooking.
10. These Wine Glasses That Chill Drinks From The Outside To Prevent Dilution
Host Wine Cooling Cups, $16 (Set of 2), Amazon
With a proprietary cooling gel inside the double walls, these cooling cups keep your drink cold for way longer than your average wine glasses — and only need to be put in the freezer for two hours at a time to work. They can be stored in the freezer, so they're ready whenever, and they work without any water dilution whatsoever. There's even an insulated silicone band for comfortable handling.
11. This Light-Up Compact Mirror That Doubles As A Power Bank
Compact Power Bank Mirror, $20, Amazon
This compact mirror offers two magnifications and a bright LED vanity ring, but best of all — it also charges your phone on the go, which is perfect for people who always forget to leave the house with a charged phone. The built-in lithium polymer battery offers fast charging for iPhones, iPads, Androids, or any USB device, and there's even a four-stage LED battery level indicator so you know when it's time to plug it in.
12. This Unique Diffuser That Looks More Like A Hipster Decoration Piece
Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, $36, Amazon
Calling all mason jar lovers: this essential oil diffuser looks like a jar, but releases hydration and aromatherapy into the air with its ultrasonic technology. It also filters through seven different colors, can be powered by AC or USB, and has two settings: continuous or intermittent. It lasts up to eight hours without having to refill it, and reviewers say the scent lingers for hours after use.
13. This Super Cool Glass Tea Kettle That's Extremely Efficient
Ovente Glass Electric Kettle, $20, Amazon
Available in nine awesome colors, this Ovente electric kettle makes a practical and personalized gift for the tea lover in your life. A stain-resistant high borosilicate glass body allows you to watch the water as it boils, while the 1100-watt heating element is 85 percent more efficient than the stove top. It's also got an ergonomic stay-cool handle and an auto-off feature for safety. It'll even turn bright blue with an LED light so you can easily see when it's boiling.
14. A Color-Changing Himalayan Salt Lamp For The Ultimate Mood Lighting
Evolution Salt Color-Changing Himalayan Salt Lamp, $14, Amazon
Made from real Himalayan salt, this USB Evolution lamp purifies the air by creating negative ions that absorb allergens and can help rid the air of dust, pollutants, and odors. It also changes colors, cycling through five different ones to create the ultimate mood lighting. Reviewers like to plug into their laptop to add some cheer to their work desks.
15. This Water- And Sand-Proof Blanket For Sitting Anywhere
BEARZ Outdoor Beach Blanket, $22, Amazon
Durable, lightweight, and compact, this BEARZ blanket fits into your pocket (or glove compartment) and ensures that you're ready for anything. It's waterproof, puncture-resistant, and sand-proof for picnics, beach days, concerts, or camping, and it even has corner pockets to anchor it down or store your stuff. It comes in five color options, and each one has a matching pouch and carabiner.
16. This Shower-Friendly Cup Holder For Wine, Beer, Or Anything Else
SipCaddy Bath & Shower Cupholder, $14, Amazon
Whatever their shower or bath drink preference, the SipCaddy can handle wine glasses, cans, plastic bottles, Solo cups, and even some coffee mugs. It uses a strong suction cup to temporarily adhere to glass or tile, and it comes in your choice of six colors. Reviewers say this thing doesn't budge, and as a bonus, it's also dishwasher-safe and recyclable.
17. This Adjustable Pillow Mount For Ultimate Bed Movie Viewing
Prop 'n Go Slim Tablet Pillow, $40, Amazon
Because of its contouring memory foam base, this Prop 'n Go slim tablet pillow easily adjusts to uneven surfaces like mattresses and laps, making it the perfect companion for some relaxing Netflix viewing. The anti-slip surface keeps devices in place, while the 14 adjustable angles let you view in comfort without worry your device will fall. It's even great for e-readers or smaller laptops.
18. This Brilliant Way To Paint Nails On The Go
Tweexy Wearable Nail Polish Bottle Holder, $10, Amazon
This Tweexy nail polish holder securely and comfortably fits all fingers and all nail polish brands. It keeps bottles right where you need them, making it so easy to paint your nails on the go without a flat surface — and they're easy to take off without smudging your fresh polish. They're also made from 100 percent silicone rubber, so they're durable and easy to clean.
19. This Quick-Drying Bath Pillow With Extra Strong Suction Cups
QuiltedAir Bath Pillow, $20, Amazon
This QuiltedAir bath pillow uses ventilated 3D air mesh technology to support your neck, back, and shoulders during a quick dip in the bathtub. It dries fast to prevent the growth of mildew, and has six extra-strong suction cups to keep it from slipping and sliding. It comes with a convenient zipper bag for traveling, and you can wash it in a machine without damaging the suction cups.
20. This Brilliant Light Bulb That Actually Helps You Fall Asleep
Lighting Science Good Night Light, $16, Amazon
By skipping the blue waves (which inhibit a healthy circadian rhythm), this Lighting Science good night light helps support the body's natural melatonin production. It creates an orange glow that helps the body get sleepy when it should, so people fall asleep faster and stay that way for longer. It can last up to five years, it gives off a warm light, and one reviewer writes: "After months of taking OTC sleep aids I don't use them any longer and sleep very well."
21. This Super Practical Backpack For Anyone On Your List
Yorepek Slim Laptop Backpack, $28, Amazon
This anti-theft laptop backpack is extra slim and keeps all your valuables safe while you're on the move. It's got special zippers and flexible locks that make pick-pocketing especially hard, and the external micro USB charging cable and headphone hole allows you to use and charge your devices anywhere. Best of all, more than ten functional pockets store and organize your laptop, phone, cables, umbrella, folders, and clothes.
22. A Cool Kitchen Tool That Chills Drinks In Five Minutes
Vacu Vin Rapid Can Cooler, $6, Amazon
Chill bottles and cans in just five minutes with the Vacu Vin Rapid Can Cooler. It's designed to fit any standard can, and can completely eliminate the need for an ice bucket. For best results, place it in the freezer for six hours before using.
23. This Quality Facial Cleanser That's Currently Available For A Great Price
SOLO Mio Sonic Face Cleanser, $38, Amazon
The SOLO Mio Sonic charges via USB and gently vibrates to remove makeup, excess oil, and dead skin. It's portable, waterproof, runs up to a month on one charge, and helps to restore circulation, firmness, and elasticity to skin. The ergonomic design fits in the palm of your hand, and the soft silicone microfingers are both hypoallergenic and safe on even the most sensitive skin.
24. These Shot Glasses Made From Real Himalayan Salt
Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, $20 (Set of 4), Amazon
Handmade from real Himalayan salt, these unique shot glasses allow liquor (like tequila) to absorb a pleasant, salty taste while it sits in the glass — so no more salt on the hand while you do a shot. They'll last over eighty uses, and they're naturally antibacterial, so they're easy to wipe off with a cloth.
25. A Genius Way To Keep Open Champagne Fizzy And Fresh For Weeks
Zzysh Champagne Preserver and Champagne Stopper, $50, Amazon
There are accessories to keep your wine fresh and even stop beer from going stale, but champagne drinkers were out of luck — until now. The Zzysh Champagne preserver and stopper uses Swiss technology to pressurize the bottle after opening, preserving the natural taste and fizz for weeks. They're made from 100 percent food-grade materials, and people are asking, "Where have you been all my life!?" It only takes three seconds to seal up a bottle, too.
26. This Weighted Heating Pad Made With Great Materials
My Heating Pad, $20, Amazon
Filled with all natural rice and covered with plush fleece and soft cotton, My Heating Pad can be microwaved for a muscle-soothing warmth anywhere on the body. It weighs three pounds so it adds a gentle pressure to relieve soreness, and it's got handles on either side for portability and even more added pressure.
27. These Dishcloths Are Infused With Charcoal, So They're Resistant To Bacteria Growth
Nawrap Binchotan Dishcloths, $10 (Set of 2), Amazon
These cotton dishcloths are actually infused with ultra-fine binchotan charcoal powder, making them resistant to the growth of bacteria and mold. The six-ply weave is extra absorbent and durable, and reviewers say they dry quick, feel lightweight, and don't get that gross dishcloth smell.
28. The Spice Rack Makes Cooking Much Simpler
YouCopia SpiceStack Organizer, $40, Amazon
For that person whose spice cabinet is a nightmare, there's the YouCopia SpiceStack. It stores and organizes 30 full-sized or 60 half-sized bottles in a single unit with skid-free feet and drawers that easily flip down to display everything. It even comes with nearly a hundred labels, and it's easy to clean should there be a spill.
29. This Alarm Clock Rug That Won't Turn Off Until You're Out Of Bed And Standing On It
Instecho Alarm Clock Mat, $50, Amazon
The Instecho alarm clock mat is a must-have for heavy sleepers or people who want to hack their sleep schedule. Program it with sounds ranging up to 120 decibels (about the sound of a blender) or upload custom MP3s — either way, it won't turn off until you're standing on it with all your weight. It's made with a soft fleece exterior and a cushy memory foam interior, it showcases the time in sleek digital numbers, and it doubles as a stylish rug.
30. This Suction Cup-Lined Slipper For Easy Foot Washing In The Shower
Foot Scrubber, $9, Amazon
Because it's got sturdy suction cups on the bottom and bristles, this foot scrubber is the easiest way to wash your feet in the shower. It exfoliates dead skin, can be used alongside any soap, and stops people from having to bend down.
31. This Weird Trigger Tool That Helps To Relieve Neck Pain And Stress Headaches
Twin Block Pro Trigger Point Tool, $45, Amazon
For the people who have "tried everything" for headaches, neck pain, and back tension, there's the Twin Block Pro. It uses two trigger points to create a sub-occipital release in the back of the head, lessening the pain from tension or stress headaches. It's made from a thick-walled premium synthetic rubber that's softer than a lacrosse ball, and it comes with a booklet that shows you exactly how to use it.
32. This Callous Foot Cream That People Are Calling A "Miracle"
Vena Beauty Foot Cream, $11, Amazon
For especially dry, calloused, and cracked skin, there's this Vena Beauty foot cream fortified with shea butter, beeswax, and olive oil. It returns hard skin back to its former softness by creating a protective moisture barrier and infusing pores with loads of hydration. It also is lightly scented and safe for sensitive skin. "Miracle cream!" declares one reviewer.
33. This Colorful Nesting Kitchen Set Has All The Essentials
HULLR 8 Piece Nesting Kitchen Set, $13, Amazon
This eye-catching 8 piece kitchen set has measuring cups, bowls, a sifter, and a colander, and they all sit one inside the other for effortless storage. They're lightweight but durable, and reviewers say they're great for bakers, college students, travelers with minimal space, and tiny kitchens.
34. A Shower Speaker You Can Even Take Phone Calls With
Speakstick LED Wireless Shower Speaker, $19, Amazon
This wireless speaker lasts six hours on one charge, has high definition quality sound, and is also completely waterproof. It's perfect for the beach, the pool, or the shower, and it syncs up with any Bluetooth-compatible device. Not only can you listen to music or podcasts, you can even take calls — and the microphone filters out the running water noise while you talk.
35. These Quality Makeup Brushes With A Professional Oval Design
EMOCCI Makeup Brush Set, $11 (Set of 11), Amazon
Reviewers can't stop raving about these EMOCCI makeup brushes because of their quality, effectiveness, and smart design. Their horizontal oval brush heads and sturdy handles make it easy to blend foundation, shadow, and concealer, while the durable synthetic bristles stay soft, even after multiple cleanings. This set even comes with a free brush cleaner to keep them feeling like new.
36. This Great-Smelling Spray That Helps You Get To Sleep At Night
This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray, $40, Amazon
Know someone who needs a little help unwinding at night? This Sleep Plus pillow spray utilizes lavender, vetivert and wild chamomile to help you relax into a deep sleep within minutes. They even performed a study in which 99 percent of participants slept better than normal, and reviewers say, "I adore this spray. I have chronic insomnia and this really helps me get to sleep and stay asleep."
37. This Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener That Catches All The Caps
Magnetic Bottle Opener And Cap Catcher, $21, Amazon
Made from 100 percent stainless steel, this brilliantly designed magnet opens your beer for you — and catches the cap before it ends up on the floor. It'll catch over 100 caps before you need to remove them.
38. This USB Essential Oil Diffuser Fit For The Traveler
InnoGear USB Car Essential Oil Diffuser, $20, Amazon
Any commuter, traveler, or Uber driver would love this InnoGear diffuser. That's because it's powered by USB and fits right in your cup holder to deliver relaxing aromatherapy scents while you're driving (or flying). It's also got a color-changing LED light, automatically shuts off when the water gets low, and can be used as a humidifier, too.
39. This 32-Pack Of Korean Sheet Masks That Will Have Something For Everyone
Dermal Korea Sheet Masks, $20 (32 Pack), Amazon
From skin-brightening vitamins to detoxifying charcoal, this variety pack of Korean sheet masks is sure to have something that will please that picky person on your gift list. In fact, with 32 sheet masks for a mere 20 bucks, you could break up the set and check off a few names at once.
40. This Variety Pack Of Activated Charcoal Air Fresheners Has One For Every Space
Sensible Needs Activated Charcoal Air Fresheners, $20 (5 Pack), Amazon
All the bags in this air freshener set are filled with activated bamboo charcoal, which effectively absorbs odors, moisture, and allergens from your space. The two big ones are great for wide open areas, the medium one works well for closets and bathrooms, and the two tiny ones keep cars, gym bags, refrigerators, and shoes smelling extra fresh. Best of all, they're made without harmful chemicals, and can be used over and over again for years.
41. This Pomegranate Scrub For Radiant Skin Anywhere
Buena Skin Coffee Scrub, $14, Amazon
This coffee scrub exfoliates the face and body with ground up coffee. It's also got Dead Sea salt to gently exfoliate and natural oils to hydrate and nourish. Plus, the smell of coffee will wake you right up.
42. These Luxurious Pillowcases Made From Real Silk
YANIBEST Mulberry Silk Pillowcases, $36 (Pack of 2), Amazon
Made from 100 percent real Mulberry silk, these super soft pillowcases are hypoallergenic and great for hair and skin. Rather than soaking up the natural oils (like cotton does), these ensure that your face stays smooth and your hair stays knot-free. They come in seven different colors and three different sizes, including standard, queen, and king.
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