Something Different
Click here for offbeat gifts.Anne Kandra
There's more to online shopping than Amazon.com. Branch out to some of these off-the-beaten-path sites for some cool gift ideas that range from functionally unique to uselessly bizarre.
Let's Go Retro. Wondering where you can find a Twister duvet cover for your honey? This British company offers a huge assortment of pop-culture toys and tidbits--even a Mini-Me action figure. Yeah, baby, yeah!
WhatYouGet.com. Speaking of retro, spend a few minutes browsing this "alternative mall," which links to dozens of sites that offer everything from "I Hate Clowns" T-shirts to occult supplies. It's also the place to shop for your nephew who just painted his bedroom black. (Kids these days...)
The Vermont Country Store. For those on your list who don't have pierced belly buttons, this site has enough old-fashioned, practical--but fun--gift ideas to keep you browsing for days. And just try to check out without picking up two or three how-did-I-do-without-this goodies for yourself.
UncommonGoods. This site is the online equivalent of the upscale gift shop you browse in when you're on vacation and wonder, "Who actually buys this stuff?" But there are loads of irresistible gift ideas here, from Cirque du Soleil figurines to Freudian Slippers. Best of all? No snooty salespeople breathing down your neck.
The Homesick Gourmet. Perfect for college students and far-flung family members who call you to whine about how much they miss hometown cuisine, this site takes care of those cravings. Just choose the locality and browse regional sites that can send your wayward friend its local specialties, from Philly cheese steaks to Southern goo-goo clusters to New York hot dogs.
The Crosswords Club. Got a crossword fanatic on your list? Help them fill the void between Sundays with a membership to the Crosswords Club. The standard membership includes six puzzles every month, and the site also offers printable gift cards, a large-print option, and sample puzzles. Now, what's another six-letter word for "puzzle"?
OneShare.com. What do you get the baby who has everything? How about a share of Krispy Kreme or TiVo stock? This site offers a wide variety of options (no pun intended) for the gurgling investor, and individual shares arrive framed and ready to be hung proudly on the nursery wall. There's no better way to teach Junior the value of investing. Just make sure the parents don't turn to you for college costs if your stock pick tanks.