'Tis the season for holiday cheer! If you have a packed calendar filled with tree lightings, holiday parties, and greasy latke feasts, it can be hard to find time to shop for the perfect gift. Whether it's an office white elephant, a secret santa exchange with your friends, or a family holiday swap, you want to leave a lasting impression and avoid anyone pulling a Rachel-from-Friends (you know, the one where she's the worst and returns everything). It's easy to go the traditional route, and no one will say ever no to another tin of peppermint bark -- but we think you can do better. If you want to wow everyone on your list, take a look at some of our favorite gifts from some of our favorite startups.
1. SeatGeek
Photo Source: SeatGeek
Got a sports fan in your life? A theater geek? A music buff? Sometimes the best gifts are experiences, not things -- here’s your chance to give someone special tickets that might be the highlight of their holiday season! SeatGeek puts millions of awesome events at your fingertips, and they do most of the work by searching all the big ticket sites for you and giving you the facts all in one place. You’ll get the seats you want for the price you want -- who you take as your date is up to you. FYI still really hard to get tickets to Hamilton.
2. Birchbox
Photo Source: Birchbox
At this point, you’re all familiar with the head-honcho of all subscription boxes. There is a little something for anyone, whether they’re a beauty junkie or total novice. We love anywhere that you could get luxurious night cream for your mom, beard oil for your hipster boo, and a mascara sampler for your BFF all in the same place. Or a fragrance set for your main squeeze. Or a high-end shave kit for your brother. We could really go on and on. If all this decision making is too much for you, have no fear -- just get 'em all a gift subscription that will make them smile way beyond the holiday season.
3. Bump
Photo Source: Touch of Modern
This is one of those things that makes so much sense it’s hard to believe it hasn’t been in our lives sooner. We all have that friend who’s most frequent text is “sry phones about to die” (or maybe it’s you), and there couldn’t be a more perfect gift. Bump is a phone charger and a mobile battery all in one, which is just genius. Gone are the days of running out of juice before you’ve checked Google Maps to see where the restaurant is, and buh-bye to forgetting to charge your external battery before you head to that all day festival. Plug it in as your wall charger at home, and it simultaneously powers up your phone and the mobile power bank so you can just grab and go. Our new lifeline.
4. W&P Design
Photo Source: W&P Design
If you have an aspiring bartender on your list, look no further. W&P Design is a Brooklyn based company that makes tasteful, unique kitchenware that you definitely wish was on your apartment bar cart. There are mason shakers, muddlers, and tumblers. There are adorable Carry On Cocktail Kits that give travelers everything they need to make the perfect drink after take off. There are fancy ice trays that will fool people into thinking you know what you’re doing with said apartment bar cart. There are pineapple shot glasses that we know from experience make for extra happy giftees, and we might be eyeing ourselves.
5. Casper
Photo Source: Casper
You’ve seen the subway ads, checked out the pop-up nap trucks, and you know the drill. Casper is the go-to place for an affordable, well-made mattress without the hassle (or the creep factor) of laying on every bed in Sleepy’s with a pushy guy named Steve. If someone you love needs an upgrade from their dorm room days and you don’t want them to have a bad back (adulting, right?!), this is the way to go. What you might not know is that they now make awesome sheet sets, cool (literally) breathable pillows, AND most importantly -- a dog mattress. We don’t want our pups to have bad backs, either.
6. FCTRY
Photo Source: bastrading.com
Need fun stocking stuffers or a hilarious gift for your office white elephant party? FCTRY is a pretty good place to start, filled with creative things you never knew you needed. Got friends with babies? Hit them with The Mustachifier (which is clearly a pacifier with a great ‘stache). Got friends with no babies and no chill (or not-regular-moms-but-cool-moms)? We’re willing to bet Unicorn snot glitter gel will be the hit of the party. Poke around on FCTRY for some unique gifts that are sure to get some laughs!
7. Plated
Photo Source: Plated
Gifting someone a subscription to Plated is like giving them the gift of time. No stressing about what to make for dinner, no long lines that wrap around the block at Trader Joe’s, no fights about where to eat -- just clean, fresh ingredients and creative meal options, sent right to your door. Not to mention, they’re pretty tasty and a fun activity for date night (or any night), especially for people who don’t spend much time in the kitchen. This is a personal and actually helpful way to make someone’s holiday season.
8. Glossier
Photo Source: Glossier
A makeup and skin care line designed for everyday use? We’re all about it. Glossier has products for anyone who wants to look like their best self -- both aspiring beauty bloggers and just good-skin enthusiasts alike. You can gift Phase 1, an actually realistic skin care set, or you can take it to Phase 2 and give the finishing touches for an effortless look. Whether you choose serums, masks, or Balm Dotcom, no one will be returning this gift.
9. littleBits
Photo Source: YouTube
Looking to win the best uncle award? We’ve got your back. littleBits makes super easy electronic building blocks so that the little ones in your life can create, invent, and learn as they go. They’ve won tons of awards for being a STEM company that inspires young minds to be an active part of the technology around them, and there are kits for all levels. If you’re shopping for a future coding genius or just a curious mind, this one will be a hit with all generations. Way cooler than an outdated toy that forces kiddos into antiquated gender norms, amirite?
10. goTenna
Photo Source: goTenna
Adventurers, listen up. goTenna is a little device that could make a big change in how you go off the grid -- it lets you use your smartphone to share your location and send messages to other people even when you don’t have any bars. Since it doesn’t rely on reception, wifi, or satellites, you can rely on it anywhere from your summer backpacking trip to a crowded concert. No service? No prob.
11. quip
Photo Source: quip
Trying to figure out a way to hint to your new boo that you want to DTR? Getting them a toothbrush at your apartment is a pretty good way to start that conversation. Or awkward, but your call. Also a great gift for anyone who loves dental hygiene! Which, let’s be real, should be all of us. quip delivers affordable, customizable electric toothbrushes and even sends you replacements before you even realize you need them. It's also kinda sexy, which we never thought a toothbrush could be. They’re rewarding you for every gift you send by putting money in your own account towards your own new quip brush, too! Win win.
12. Rent the Runway
Photo Source: Pulsd
Everyone knows someone who did Rent the Runway for a wedding or NYE, but did you know they now offer an unlimited monthly subscription?! You can pick any items you want and keep them for however long you want, no fee for shipping (or dry cleaning, for all you germaphobes). If you have a fashionista on your list, a month or two of this new style service could be a huge hit. Putting thousands of designer pieces at their fingertips will definitely win you some points.
These are just a few of the awesome startups who are pushing boundaries and creating some of the coolest gifts on the market. We have a feeling you'll be a hit on the holiday party circuit!
Looking to be behind the scenes at these startups instead? Sign up for Planted, and a new job could be the best gift of all!