Support small brands, and be the holiday hero!
When it comes to seasonal gifting, we can't deny the appeal of a one-stop-shop. There's something about getting all of your presents at once that alleviates the stress of shopping. And where else but Amazon can you find a hand-embroidered towel for your grandmother, state-of-the-art headphones for your nephew, and paper towels for your pantry all in one go?
Even better, you can get that convenience while supporting small brands with Amazon Launchpad, a storefront dedicated to unique and innovative products from startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. We took a little stroll through the current Amazon Launchpad offerings and found plenty of unique gifts (a foldable bike helmet? Yes, please!).
From a two-way language translator (that rings in at under-$100) to a smart wine aerator, these ten finds are sure to delight everyone on your list. Scroll through our favorite products to ensure you walk away as this year's best gift giver.
Tell them to say adios to their temperamental translation app. For avid international travelers, this portable device is clutch. The two-way device is programmed to translate 42 languages, guaranteeing they never accidentally order the wrong menu item again.
An attachment lens for their smartphone? Check! The 58mm Tele Lens works with most smart devices equipped with a camera feature, making it the perfect gift for both photographers who are always on the move and newbie shutterbugs who want to hone their skills before investing in expensive equipment.
Anyone who has ever groaned about having to cart around a bag just to hold random items will appreciate this nifty gift. The 27-ounce water bottle doubles as storage. When they open the bottom they'll find a 7-ounce chamber perfect for holding snacks, keys, cash, or even an emergency stash of pet waste bags.
Some inventions make us realize we're living in the future. Case in point, this foldable helmet. The lightweight design folds by 50% allowing the helmet to fit into a bag or backpack for a much more pleasant experience.
There is no such thing as too many party games. For the friend who's always hosting get-togethers and dinner parties, opt for a present that will make their shindigs that much more fun. This adult-geared card game is both classic and new, blending charades and word guessing with modern phrases.
Skip the spa gift card they'll only lose and surprise your stressed-out friend with a true tension reliever. This mini scalp massager can be used from the couch, in the shower (it's waterproof!), on a packed commuter train, and anywhere a muscle cramp or tension headache suddenly strikes. Equipped with silicone oscillators, the rechargeable massager mimics kneading human fingers, helping to alleviate soreness on any part of the body.
If there's anything the many chefs on tv and social media have taught us, it’s how imperative mise en place is for creating a stress-free cooking environment. Cooks—both semi-professional and amateur—will love this Prepdeck set, which has all your ingredients within reach. It also includes innovative kitchen utensils like a garlic grater, a compact juicer, and air-tight containers that double as measuring cups.
When it comes to finding a gift for your game night hosts, we usually wouldn't recommend a board game—their shelves are likely filled with sets (both new and old). But this national parks-themed game may not be on their radar yet. Created by a nature-loving couple and their son who have visited every national park the U.S. has to offer, the educational board game has over 5,000 five-star reviews, so it's clearly a hit!
If there's one item from this list you should buy for a friend and yourself, it's this smart aerator. Any vino aficionado is bound to swoon over this gift that adapts to different wine bottles, calculates the exact oxygenation required to immediately enjoy any kind of wine, and works with a smartphone app that doles out information on your current bottle along with advice on how to properly aerate it.
Mark this one down on your "gifts they’ll actually use, all the time" list. These reusable sticky notes (that are really just miniature whiteboards) will keep their home, office, and pantries organized. Their adhesive backs stick to just about any surface and can be moved around with ease.