16 Sep Not Another Boring Gift: 50 Unusual Birthday Gift ideas
Finding the right present isn’t always easy,especially when you’re searching for something that feels personal, meaningful, and a little outside the box.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 50 unusual birthday gift ideas that are anything but ordinary. From quirky keepsakes and playful décor to sustainable treasures and handmade gems, these ideas are designed to surprise, delight, and spark conversation.
From playful novelties to beautifully crafted keepsakes, these unusual birthday gifts don’t just tick a box – they show care, creativity, and personality. Whether it’s something sustainable, handmade, or simply unexpected, the right gift can turn a birthday into something truly memorable.
1. bee revival kit
Forget ordinary birthday presents – this one literally saves lives. The Bee Revival Kit is a tiny but mighty lifesaver designed to help exhausted bees get back on their wings.
Perfect for the nature lover, the eco-warrior, or that friend who lights up at the sight of a bumblebee. Thoughtful? Absolutely. Unusual? Definitely. Buzz-worthy? 100%.
Get it here: bee revival kit
Price: £11.99
2. robot lamp
Part robot, part lamp – think of it as the kind of bedside companion that adds a touch of sci-fi that feels equally retro and futuristic.
And if one robot isn’t enough? Check out the Etsy shop for a whole squad of them.
Get it here: robot lamp
Price : £154.15
3. fruit tea gift box
Think tea, but make it fruity! Bursting with vibrant blends like berry, apple, and citrus, this box is a passport to flavour town.
An unusual birthday gift that’s as refreshing as it is fun. Sustainably sourced, fun to brew, and perfect for every season.
Warning: may cause spontaneous happy dances.
Get it here : fruit cooler box
Price : £19-£36
Looking for a delicious gift that keeps on giving? Check out more unique gifts for tea lovers here.
4. vintage fox leather journal
For the writers, dreamers, note-takers and midnight poets.
This journal is perfect as an unusual birthday gift that feels like it belongs tucked away in an old library , waiting for stories to fill it.
It’s more than just paper bound in leather. It is a little portal for whimsy, a place where ideas can run as wild as a fox.
Get it here: fox leather journal
Price : £39.35
5. personalised telescope
For stargazers and dreamers alike – this telescope adds a personal touch to nights spent chasing constellations.
It is an unusual birthday gift that literally says, the sky is the limit.
Warning: may cause sudden midnight stargazing sessions.
Get it here : personalised telescope
Price : £77.79 (dependent on style)
6. molten glass bowl
Half sculpture, half bowl.
Each one is unique – no two bowls will ever look the same.This is an unusual birthday gift for the friend whose home could double as an art gallery.
Get it here: molten glass bowl
Price : £19.94 (depends on style – silver : £29.95)
7. camera lens mug
Looks like a lens, holds your drinks – prefect for photographers who need caffeine as much as creativity.
It will make any photographer do a double take. (Bonus: it’s way cheaper than buying them an actual lens.)
Get it here : personalized camera lens
Price : £9.95-10.95 (depended on size)
8. become a teapro
An unusual birthday gift that keeps on giving .
Each box is curated with premium loose-leaf teas, tasting notes, and sustainable accessories, turning tea time into a discovery journey.
It’s basically a monthly excuse to say, “I can’t, I have tea.” Because let’s face it, tea > responsibilities.
Get it here : become a teapro
Price : £65 every 3 months
9. personalised SD holder
No more lost memory cards. This mini SD holder keeps every project safe.
Personalised, practical, and perfect for photographers on the go.It is proof that you actually understand how much gear they lug around.
( There are four colours to choose from! )
Get it here : mini sd card keychain
Price : £17
10. historical newspapers
Pick a date and get newspapers from that exact moment – an unusual birthday gift for history lovers who want to travel back in time.
Perfect for anyone who enjoys a little nostalgia with their coffee.
Who needs a time machine when you can just unwrap one?
Get it here : historic newspapers
Price : From £19.99
11. book gift sets
Hardback Penguin books paired with a themed t-shirt and a pin or keyring – perfect for bookworms who love a little extra magic with their reads.
If you’re hunting for book-inspired pins, Literary Emporium are definitely worth a peek,
Get it here : gift-sets
Price : £24.95-£44.95 (dependent on book)
12. decision dice
Can’t decide what to do next? Let the dice do it for you! With prompts like “one more page” or “stop reading,” it’s a fun little nudge for indecisive friends.
Perfect for anyone who spends more time deciding than doing… roll the dice and call it destiny!
Get it here : decision dice
Price : £4.99
13. race the rails game
Race to build the fastest routes across the UK .
A truly unusual birthday gift for puzzle lovers and trainspotters alike. Just don’t get stuck at delays like the real thing.
(The game can also be found on Amazon! )
Get it here : race the rails game
Price : £18.00
14. premium matcha set
For the friend who thrives on green energy and zen mornings, this premium matcha set has everything needed to whip up café-quality tea at home.
This set includes everything needed to whisk, sip, and savour the real deal.
Get it here : premium matcha set
Price : £69 – 95
15. personalised lip balm
Who knew lip balm could feel so fancy and chic?
Soft, scented and personalised. For anyone who loves a little luxury in their pocket this is the prefect unusual birthday gift.
Get it here : baume des muses ivoire
16. handmade necklace
Delicate, wearable blooms that that doesn’t need watering,
Perfect for someone who loves unique, beautiful and handmade jewellery – adding a floral touch to everyday style.
Get it here: dolalettebykamilla
Price : ( dependent on style )
17. ceramic dice jar
A pop of décor that is half quirky decor, half storage solution.
An unusual birthday gift for anyone who loves tabletop games or stylish home accents.
Get it here : ceramic dice vase
Price : £32
18. artists playing cards
If you love art history and card games, why not shuffle the two together?
Every deck celebrates iconic artwork.An unusual birthday gift for anyone who loves art and a bit of card-playing fun.
Get it here : artist playing cards
Price : £5.95-29.95
19. vermeer playing cards
Classical art meets classic card games. This is an unusual birthday gift for lovers of timeless masterpieces and clever games. Great for both display and play.
Check out the website to find cards inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and more!
Get it here : vermeer playing cards
Price : £5.49
20. pride and prejudice book
If they like classic romance with a personal twist, this is an unusual birthday gift for any literature lover who enjoys thoughtful keepsakes.
It feels like stepping straight into Lizzy Bennet’s shoes
Get it here : pride and prejudice novel
Price : £30
21. flowering tea gift set
Tea that blooms like magic!
Drop a hand-tied flower bulb into hot water and watch a mesmerising floral display unfold. Part drink, part show, all delight.
This is an unusual birthday gift that wows from first sip to last.
Get it here : flowering tea gift set
Price : £45 – £50
22. trinket tray
Because no one’s flat is complete without a pigeon – well, at least one made of ceramic
A cheeky twist that adds a playful (and very British) touch to any dresser or desk
(There are other options so make sure to visit the website! )
Get it here : trinket tray
Price : £10
23. claw machine
Addictive! Fun! And a little bit chaotic!
If you like nostalgia and a bit of fun competition, this is an unusual birthday gift for anyone who never outgrew arcade games.
Warning: may cause extreme competitiveness with yourself.
(There are three colours to choose from!)
Get it here : retro claw machine
Price : £45
24. cookie monster mug
Start mornings with a grin (and maybe a cookie on the side).
This is for anyone with a sweet tooth and a sense of humour – monster-sized fun included. Unusual birthday gift? Absolutely. Breakfast companion? Mandatory.
Get it here : cookie monster mug
Price : £6.00
25. travel case
Compact, stylish, and endlessly useful. This is an unusual birthday gift for the organised traveller or, weekend adventurer (or just hates digging through a messy bag at the airport.)
Bonus: you’ll actually know where your passport is… most of the time.
Get it here : travel case
Price : £90
26. handmade capybara
This tiny handcrafted capybara is full of charm, making it an unusual birthday gift that’s quirky, unique, and perfect for adding character to any desk or shelf.
Warning: may spark intense “aww” reactions and sudden desk photo shoots.
Get it here : handmade capybara
Price : £35
27. mossery art kits
For anyone with a creative streak – these kits feature designs/mediums from different artists, so there’s something for everyone.
From watercolour to marker, you name it, it’s a fun way to explore new techniques, mediums and styles
Get it here : art kits
Price : (depends on type)
28. ceramic match box
An unusual birthday gift that turns a simple matchbox into stylish décor.
It comes with a tiny handmade clay figurine, with 20 unique styles to collect – there’s one for every taste. The perfect gift to show someone they’re a ‘match’ for your friendship.
Get it here : ceramic match box
Price : £.695
29. pet rock
The ultimate low-maintenance “pet” – equal parts nostalgic and funny.
Yes, it’s literally a rock. But the charm? Endless. Give it a name, take it on adventures, or just admire its stoic wisdom.
Get it here : pet rock
Price : £5.99
30. octopus plant pot
Tentacles take over! This playful terracotta pot adds personality (and a little sass) to any plant collection
There are 17 pots to choose from – quirky, fun, and guaranteed to stand out.
Get it here : octopus plant pot
Price : 10.99
31. money minder
Keep your coins (and your sanity) in check! This clever gadget helps track spending and saving with ease – perfect for the friend who loves quirky tools and financial peace of mind.
Get it here : money minder key-rin
Price : £2.95
32. pizza maker
Fresh, hot pizza made in minutes – that proves great pizza doesn’t need a giant oven. Compact, grill-ready, and perfect for small kitchens or single dinners.
Get it here : grilled personal pizza maker
Price : £37
33. frog phone speaker
Ribbit up the volume!
If you love gifts that mix quirky charm with everyday use, this unusual birthday gift is a winner Cute enough for your desk, loud enough for your playlist.
Bonus: it croaks along if you press play and no pond required.
Get it here : acoustic frog speaker
Price : £51
34. personalised guitar capo
Add a personal touch to your music. This custom capo makes a thoughtful gift for musicians who love style as much as sound.
Custom engraving makes jam session feel like their own.
Get it here : personalised guitar capo
Price : £26.29
35. vinyl record bowl
Old-school meets new-school! This funky bowl spins retro records into a stylish home accessory-perfect for snackers, decorators, or music lovers.
The Beetles, Lana Del ray and more. Perfect for music lovers with a nostalgic streak.
Get it here: vinyl record bowl
Price : £11.50
36. polo mint puzzle
Minty fresh and brain-teasing!
An unusual birthday gift that looks simple but will drive puzzle lovers mad. Sweet fun without the sugar rush.
Fun fact: solving it may make you feel infinitely smarter… or just extremely minty.
Get it here : polo mint puzzle
Price : £3.95
37. chocolate fish and chips
This quirky chocolate twist on a British classic makes for an unusual birthday gift that’s both tasty and hilarious.
Get it here : chocolate fish and chips
Price : £12.50
38. computer punch card clock
Step back in time with this retro-inspired gadget!
When tech nostalgia meets modern style – this clock made from real punch cards is an unusual birthday gift for programmers and retro lovers alike.
(There is two colour choices.)
Get it here : punch card clock
Price : £41.90
39. super mario lamp
Forget boring bedside lights – if you grew up stomping Goombas, this or for you.
This fun lamp lights up any space while celebrating everyone’s favorite plumber. Perfect for the friend who’s always “just one more level” away from bedtime.
Get it here : super mario lamp
Price : £26.99
40. barbasol shaving cream
An unusual birthday gift for any Jurassic Park fan – it’s not just shaving cream, it’s a cheeky movie reference they’ll instantly get.There is also water bottle version on Amazon!
Get it here : barbasol bottle
Price : £17.99
41. mendal’s candle
Forget ordinary souvenirs – this one smells like pure nostalgia. Inspired by Mendl’s, the legendary bakery from The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Perfect for film buffs, candle collectors, or anyone who dreams in pastel pink.
Get it here : mendal’s candle
Price : £15.50
43. boy with apple
For the cinephile with taste – this replica artwork from The Grand Budapest Hotel makes a striking and unusual birthday gift.
Get it here : boy with apple
Price : £37
44. popcorn maker
Movie nights just got an upgrade. Fresh, fluffy popcorn at the push of a button – no burnt bags, no sad kernels, just pure crunchy joy.
Ideal for snack lovers, home cinephiles, or anyone who takes butter-to-popcorn ratio very seriously.
Get it here : popcorn maker
Price : £109.99
45. tinned fish candle
It looks like dinner, but smells much better. A candle in disguise? Crack it open like sardines, but instead of fish you’ll find a candle with serious charm.
This clever candle comes in a tin that you “open” just like a can of fish. An unusual birthday gift for anyone who appreciates witty design.
Get it here : tinned fish candle
Price : £24.05
46. shell wine glasses
Bring beach vibes to every sip.
These shell-shaped glasses make an unusual birthday gift for anyone who loves the beach, design enthusiasts, or anyone who secretly wishes their flat was a coastal retreat.
Get it here : shell wine glass
Price : £35.75
47. martini candle
Shaken, stirred, and… lit.
So realistic you’ll do a double-take. These martini glass candles look like the real thing – olives and all.
Perfect for cocktail connoisseurs, décor lovers, or anyone who wants happy hour vibes without the hangover.
(The seller has many more to choose from.)
Get it here : martini candle
Price : £25.04
49. seal pudding keychain
Cute, cool and oddly irresistible and weirdly cute this unusual birthday gift is perfect for anyone who loves adorable accessories.
This seal pudding keychain is weirdly adorable and guaranteed to raise a smile every time you grab your keys.
( There are 16 styles! )
Get it here : seal parfait keychains
Price : £22
50. watch neck tie
Time is on your side – literally.
Why wear a watch when your tie can tell time? This unusual birthday gift is quirky, stylish, and perfect for the punctual, the fashion-forward, or the friend who’s always asking, “What time is it?
Get it here : watch neck tie
Price : £43
Life’s too short for boring birthdays. So go bold, go weird, go unusual. From pizza makers and frog speakers to blossoming teas and collectible clay capybaras, the best gifts are the ones they never saw coming. The kind that spark laughter, curiosity, and maybe even a little “where on earth did you find this?”
And if you’re after something thoughtful with a twist? Teapro makes gift-giving easy: unique teas, endless surprises, and zero chance of landing in the re-gifting pile.
I’m Zahra, an art and book lover from a family of chai enthusiasts. I love exploring creative flavor pairings and giving classic drinks a fresh twist. My current obsession is lychee and rose iced tea - handmade is the best!
- Zahra Ghanihttps://teapro.co.uk/author/zahra-ghani/
- Zahra Ghanihttps://teapro.co.uk/author/zahra-ghani/
- Zahra Ghanihttps://teapro.co.uk/author/zahra-ghani/
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