Gift ideas
Unique gifts: 12 out-of-the-ordinary gift ideas that mean something
Looking for a unique gift that really makes an impression? Experiences, symbolic gifts, things that last, time given: our ideas to surprise someone, with one simple rule, delight without clutter.
Unique gifts are the ones that surprise, says something about the person who receives it and is remembered for a long time. The best ones are not necessarily the most expensive: they are the ones that create an emotion, a story or a bond. In this guide, we have gathered twelve ideas in four families (experiences, symbolic gifts, things that last and time given), with what makes each one special and who it suits.
What makes a gift truly unique?
Surprise
A unique gift steps outside the expected categories. The person did not see it coming, and would not have thought of buying it for themselves.
A story
The gifts we remember are the ones we can tell people about: "someone gave me an iceberg", "we learned to bake bread together", "it's a map of the sky on the night I was born". A gift that makes people want to talk about it is very likely to make an impression.
Personal touch
A name, a date, a place that matters, a handwritten message: personalisation shows you thought about the person, not just the occasion.
Meaning
More and more people prefer gifts that are useful, that support a cause or that won't end up at the back of a cupboard. A unique gift can also be a responsible one.
Family 1: experiences
1. A workshop to learn something
Pottery, world cooking, woodworking, photography, wine tasting, bookbinding: a half-day workshop leaves a memory and often a new passion. It is ideal for a curious person "who already has everything".
2. An off-the-beaten-track outing
A night in a mountain hut, a stargazing evening with an astronomy club, a guided visit to a place usually closed to the public, a walk with a naturalist guide: experiences in nature create strong memories.
3. A ticket for an unexpected show
Rather than the obvious concert, try a genre the person doesn't know yet: contemporary circus, storytelling, jazz, improv theatre. The discovery is part of the gift.
Family 2: symbolic gifts
4. Adopt a real iceberg
This is the most unusual idea on this list, and the one we know best. With Mon Iceberg, you give the symbolic adoption of a real iceberg, in Antarctica or in Iceberg Alley off Newfoundland, tracked by satellite using public data from the U.S. National Ice Center and the International Ice Patrol. The recipient gets a certificate in their name with the position, dimensions and shape of their iceberg, and can receive news of their ice and of the sea ice every year. It is a gift that gets people talking, raises awareness of climate change without guilt-tripping, and involves nothing to manufacture or ship. We explain it in detail on our page Unusual gift: give a real iceberg.
Iceberg D15A
Antarctica · 3,037 km² · 94 × 41 km
from €39.99
Iceberg B22A
Antarctica · 1,229 km² · 54 × 46 km
from €39.99
Iceberg A81
Antarctica · 1,221 km² · 52 × 46 km
from €39.99
Iceberg C36
Antarctica · 848 km² · 43 × 30 km
from €29.99
Iceberg IIP 20014
Iceberg Alley · 16 sightings in 2021
from €19.99
Iceberg IIP 20092
Iceberg Alley · 14 sightings in 2021
from €19.99
5. Sponsor an animal or a tree
Many nature conservation charities let you sponsor a wild animal, a beehive or the planting of trees. Choose an organisation that is transparent about how funds are used.
6. A map of the sky or of a place
A poster showing the starry sky on an important date, or a map of a place dear to the person (their home town, the route of a memorable hike), is a personal, decorative gift.
Family 3: things that last
7. A beautiful handmade object
A forged kitchen knife, a mug shaped by a potter, a hand-bound notebook: an object made to last, crafted by an artisan, is sometimes passed down through generations.
8. A second-hand object with a story
A serviced film camera, a rare vinyl record, a restored vintage piece of furniture, an old edition of a favourite book: second-hand lets you give a unique object, often impossible to find in shops, with no extra manufacturing.
9. A carefully chosen book
A book is nothing unusual in itself, but a book chosen specially for the person, with a note explaining why, can become the most personal gift of all.
Family 4: time given
10. A voucher for a day together
A whole day devoted to doing what the person loves, phones off, organised by you: this is often the gift that touches parents and grandparents most.
11. A skill passed on
Teaching someone to garden, fix a bike or cook the family recipe: passing on what you know is a gift that costs nothing and creates a bond.
12. A favour
Babysitting for an evening, repainting a room, helping with a move: for someone who is overwhelmed, time given is worth more than any object.
How to choose the right unique gift
- Think about the person, not the object: what makes them laugh, moves them, excites them? The gift should reflect who they are.
- Set a budget before you start looking: there are unique gifts at every price, and price is not what makes an impression.
- Prefer a story to tell: a unique gift often reveals itself when you explain it.
- Add a personal message: a few lines written for the person turn any gift into a keepsake.
- Avoid clutter: an intangible or long-lasting gift is often more welcome than one more object.
Choose an iceberg to giveInstant PDF certificate · delivery on the date of your choice · from €19.99
Frequently asked questions
What unique gift can I give someone who has everything?
Experiences and symbolic gifts are perfect for people who already have everything: they don't take up space and they create a memory. The symbolic adoption of a real iceberg, a workshop to learn something new or a day spent together are choices that make an impression.
What unique gift can I give for less than €30?
A carefully chosen book, a second-hand object, a skill passed on or the adoption of an iceberg (from €19.99 to €39.99 depending on the iceberg) are unique ideas that stay within this budget.
How can I give a unique gift from a distance?
Digital gifts are the easiest to give from a distance. For an iceberg, you can schedule the certificate to be emailed to the person on the day of your choice, with your message.