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.
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.
Frigidaire Portable Fridge
There are mini fridges, and then there are mini fridges that are so mini, you can literally take them on-the-go. This version from Frigidaire has both a wall outlet and car adapter, comes in seven colors and can hold about six cans, according to the brand. It's not only small, but reviewers say it's also lightweight clocking in at around three pounds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A fun twist on a message in a bottle, they will receive 50 little notes that each have a positive message written on them. If you're looking for something a bit more personal, there's a DIY version where you can write your own messages.
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.
LED lights make this compact mirror a must-have. And nearly 12,000 Amazon reviewers agree. "For how small it is, it provides a lot of light and good magnification. I keep it in my purse for touch ups and I love it," a reviewer said.
How adorable is this mini Scrabble game? Whether they keep it as decor or attempt to play with the tiny magnetic letters, it'll always get a conversation going.
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.
RELATED: The Best Gifts for Artists to Boost Their Creativity
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.
Squishmallows are still most kids' favorite toys even though they can't bring those big stuffies with them to school. But with these adorable clip-ons, they can! And yep, they are just as squishy.
RELATED: Popular Squishmallows We Think Are the Absolute Cutest
Now, they never have to be without their beloved condiment. Before they leave the house, all they have to do is fill up the little bottle with Sriracha (or any hot sauce, really), and throw it in their bag or put it on their key ring.
RELATED: Best Gag Gifts That Will Make Any Occasion More Fun
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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