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Good gift giving is basically a form of art. There’s nothing a nice present can't do; it can lift a mood or improve a relationship, repair a wrongdoing, or remind someone you care about them. So no wonder gifts have a special place in our minds, no matter how much we often dread them (don’t even remind me about the Christmas gift hunt!).

The useful gift route is the one to go, but hey, there’s no universal guarantee that whatever you think of as useful would feel the same for the person who’ll receive it. So today, we are taking a look into presents that pleasantly surprised people who had no clue they needed them.

“What’s the best 'I didn’t know I needed that' gift you’ve received?” someone asked on Ask Reddit a while ago and the responses are basically a solid list of cool gift ideas. Scroll down through them below and upvote your favorite ones!

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#1

30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable When I first became a cop I was getting blown away with what I dealt with. There was also so much death and the fear of getting shot. In my own personal life I also had so much stress and depression. One day I was working a school detail and a little kindergartner skipped by. She giggled and handed me a drawing of a kitten she made for me. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I was truly touched. No one had ever thanked me for anything on the job or given me such a kind gesture in years.

RealJoe93 , Peter Lindberg Report

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Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Receiving an unsolicited gift from a child is like being touched by an angel.

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    #2

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable I was furious with my husband when I figured out that money had been just...disappearing from our bank account. I confronted him about it in April. He straight lied in my face and said he needed to spend some of his paycheck on scaffolding. I didn't believe him, but he's never lied before, so I let it go. Celebrating my birthday in November, I'm unwrapping presents with him and my family, and there are 25 wrapped up...fish. Fish toys for cats, glass fish, candy fish, wooden fish...and an underwater watch. I'm not bright because I hadn't figured it out...They got me a trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico to learn how to scuba dive. I don't deserve them. He'd been saving for a year. I saw a DOLPHIN with a BABY DOLPHIN. UNDERWATER. 6 FEET AWAY FROM MY FACE.
    It's the best thing ever. It's like flying on another planet.

    octopusboots , Tambako The Jaguar Report

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    Scagsy
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a lovely tale. I wish I could afford to do that for my wife. She deserves it, putting up with me for all this time.

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    #3

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My mom just randomly bought me a jogging shirt saying. Maybe you can use this if you run.

    I was unhealthy fat short kid, she was trying to encourage me.

    Couldn't even run 1 km without questioning my existence.

    Several months later I could do 10km in below 40 min, and ran 50km a week.

    I got so thin that my friends mom asked me if I'm sick (she thought I had cancer)

    After a while I realized that this is not good for my back.

    So I started lifting weights in the neighbourhood gym.

    I went there so much that the owner made me take charge of it.

    Im now the head of the gym and have transformed it completely.

    I don't look sick anymore and have a healthy amount of muscle. But im still short .

    All of this because of some random running fleece shirt. I still have it today 10 years later...

    itsdtx , All about the clothes! Report

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    To find out more about navigating the daunting world of gift giving, we spoke with Lynn How, the author of “Positive Young Mind'' and life coach who specializes in supporting educators, parents, and children with improving and prevention of mental health issues. She also runs this Facebook teacher coaching group which is an excellent resource for teachers in need of support when leaving, changing their mindset, changing their schools or setting healthy work/life boundaries.

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    Something thoughtful is always the best way to go when picking a present for a person, Lynn argues. But “if you don't know the person, perhaps see if you can glean some information from a mutual friend if possible or see if their social media profiles give anything away,” she said and added to “not forget to check for allergies before buying food!”
    #4

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My ex bought me vitamin D tablets maybe a month or so into dating. I'd been pretty unwell around that time, cancelling one date and bailing early on another. Id had blood tests done but the results weren't back yet.

    He showed up for a date one day and had the tablets for me as a present. It was pretty sweet to just get me a present for no reason other than to make me feel better. And when the blood tests came back, one of the things wrong with me was a vitamin D deficiency, so I did need them but didn't know yet.

    I guess you could say I really appreciated that he gave me the D...

    Bansheli , Michele Blackwell Report

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    #5

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My nephew bought my wife a cheap plastic duck call. I have no idea why my nephew thought this a perfect gift, but he was 100% correct. It is now known as the 'cat whistle' in our house because the cats stop whatever naughty thing they were doing immediately upon hearing it.

    UnknownHanson , midnightcomm Report

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    #6

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Two tickets to Les Miserables. I had absolutely no desire to see the show although my (now ex-) wife had been seriously hinting about it. When I opened the envelope on Christmas morning I was pretty pissed. She basically gifted herself. I was still pissed when I was dragged to the theater. The performance began... and I was in tears after ten minutes. It was just an incredible live performance and before we left I would buy the CD and listen to it for hours.

    somewhereinks , Kilyan Sockalingum Report

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    Sam
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its a good show. One of my students brought in part of the sound track for our song show and tell

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    Lynn said that hands down the worst presents she has heard of are husbands buying wives items which are used for domestic chores: “a hoover is not a good gift!” But what if we put too much importance on the presents we give? According to Lynn, love can't be bought and although the odd grand gesture is lovely, “I'd much rather receive a thoughtful smaller gift or experience such as being taken on a surprise picnic with some lovely food!”

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    #7

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A kitten, from a total stranger. Yes, really. I wouldn't describe myself as much of a 'cat person', per se, and I wasn't even sure what to do with it at first. A few years down the line, and it's basically my best friend. A constant companion whenever I'm @ home. And to think I preferred dogs once, yeesh!

    LSDeann , Kote Puerto Report

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    Alessa Gillespie
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never say you are not a cat person until you share your life with one. It baffles me that there's people who don't like them

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    #8

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My husband's aunt buys the most practical gifts you could think of! Every year for Christmas I'm excited for her gifts like she bought some insulated bags last year. The year before she got me a nice nail care set and the Rock file is perfect to use on my baby's nails! I never think of the things she buys but every thing she buys is super useful!

    wheaties201 , DIYNailArtDesigns Report

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    #9

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Calvin and Hobbes book from my mother. Had never heard of them before but I subsequently bought the rest of the books and love them now.

    fr-spodokomodo , Willis Lam Report

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    ssnx01 avatar
    Chich
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone should give these a read. They are great :)

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    Moreover, the life coach and educator argues that “gifts become materialistic if they become expected and regular but it depends on what your ideals are for your individual relationship as well as how long you have been together.” Lynn concluded that “Someone who showered me with expensive gifts after only a few dates might be coming on a bit too strong for my liking!”
    #10

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A good set of bath towels. My grandmother gave me a set as a graduation gift. I knew how expensive good towels and I knew she really had to save up for them, so I was thankful, but the same kind of thankful you are when grandpa gives you his dentures for Christmas.

    "I'll be damned if I don't use those towels every day 7 years later (though I do need a new set at this point). They are very easily the most used gift I have ever been given.

    eskamobob1 , Denny Müller Report

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    jmscargill avatar
    Scagsy
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fun gifts are nice for a while but practical gifts just keep in giving.

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    #11

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My parents got me an oversized bath robe when I was younger. Kinda disappointed until I saw the gift card stuffed in the pocket. I think I enjoyed whatever I bought with the gift card. But that bath robe, lemmie tell you, wearing that sucker right now.

    PortalStorm4000 , Vladimir Yelizarov Report

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    Chich
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never had one and my wife picked me one up a while back. Wear it all the time at home.

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    #12

    It's not really a gift, but hearing my stepmom say she'll always be there, and that I can always talk to her and also constantly getting hugs from her. Just my stepmom in general, really. After therapy and talking heart to heart with my stepmom I've realized my mom isn't that kind of person, it's not easy to talk to her about deep stuff, and we don't hug too often. I really didn't know how much I needed that

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    Martin Kaine
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A person's time and love are the best gifts. You can also tell the people who have never received such a gift.

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    #13

    My brother jokingly bought me a squatty potty a few Christmas’s ago after we saw the commercial a few months prior.

    I killed myself laughing again when I opened it up and stuck it in front of the toilet to send him a picture. Well, I forgot to move it after so it was there the next time I used the bathroom.

    Let me tell y’all something. If you have any kind of digestive issues at all, the squatty potty is a work of art. Best poops of my life, I’ll tell you what.

    Greyskiesgreeneyes Report

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    tinyd avatar
    Tiny Dancer
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure this is excellent advice, but all I can see is Hank Hill trying to poop in that one ep of "King of the Hill", lol. I'll tell you what!

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    #14

    My mom got me a new duvet when I was 12/13 and a second duvet she made into matching curtains, they were in hindsight pretty garish. But I’d shared a room until I was 11, so it was nice being given things that were just mine to make my space more personal. Seems an odd gift but for poorer families it can actually be quite meaningful.

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    #15

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A printer. Back then I had absolutely no use for a printer. But fast forward about five years, now I am in university, and that printer is a blessing to have. Thanks Dad.

    Starfall669 , Mahrous Houses Report

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    #16

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A clock for the bathroom. Wasn't intended for the bathroom was just a cute small clock but it matched my bathroom decor so it went there. It helped massively with time management specially for morning showers when I had no idea how long my showers were and used to end up rushing to get ready for work.

    shakakhannn , Jonny Caspari Report

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    #17

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My brother buys my wife and I board games for Christmas and birthdays, I forgot how much fun they can be

    jamesshithead , Nik Korba Report

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    Kindlovinghumble
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have once a wk board game nights with our kids. It's become something they look forward to even though they are still younger. (12 and younger) It also gets them away from technology and is a way to discuss their lives and what's going on while having fun. (Instead of just talking at the dinner table about their days) I REALLY recommend it!

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    #18

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A pair of good headphones. I listen to music almost on a daily basis and settled with ok earbuds because I didnt see the need for big headphones. It was like a revelation the first time I put them on because I never knew the audio could sound so clear before. It was incredible and I use them all the time now.

    ThisPeachIsSubpar , Lee Campbell Report

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plus you can hear words and sometimes little Easter eggs that you never would've heard before.

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    #19

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A small tool box from my father-in-law the first Christmas after I got married. I have used it so many times.

    _austinm , Tekton Report

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    Cactus McCoy
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everybody should have a basic tool set and the knowledge to use it.

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    #20

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable My best friend mailed me a humidifier a couple years ago when I had a chest cold. It’s the best gift I didn’t know I needed.

    MeridianHilltop , HS You Report

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    #21

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A door stopper on the end of a telescopic stick. Truly moving around in a wheel chair has been revolutionized for my mother. No need for anyone to hold the door.

    Redland_Station , CDC Report

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    Gwyn
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    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are still so many places that don't have ADA accommodations. ☹️

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    #22

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable I'm a big dinosaur nerd. A couple years ago for my 30th birthday I got a mint in box Dino Riders torosaurus that I always wanted as a kid. It totally blew my mind and it was a weird yet fantastic feeling opening up a dinosaur toy at that age

    tweak0 , puuikibeach Report

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    #23

    A bidet attachment for my toilet! Now I feel like a caveman pooping anywhere else. I tell everyone that they need to invest in one, and those who have enjoy it as much as we do.

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    #24

    When my aunt gave me the Lord of the Rings, the trilogy all in one amazing book. It changed everything and made me a nerd.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A familiy friend lent me his copy when I first read it. My parents then bought me my own copy for christmas. I was elated to say the least.😊

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    #25

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable Gloves that let you text with them on.

    AjiiMaat , Gesa Henselmans Report

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    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still too big for my hands. The ones I've seen seem to be sized for men

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    #26

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable One of those plastic covers to use in the microwave... absolutely game changing.

    pmME_urTITS-plz , Doug Waldron Report

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    TheHappyBookCat
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, those things make sure that when you microwave something liquidy it doesn't explode al over the mocrowave.

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    #27

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable A Banana Saver. It's a hard case that encloses a banana to protect it. No more bruised banana or banana guts squished into the bottom of your bag.

    ncmagpie , Andrew Bell Report

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can relate. You need a whole team of crime scene cleaners to remove the banana guts from your bag.

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    #28

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable I got a waterproof bluetooth speaker for my shower as a stocking stuffer 5 years ago. I can't take a shower without my tunes anymore. I love it.

    SithLard , Hannah Xu Report

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    #29

    Instant pot. I just love it! I make delicious stews now.

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    Who - me?
    Who - me?
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At first I read this as (instant "pot") and thought "Really? Just add water? Where do I get some?"

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    #30

    30 People Share Unexpected Gifts They Received That Turned Out To Be Very Valuable An upright, self-defrosting food freezer.

    Never thought I'd need one. Now, can't imagine not having it.

    Back2Bach , Enrico Mantegazza Report

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Told my wife for years that we needed one but she wasn't convinced. Finally just went out and bought one. Don't know what we did without one. I bought a chest type so I would not have to worry about frozen food flying out and hitting me in the foot.

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