Each of these gets a double-take when it’s unwrapped. Most of them get used anyway.
A cedar bee house, nesting reeds and accessories, plus live cocoons of gentle solitary bees. Choose spring mason bees, summer leafcutter bees, or both.
Good for Gardeners, kids who love bugs, and anyone with fruit trees or a vegetable patch.
A block of living shiitake mycelium in a box. Soak it, mist it daily, and edible shiitakes push out of it on your counter.
Good for Curious cooks, kids who like to watch things grow, and the friend who killed their last houseplant.
A soft, padded, cocoon-like pillow that goes over your head to block out light and noise, so you can nap at a desk, on a plane, or anywhere else.
Good for Frequent flyers, night-shift workers, and champion nappers.
A handmade bamboo cabinet that stores cheese the way cheesemongers do, with humidity control, so it ripens instead of drying out or sweating in plastic.
Good for Serious cheese lovers, hosts, and the person who truly has everything.
A laser-cut plywood kit that becomes a working mechanical cash register — with a code-locked money drawer, a coin counter and a coin detector. No glue required.
Good for Tinkerers, puzzle lovers, and kids learning about money (with a grown-up helper).
A wooden build-it-yourself jewelry box with five amber stones set in the lid. Opening it triggers moving blocks that reveal hidden drawers.
Good for Puzzle lovers, steampunk fans, and anyone who keeps small treasures.
A slim add-on that installs under your toilet seat without electricity or a plumber, with two adjustable nozzles and a pressure knob.
Good for New homeowners, people with a sense of humor, and anyone tired of buying toilet paper.