When it comes to holiday shopping crunch time, it’s easy to fall back on the usual suspects like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target — retailers that make it easy to shop, have great inventory, and more or less guarantee you’ll get what you want. But these big box stores aren’t the only game in town, especially if you’re looking for unique gifts that appeal to specific people in your life. Here are a few of our favorite lesser-known online retailers worth considering for gifts this holiday season.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Uncommon Goods
Best for Home Decor
Shipping: $6.99 and up; expedited options available
Returns: No time limit, except 30 days for fine jewelry
Whether you want to brighten up a room with a new piece of art, add some flair to your wardrobe, or give someone a gift to warm their home and their heart, there’s Uncommon Goods. We especially like this store for their home decor, much of it handmade by artists or sourced from sellers and crafters in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
Sur La Table
Best for People Who Love Cooking
Shipping: $5.99 and up; expedited options and in-store pickup available
Returns: 60 days; in store or via UPS for $7 fee
Whether the loved ones in your life are one step away from opening their own restaurant or just enjoy the occasional foray into the kitchen, look to Sur La Table for the best in cooking and baking tools, tableware, countertop kitchen appliances, and more. You’ll also find seasoning, baking mixes, and other food, plus online cooking classes.
TeePublic
Best for Fun Tees, Stickers, and More
Shipping: $6.99 and up; expedited options available
Returns: Only for defective items; exchanges for clothing sizing issues
Looking for some new graphic tees, tanks, or hoodies to liven up a loved one’s wardrobe? Look to TeePublic for a first-rate selection of apparel for adults and kids, featuring the work of independent graphic artists. You’ll also find stickers, phone cases, magnets, posters, and a selection of home goods, all featuring colorful, eye-catching artwork.
Fun find: Vintage Best Cat Dad Ever T-Shirt ($20)
Cratejoy
Best for People Who Love Subscription Boxes
Shipping: Price varies
Returns: Contact customer service
What’s more fun than opening a gift? Opening a gift that contains more gifts within! No matter what personality you’re shopping for, there’s a gift crate that will delight them: adults, kids, adventurers, foodies, crafty types … whomever. You’ll find both one-time and recurring-delivery options.
Adventure Challenge
Best for Couples, Friends, and Family
Shipping: $4 and up; expedited options available
Returns: 30 days for full refund; buyer pays return shipping
Everyone needs quality bonding time with loved ones, family, and friends, and the activities contained in every Adventure Challenge are designed to do just that. Just scratch off the ink to reveal a new activity; each challenge comes with an estimated time commitment and cost, usually $20 or less. A subscription-box version is also available.
Fun find: The Adventure Challenge Friends Edition ($40)
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Man Crates
Best for Guys Who Like to Eat, Drink, and Make Stuff
Shipping: Price varies
Returns: Contact customer service
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and Man Crates offers gift boxes for guys who love jerky, snacks, barbecue, booze, and other noms. But they also sell gift boxes that appeal to guys who like to tinker and build, play games, and get outside.
Fun find: The Bacon Crate ($70)
