Spouses can be hard to purchase gifts for. They have have accumulated lots of things throughout the years, so what else can be gifted that isn't the stereotypical buy like sweatpants or sneakers? Turns out, a whole lot. We've pulled together a list of highly useful and unusual gifts for partners that they won't see coming by a mile. Whether they're a new parent, a foodie, an avid traveler, or dog lover, there's something in here for every kind of person. And even some things that benefit the gift giver too (Welcome!).
Take a look at the gifts below and get ready to get some extra holiday boo-loving this season. Happy giving!
Herschel Novel Duffle
Whether your spouse has a short weekend work trip or the two of you go on a couples' weeklong getaway, having a roomy bag that they can also use as a carry-on or store in the back of a car will make their travels seamless. This Hershel duffle bag is gender neutral and comes with a built-in shoe storage compartment.
Wireless Facial Humidifier
This humidifier is super popular and we think it's because of its portable, cordless design. It's made for bedside table or desk use, and it will last a while before needing a charge. Gift to the spouse who craves fresh, humid air for when they're sick or if they suffer from a stuffy nose, dry eyes, or itchy skin in the winter.
Cold Brew French Press
$53
from
Stone Street Coffee
Cold brew lovers will appreciate their own personal French press so that they can brew their beloved coffee whenever and wherever they want. This one from Stone Street Coffee comes with the press and a bag of whole bean coffee blended and roasted especially for cold brew coffee using a process that brings out the chocolatey notes. One reviewer commented on how easy to clean the French press is.
Glass & Ceramic Fondue Set
$20
from
Crate & Barrel
This glass and ceramic fondue set from Crate & Barrel is a mutually beneficial gift as the spouse who gets it will have the ability to make their own fondue at home with ease and the spouse who gives it will be able to also enjoy that fondue from time to time, too. It comes with a glass pot, porcelain base, and two bamboo forks.
Insulated Adult Lunch Box
Send your lover off to work with a low-key cute and functional lunch box. The adult boxes from Mier Sports come in medium and large sizes and are very roomy. There's two separate compartments so that cold and hot items can be transported the same bag. Another perk: It comes with a detachable shoulder strap to free up their hands.
Carter Move Slide Lock Top Mug
Enjoying coffee, tea, or other warm (or cold) beverages at home is nice, but considering how busy all of our lives are, you and your partner are likely sipping on the go. Give your spouse the ability to take their drink with them, and have it still stay warm, with this Carter slide lock top mug. It's minimal but gets the job done.
Calpak Water Bottle Holder
Walks, hikes, trips to new places, theme park visits … these will never be better than with this Calpak water bottle holder. It's one of the best styles of this type of product we've seen out there as it holds bottles securely, as well as other items like wallets or keys. It comes in multiple colors and designs.
Insulated Ski Jacket
The spouses who love to be outdoors and stay warm will appreciate this insulted ski jacket as a gift. It's great for a trip to the ski lodge or just running errands in the winter weather. This one is geared toward men, but there are similar jackets available on Columbia's site for all genders and style preferences.
Men's Sunday Slipper
Slippers may be a classic gift, but these slippers are the most unique slippers we've seen. Made by the sock company Bombas, it makes sense that these scream warm and comfortable with their furry outer texture that gives rise to their name: The Sunday Slipper. They tend to sell out so if that's the case these grip slippers are a close second for us.
Dad Shirt
This may be the dad shirt, but it's truly a shirt for any spouse who wants to connect with their baby. It's a shirt that also has a little pouch space for little ones for close contact babywearing. Retailer Lalabu makes this item in five different colors for optimal style as well as functionality for new parents.
Responsible Seafood Sampler
This Patagonia seafood provisions sampler is the pescatarian version of Omaha steak sets — perfect for the spouse who loves seafood but is also conscious of sustainability and humane fishing practices. The set includes boxes of salmon, mackerel, mussels, and anchovies seasoned various spices including lemon olive and roasted garlic.
Leather Charger Roll Up
$49
from
Mark & Graham
This leather travel carrier for tech supplies, like chargers and cords, is a useful gift for the spouse who commutes to or travels for work or likes to have their gadgets with them when on trips or in new places, even if it's a coffee shop. It takes up minimal space, rolling up to fit neatly in a bag or backpack, and can be monogrammed with their initials.
Socks That Save Dogs
$40
from
Conscious Step
Who doesn't love gifts that give back? We sure do and if your spouse loves charity, socks, dogs or all of the above, they'll love these socks. Each set comes with three charcoal-colored socks with embroidered paw prints on the side. In addition to being fairtrade, Global Organic Textile Standard, and vegan certified, each pair bought helps out partner no-kill dog shelter Best Friends Animal Society.
Bar Tools Set
$90
from
Anthropologie
Up your spouse's cocktail game by gifting them this bar tools set from Anthropologie, which comes with the tools they need to be the best bartender on the block — or just for you. The set includes a bottle opener, strainer, jigger, and knife, which all hang neatly from a display bar for easy access and storage.
'From Crook to Cook' by Snoop Dogg
Partners who love cooking and/or Snoop Dogg will devour this cookbook From Crook to Cook by the rapper himself. Given his bestie is host extraordinaire Martha Stewart, it's bound to be good. Recipes include soul food faves like Baked Mac n' Cheese and Fried Bologna Sandwiches with Chips, and new takes on classic weeknight standards like Soft Flour Tacos and Easy Orange Chicken.
Yummly Smart Thermometer
This smart thermometer is a true game-changer for cooks who love a perfectly cooked piece of meat. The totally wireless tool syncs to smartphones and can be personalized down to the type of meat and how well you'd like it done. Settings can alert your spouse to when the meat is cooked to the degree desired and can control up to four different thermometers at once.
Katz's Deli Reuben Package
$125
from
Katz Delicatessen
You'll be the family favorite if you gift this Katz's deli package to your foodie spouse. Katz's is famous in New York for its incredible deli sandwiches and meats and it now ships nationwide so everyone else can taste the goodness. This Rueben package "comes with two full pounds of Corned Beef (or Pastrami), Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and house-made Reuben dressing."
Jack Black Lip Balm Set
It's hard not to appreciate a good lip balm, but we think low-maintence spouses or skin care enthusiast spouses espeically will enjoy getting this Jack Black lip therapy lip balm set. It's one of the more popular brands known for its hydrating formula that has SPF protection. We love that the three are all different flavors, too.
Oars + Alps Citrus Grove Beard Oil
$20
from
Oars + Alps
Give your loved one the gift of a soft beard thanks to this natural hydrating citrus beard oil, which is made with alpine caribou moss, jojoba and argan oils to help "put an end to flaky, itchy skin" underneath it. The product has a healthy 4.7 stars on the Oars + Alps website with one reviewer writing: "Wonderfully hydrating and very pleasant smelling! Keeps your skin and scruff looking luminous."
'The World According to Star Wars' by Cass R. Sunstein
Star Wars spouses will rejoice after getting this book. The World According to Star Wars contains "the story of the films’ wildly unanticipated success and explores why some things succeed while others fail" and is a great gift for fans of the movies who already have all the franchise's themed gifts in their collection.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
