40 Small Gifts That'll Make a Big Impact
Here are the best ideas out there, whether you're looking for something that's actually teeny tiny, or just want to give a little something to show you care.
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Gift giving is a skill that most people have to work on. It requires knowing your giftee well enough to select an item that they’ll enjoy enough to hold on to for years to come – or at least will want to use immediately. Luckily, here at Good Housekeeping, we’re gifting pros, and know just how to help you select the right picks for anyone you're shopping for.
Our list of the best small gifts are perfect for the minimalist in your life who doesn’t want anything large or bulky crowding their space. These options are also great for when you need an inexpensive last-minute gift, a just-because surprise to say "thank you" to someone special or you've got stockings that need stuffing. If, perhaps, when you think "small" you mean a gift that actually mini or tiny in size, we've got you covered there too.
Scroll through to see our top ideas that prove big things can literally come in small packages.
A fun little paint set, which includes three canvases, a miniature easel, miniature paint brush and seven paint pots, will be just the thing to keep them happy. It's paint by the numbers so all they have to do is match the colors to each numbered section to reveal their masterpiece.
You've seen the tube guy flailing around in front of your local car dealership, but now you can have this cute miniature version as desk decor. Standing at 17 inches, the trinket uses battery power to blow air into the tube and keep it inflated. It also comes with a tiny book detailing the origins of the toy. Note: it does not include batteries.
Small enough to fit on their keychain, this mini microscope comes in four colors (blue, green, grey and orange) and has an LED light. It can magnify up to 20 times what the natural eye can see, according to the brand. Reviewers noted that it's great for taking a closer look at objects, and that kids in particular will love it.
Anyone who is obsessed with Stanley cups will appreciate these little tumblers. Perfect for a shot of espresso or their favorite spirit, they are adorable and functional, as the brand says they're insulated to keep drinks hot or cold.
We're pretty much obsessed with this sweet jewelry case that is small enough to travel with, yet big enough to hold all of their favorite pieces. It's also available in eight different colors and comes with an initial embroidered on the top.
A fully functioning vacuum that fits in the palm of your hand may be just what they need for little messes. Sure, it's not going to deep clean like our top tested vacuums, but Amazon reviewers say it works well to clean crumbs on a table, debris on a desk and other things.
Over 23,000 people have given this kit 5-stars on Amazon thanks to how handy it is when it comes to fixing things like small electronics, eyeglasses and watches. There are 36 pieces in the set, including magnetic screw bits, prying tools, a cleaning brush and tweezers.
No glue is required with this kit, which fits together like pieces of a puzzle. Assembly time can around one to two hours, according to the brand, making it a great option for model building beginners. Reviewers have gifted it to everyone, from their husbands to their teenagers.
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Compact and easy to take on-the-go, this pocket-sized colored pencil set is ideal for artists of any age. It includes 11 colors, a sharpener and an eraser.
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Keep all of your favorite memories in this teeny tiny photo album. Pick from three design options and whether you want it to hold five or 10 photos. The seller will even resize all of your photos for you so they'll fit.
Shovels this size probably won't move much, but they'll make cool decorative spoons and can work wonders for stirring coffee or eating dessert. They come in three colors (silver, gold or rainbow) and your choice of a set of four, 10 or 20. "Really great quality and have a nice heavy feel to them," one reviewer on Amazon wrote.
Shaped just like capsules, these miniature lipsticks which can easily fit in the palm of your hand deliver bold color in a tiny package. One pack includes 18 matte shades, including reds, pinks, purples and nudes.
Burning these candlesticks that are just four-inches high will help your giftee take a moment to be mindful and reflect. The seller claims each candle burns completely in 20 minutes — a nice amount of time for a little break.
Small enough to fit in their pocket, this manicure set has everything they need to maintain their nails. It also comes in several colors. And although it's for anyone, we've noticed that every time it's in one of our gift guides for men, it's a reader favorite.
Your giftee will be shocked to see how this spacious tote can be compressed into a pocket-size pouch. It comes in four colors (blue, black, orange and green) and holds up to 60 pounds, according to the brand. "I was pleasantly surprised by the 'bonus' features — two types of carrying — short handles or cross body strap, and the loop on the stuff sac has a magnetic closure to make it really easy to attach to the outside of another bag if you need to," an Amazon reviewer said.
With this mini power bank, they'll never have an excuse to let their phone die again. It has a slim profile, and includes cords, making it sleek and convenient.
Whenever they need a little pick-me-up, they can pull out this sentimental wallet card that sums up your love. It'll make a great gift for an anniversary, birthday or Valentine's Day.
Gym enthusiasts and athletes will be grateful for this massaging ball that can soothe aches and soreness. Reviewers love that it glides smoothly, stays cold and is easy to clean.
In a pack of two, they'll receive reusable rubber stoppers that provide an airtight seal to preserve the taste of the wine. "I have noticed a significant difference in the taste and aroma of my wines after using these stoppers compared to traditional cork or makeshift closures," an Amazon reviewer said. "They fit snugly into various bottle sizes, whether it's a standard wine bottle or a champagne bottle."
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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