40 Small Gift Ideas That Will Brighten Someone’s Day
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You know that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when someone surprises you with the perfect little present? Small gift ideas can make a huge impact. Think luxe portable hand creams that turn an ordinary day into a mini self-care moment or cute succulents for plant lovers who don’t exactly have the greenest thumbs. Shopping for a guy who takes his beard care seriously? We’ve picked the perfect beard kit to keep his grooming game on point. Or maybe you’re shopping for a kiddo obsessed with rocking their favorite characters (cue the Bluey theme song)? Whether you need a great birthday gift, a housewarming gift, or a little something for another special occasion, we’ve got you covered with plenty of gift options.
We’ve curated the best thoughtful small gift ideas for everyone. And if you’re looking for even more inspo, check out these affordable gift ideas for people with expensive taste, under-$100 picks, and more.
The best small gifts, at a glance
- Most Unique Small Gift: Etsy Personalized Initial Bookmark, $5
- Best Personalized Small Gift: Little Words Project Rose Crystal Custom Beaded Stretch Bracelet, $35
- Best Small Gift for Him: Brooklyn Brew Shop Apple Cider Doughnut Making Kit, $25
- Best Edible Small Gift: Sugarfina Gingerbread Man 2-Piece Candy Bento Box, $24
- Most Cozy Small Gift: Ugg Teddi Cozy Crew Socks, $20
- Best Small Gift for Kids Under $5: Squishmallows Original Cam The Cat Premium Coconut Scented Slime, $5
- 1/40
AISBUGUR Initials Jewelry Dish
For the friend who’s always misplacing their rings or earrings, this personalized gift keeps their favorite pieces in one place.
- 2/40
Homesick Monica’s Apartment Candle
You can practically smell Monica’s spotless apartment with this candle. Notes of coriander say, “Welcome to the real world—it sucks. You’re gonna love it.” Meanwhile, amber and suede add a cozy touch, perfect for the friend who’s all about keeping it “breezy.”
- 3/40
HIONXMGA Positive Messages in a Bottle
Here’s a genius gift idea for the person who (seemingly) has everything. These little notes in a bottle are a meaningful, unique present to remind your loved ones to stay positive and keep smiling.
- 4/40
Brooklyn Brew Shop Apple Cider Doughnut Making Kit
This DIY kit is the best excuse to spend the day whipping up (and devouring) apple cider doughnuts. And hey, if you offer to be their official taste tester, it’s a treat for yourself too.
- 5/40
Anthropologie Tiled Margot Monogram Coaster
Save your friend’s coffee table from those dreaded water rings. These monogrammed coasters are a great gift that adds a chic, personal touch to their space.
- 6/40
CoverCafe Personalized Initial Bookmark
For the bookworm in your life who’s never caught without a paperback, this embossed, personalized leather bookmark is both a practical and thoughtful gift—no more dog-eared pages or losing their spot.
- 7/40
Free People Bubble Monogram Necklace
An excellent gift for the women in your life is jewelry that she’ll actually wear, and this initial necklace is the perfect subtle statement. When they don’t want to go full-on Carrie Bradshaw with a nameplate necklace, they’ll reach for this cute dainty piece.
- 8/40
The Posh Tech Infinity Stainless Steel Apple Watch Watchband
This sleek Apple Watch band is for your iPhone-loving, tech-obsessed friend who knows style and function can go hand in hand.
- 9/40
Le Mini Macaron Trés Cozy Mini Nail Stickers
These mini nail stickers are great for adding a flair to nails (or hiding a chip) without a trip to the salon.
- 10/40
Ugg Teddi Cozy Crew Socks
No one wants to freeze during their Netflix binge sessions. These cozy crew socks are perfectly plush to keep them warm as they lounge.
- 11/40
LYWUU Dachshund Sausage Dog Bottle Opener
For the dog lover who also enjoys a good craft beer, this quirky dachshund-shaped bottle opener is just too cute to pass up.
- 12/40
Kosas Mini Blush is Life Set
For someone who’s never met a blush color they didn’t love, this trio of the brand’s best-selling shades comes in travel-friendly minis—all packed in a cute gift-ready bag.
- 13/40
Kate Spade New York Canvas Tote Bag
Gym, travel, errands, grocery runs—one can simply never have enough tote bags in our book. This lightweight option makes it easy for them to carry their essentials.
- 14/40
Sol De Janeiro Jet Set
For the jet-setter who can’t get enough of that tropical glow—even when they’re not leaving town—this is the perfect way to bring a little vacay vibe to their everyday life.
- 15/40
Chanel Le Vernis Longweear Nail Color
For the one with timeless style, you can’t go wrong with a luxury, high-quality nail polish—ultra-glossy, long-lasting, and the ultimate finishing touch to elevate any look.
- 16/40
Rifle Paper Co. Bramble Stitched Notebook Set
For the friend who still swears nothing beats the feel of pen and paper, this notebook set is way more stylish and organized than their random legal notepads.
- 17/40
Bitzee Disney Interactive Toy
When their kid is begging for a pet but isn’t ready for the real deal, this interactive digital pet—featuring beloved Disney characters like Olaf and Stitch—is the next best thing. It responds to tilts, swipes, and taps, giving them all the fun of a pet without the feeding, walking, or mess.
- 18/40
Lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Running Gloves
If you know a running enthusiast who braves the cold, these fleece gloves are their new cold-weather workout essential.
- 20/40
Madewell Metal Bow Stud Earrings
It’s official: Bows are having a major moment. These bow stud earrings are the perfect way to embrace the trend with just the right amount of shine.
- 21/40
Tucculents Succulent Gift Box
If they have a brown thumb but still dream of being a plant mom, this cute succulent is the perfect gift. Low-maintenance, adorable, and impossible to kill.
- 22/40
Babelio Mini Sound Machine
Whenever they need a little help blocking out outside noise, this teeny-tiny gadget creates white noise for a calm, peaceful vibe wherever they go.
- 23/40
Palais des Thés Le Thé Magnifique Loose Leaf Tea
Its green tea base and pear, vanilla, and almond notes make it almost like a warm, cozy dessert in a cup.
- 24/40
Herbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts
Know someone who seriously needs to chill? Let them know (without actually saying it) by gifting these calming pink bath salts that have them soaking away their stress in no time.
- 25/40
Free People Hammered Star Bag Charm
Bag charms are having a moment in 2024, and this chic star-inspired pendant adds a touch of sparkle to their bag—or can be used as a key chain.
- 26/40
TanQoVone Ceramic Vase Set
This minimalist vase trio proves that less really can be more—all you need is a little texture and complementary pops of color.
- 27/40
Lancome Juicy Tube Lip Gloss Trio
The love for Lancôme’s iconic Juicy Tubes extends far beyond nostalgia. These glosses offer a hydrating formula like a lip balm, a buildable color, and an out-of-this-world shine. Plus, this limited-edition set for the holiday season, beautifully inspired by the enchanting City of Lights, comes in packaging so stunning that you can skip the gift wrap entirely.
- 28/40
Sugarfina Gingerbread Man 2-Piece Candy Bento Box
Sweeten up someone’s day (literally!) with this adorable candy box that includes festive gummies in two fun shapes and flavors.
- 29/40
Compendium Tell Me More: A Conversation Starter Game
This conversation-starter game will turn your next hangout into a meaningful bonding experience.
- 30/40
grace & stella Illuminating Under Eye Mask
Brighten up someone’s day—and their undereyes—with these refreshing eye masks that de-puff and soothe.
- 31/40
Fresh Signature Hand Cream Trio Skin Care Set
Their purse, gym bag, glove compartment—there’s no shortage of spots to stash these luxe hand creams that come in the prettiest-smelling honeysuckle, sparkling citrus, and grapefruit scents.
- 32/40
Anthropologie Lou Benesch Stargazer Zodiac Ornament
If they’re obsessed with checking their daily horoscope, these zodiac ornaments are a fun way to bring some cosmic power into their living space.
- 33/40
Tocca Mini Fragrance Discovery Set
Who has one vibe all of the time? This mini fragrance gift set lets them mix it up every day so they can match their scent to their mood—whether that’s flirty, bold, or anything in between.
- 34/40
Voluspa Wildflowers Reed Diffuser
This diffuser is the go-to housewarming gift, even if you don’t know their home decor vibe. Its wildflower scent is subtle and pretty, and the embossed glass vessel blends into any space.
- 35/40
The Clinique for Men Starter Skin Care Set for Oil Control
If he’s still stuck using his high school bar soap, this starter kit for oily skin is the no-fuss skin-care upgrade he’s been needing. It’s all about combining efficacy with practicality to give his routine the boost it deserves.
- 36/40
Hanna Andersson Bluey French Terry Sweatshirt
This French terry sweatshirt is as comfy as a cuddle from Mum, tough enough for all those park runs and cozy enough for a chill time watching Bluey.
- 37/40
Squishmallows Original Cam The Cat Premium Coconut Scented Slime
Squishmallows and slime: A fun and squishy combo that’ll delight any kid (or adult!) who loves an addictive sensory experience.
- 38/40
Saunana Portable Mini Humidifier
Help them fight dry air (and dry skin) with this portable mini humidifier that can last up to six hours with a handy USB charger. Bonus: It also functions as a night-light.
- 39/40
Pete & Pedro Beard Care Comb & Scissors Kit
For the guy who treats his beard like a masterpiece, this travel-ready comb-and-scissors kit keeps his facial hair on point wherever he goes.
- 40/40
Little Words Project Rose Crystal Custom Beaded Stretch Bracelet
Remind someone how much they mean to you with this customizable beaded bracelet that lets them wear a piece of the bond you both have wherever they go.