Just 36 Amazing Birthday Gifts To Send To Your Family

Practical gadgets, gag gifts, and yummy treats for every member of your weird, wonderful, wacky family.

1. A subscription to Hunt A Killer that'll walk the whole fam through an episodic murder mystery puzzle for hours of crime-solving and sleuthing fun. Mystery lovers and armchair detectives can finally get their fix since, at this point, they've probably listened to the entire backlog of every true crime podcast.

Hunt A Killer

They'll get a full murder mystery game delivered over the course of several episodes, or boxes (how many depends on the plan you choose). Each box is filled with different clues and physical items such as autopsy reports, witness statements, and more that they'll use to solve the ongoing murder mystery.

Gift a six-month pass from Hunt A Killer for $165 or a 12-month pass for $300 (available in two themes).

2. A handheld milk frother for helping them easily whip up frothy, foamy drinks at home that rival their favorite caffeine chain go-to.

amazon.com, amazon.com

The frother is powered by two AA batteries (not included) and works on all milk types — including non-dairy varieties.

Promising review: "I’m a barista at Starbucks so obviously I know how I like my coffee. For a while, I was using an immersion blender to froth my milk for my morning cup of coffee, but it just wasn’t doing what I wanted it to do. I finally bought this frother and I’m so so happy with it!! It doesn’t need to be plugged in so it takes up way less space. It is a lot quieter than the blender, and I can use any size cup I want because the frother is so small. Not only can I heat up my milk for a hot coffee, but I can also use it just the same with cold milk for my iced coffee!! Highly recommend this product!!" —Heather Michael

Get it from Amazon for $15.25 (available in 29 colors).

3. A cushy bath pillow so they can live out their bathtime fantasies in comfort because it turns out hard tub rims aren't as comfortable as they make it look in the movies (go figure).

Amazon

Promising review: "So if you're like me and live in an apartment, you know the bath has little to offer. I was hesitant buying this product knowing I didn't have a head ledge for the top bend to really rest on. But after putting it in my tub and soaking in a long0deserved bath, this item was just what I needed. No stiff neck or sore back. Easy to place and clean. This is something I'll recommend to all." —Hannah Ruble

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

4. A scratch-off family adventure book if you're looking for a way to make memories that doesn't involve breaking out Clue for the umpteenth week in a row. This book is filled with categorized scratch-off adventures (with a time and money guide over each one) that the whole family can enjoy together, making a boat-load of memories in the process.

The Adventure Challenge

This book is great for families of all ages and sizes, but is ideally created with kids ages 4–15 in mind and for families of around four to eight members.

Promising review: "We are only four challenges in but we love it! We bought the family edition for us and our two sons who are eight and six years old. They love picking at random and scratching it off. Every challenge so far has been entertaining and fun, things we wouldn't normally do! I definitely recommend and will be buying some as gifts!" —Jan R.

Get it from The Adventure Challenge for $39.99 (also available in couples, friends, and solo editions).

5. A gorgeous pack of affirmation cards because everyone needs the occassional emotional pick-me-up and these pretty little cards can deliver those endorphines in your absence.

The Lamare / Etsy

The Lamare is a Jacksonville, Florida-based small Etsy shop creating aesthetically pleasing journals and planners to help you live the best life you can!

There are 40 affirmations in total, printed on 350 gsm ethically harvested paper. Each card is 4 x 4 inches and they come packaged in a pretty box.

Promising review: "OMG these are perfection! Love and adore these cards! Got these for myself, then my mom and getting them for my best friend now. Great quality. The affirmations are amazing. Love. Love. Love!" —Maris Howard

Get it from The Lamare on Etsy for $22.95.

6. A subscription to GoSkills to help them take the next step in their education with unlimited access to tons of courses on in-demand business skills — everything from Excel to HTML.

GoSkills

They'll be able to learn on their own schedule, choose the lessons they want, and even get certified for the skills they've acquired. Courses include Photoshop For Beginners, Business Writing, Project Management For Business Professionals, and SO much more.

Get started at GoSkills for $29/month or $199/year.

7. Some paraben-free body butter with shea butter, grape seed and rice bran oils, and candelilla wax for luxurious head-to-toe moisture that'll melt into their skin, leaving it soft and supple without the greasy feeling.

Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed

Butter by Keba is a woman-owned small business founded by Makeba Lloyd and based in NYC. Their plant-based formulas are made with natural organic essential oils, phthalate-free fragrance, and are paraffin-, petroleum-, and mineral oil-free.

Fellow BuzzFeed writer and product-tester extraordinaire Rachel Dunkel tried this body butter for herself:

"I've been using this body butter for over six months and simply adore it. It goes on in such a perfectly smooth, hydrating layer and soaks into skin quickly while moisturizing literally all day. I have it in the scent 'La Vera' which is delicately light and fresh. One of the things I like most about the body butter is the level of scent — it's not too overwhelming but is definitely present, and most importantly subtly lasts all day."

Get it from Butter by Keba for $20+ (available in two sizes and 10 scents).

8. A fruit tart pet bed because the sweetest part of their life (we all know the dog is mom's favorite child) deserves the sweetest-looking bed to lounge in.

Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed, Amazon

BuzzFeed writer (and owner of the beautiful cat above) Mallory Mower bought this bed for her feline friends and they love it:

"My cats hate everything I buy for them, but they took to this immediately. From my impressive background studying feline behavior (I watched a lot of Animal Planet as a kid), I think one of the reasons they like this bed so much is that the 'crust' is both sturdy enough to stand on its own and soft enough for them to stretch and lean into."

Get it from Amazon for $31.99.

9. A subscription to KiwiCo that'll deliver an interactive, age-tailored activity to their door every month to keep their curious mind occupied with fun-but-educational activities.

KiwiCo

They'll get a curated activity box will all the materials they need to complete a science or art project (depending on the box you pick). Each project is targeted for a specific age group (0 –104) and is filled with an interactive activity to help nearly anyone grow or learn something new!

Get it from KiwiCo starting at $15.50/month.

10. A 10-piece makeup brush set for giving their current collection of mismatched brushes (yep, that one's from middle school) a luxe refresh.

BH Cosmetics

This 10-piece set of multipurpose brushes is great for cream or powder makeup application and is vegan and cruelty-free.

Promising review: "I think this kit can be a good addition to your collection, and it's complete enough for beginners, too. The brushes are soft and the quality is excellent." —Ana P.

Get the ten-piece set from BH Cosmetics for $13.50 (originally $27).

11. A cacao and mushroom blend if they're always looking for new and tasty ways to integrate healthy superfoods into their diet. They can mix this powder with coffee or milk for a chocolatey addition that works to reduce stress, boost their immune system, and is packed with antioxidants to support gut health.

Golde

Golde is a Black woman-owned small business creating vegan wellness and beauty essentials with the goal of making it easy for anyone to enjoy the benefits of these powerful superfoods.

Golde was kind enough to send me a sample and I'm beyond impressed. Ever since receiving, I've been drinking it in latte-form as a mid-day treat. It tastes 0% like mushroom and has a slightly sweet, faintly chocolatey flavor. My enthusiastic goodwill toward this mix probably has something to do with the CBD-like quality of cacao (it naturally promotes the production of anandamide — aka "the bliss molecule"). Either way, It feels like pure self-care to make myself a drink that tastes great and is packed with so many hardworking ingredients (and no added sugar!)." —Danielle

Get it from Golde for $22 (includes 30 daily servings).

12. A diamond painting kit so the family's resident Lilo & Stitch lover can enjoy a soothing yet satisfying art project they'll be able to show off on their wall when finished.

amazon.com, amazon.com

They don't need to have any prior diamond-painting experience to enjoy this! It comes with everything they need (canvas, rhinestones, adhesive, and applicator tools) to complete the project.

Promising review: "It only took me a few hours to finish up everything. It came up a really cute Stitch and still got a lot of beads left. Very fun and relaxing. Can’t wait to get it framed." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $15.88.

13. A subscription to Geologie if you'd prefer they redirect their skin musings toward someone who actually knows what they're doing. Based on the results of a short and fun skin quiz, Geologie will build a personalized skincare regime tailored to fit their personalized needs, from dark circles to product sensitivity.

@mygeologie / Via instagram.com, @mygeologie / Via instagram.com

You can fill out a 30-second skincare quiz for the gift recipient or send them an e-gift email so they can fill out the questionnaire themselves and claim the personalized products.

Get started at Geologie for $25+ (available to gift in amounts of $25–$250 or treat them to a complete skincare set for $125).

14. A screaming goat figure because life is hard and who in your family couldn't benefit from a hilarious screeching farm animal to take the edge off?

Amazon

And it comes with a 32-page, illustrated booklet all about goats. As if the screaming figurine wasn't enough!

Promising review: "This little piece of screaming plastic has created an excellent outlet for resolving frustrations in our home. Every time a conflict or struggle arises we push the little goat, get a gratifying screech, chuckle and move on throughout our day. No regrets on purchasing this. When you get one, get four or five because you're going to want to share with family and friends." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.40.

Learn more about its brilliance in our screaming goat deep dive if you're on the fence.

15. A DIY mochi ice cream kit to satisfy their sweet tooth with everything needed to create a from-scratch creamy, chewy treat from home.

UncommonGoods

This kit makes up to 32 pieces and includes sweet rice flour, potato starch, matcha green tea powder, cocoa powder, a dough cutter, and a silicone mochi mold, and step-by-step instructions. Just provide your own ice cream!

Promising review: "My daughter and I had a fun time putting these together and they taste just like the mochi you get in a store or restaurant!" —Kim

Get it from UncommonGoods for $32.

16. A hydrating Glossier hand cream that dares to look this cute while delivering nongreasy moisture in a travel-ready container that'll protect against spills in your bag.

Glossier

I bought this hand cream recently and absolutely love it. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave behind a sticky residue so I can reapply as needed throughout the day after washing my hands." —Yi

Promising review: "Glossier has never been a disappointment for me. This hand cream? WOW! My hands are so soft, and I seriously cannot stop smelling it! A+ for this one!" —syoulio

Get it from Glossier for $18.

17. A subscription to Atlas Coffee Club for fueling their busy days with monthly shipments of single-origin coffee from a new country that's tailored to match their specific java preferences.

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

Several BuzzFeed writers have personally tested out this subscription and love it! Read the full review of Atlas Coffee Club!

Here's an excerpt written by my colleague Rebecca O'Connell:

"The coffee itself was phenomenal! The amazing smell hits you as soon as you open the box. My roommates and I have varying levels of snobbery when it comes to coffee. For example, I'm cool with some Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee, but one of my roommates only buys his coffee from a fancy beanery in Williamsburg. Despite our different palates, we all loved and raved about Atlas's coffee. We used an electric grinder and tried making it with both a normal coffee maker and a French press. The Colombian coffee was very smooth and chocolatey, with an almost creamy texture even when taken black. The Peruvian coffee was more bitter and fruity, but also exceptional. I think this is a great purchase for coffee fans and an even better gift thanks to the level of personal care put into each package. I feel like lots of subscription services are a rip-off, but this one definitely is worth it!"

Get a three-month subscription from Atlas Coffee Club for $60 (six-months for $109 and 12-months for $199).

18. Or a snack subscription to Tokyo Treat so the adventurous snacker can get their fix with full-size portions of popular Japanese snacks. Pro tip: Upgrade to the Premium box if you've got an anime lover on your hands — there's an anime-themed snack in every box.

@tokyotreat / Via instagram.com, @tokyotreat / Via instagram.com

Each box comes packed with full-sized Japanese treats, Dagashi (snack foods), a DIY Japanese candy kit, and a Japanese candy guidebook (additional snacks, a party pack, and a Japanese drink are included in each Premium box).

Get a Classic Box from Tokyo Treat starting at $22.50 or a Premium box starting at $31.50.

19. A pair of light saber chopsticks if they're a master of The Force (or a regular Star Wars fan) looking for the finest weapons of food destruction in the galaxy.

Amazon, amazon.com

This set includes two lightsaber chopsticks, and batteries are included!

Promising review: "These are the coolest chopsticks I have ever seen. The instructions for use and cleaning were clear and concise and the light that they give off is amazing!" —Jennifer P. Lane

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.97.

20. A 1,000-piece The Simpsons puzzle featuring the entire cast because fans of the show will enjoy the trip down memory lane and pro-puzzlers will enjoy the challenge. So. Much. Yellow.

Amazon

Promising review: "This puzzle is a challenge. It helps if you are a fan of The Simpsons and know the characters. The pieces fit together tightly and it is practically impossible to put a piece in the wrong place. Great colors and the black-lined cast helps. There is no real rhyme or reason to why certain characters are where they are. It would have been frustrating had I not know the show. Well made, great cuts, vibrant colors, and sturdier than most. Looks great when it's completed" —Todd Jackson

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

21. A silicone microwave popcorn popper to upgrade their at-home movie night by replacing store-bought packets with movie threater-style popcorn they can still make in the microwave!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Just grab your favorite popcorn kernels, pour up to the marked line on the inside of the bowl, place the lid, and *pop* it in the microwave! And there's no need to transfer anything to a different bowl if you don't want to!

Promising review: "I eat a lot of popcorn and hate the stale greasy taste that microwave popcorn has. You don't use ANY oil, so the popcorn is dry and flavorful! I can then add whatever toppings I want to make it taste like fresh theater popcorn, (Flavacol seasoning and Kernal Seasons Movie Theater Butter). The popper has marks in the bottom so you don't have to measure and it is easy clean up since it is silicon and just rinses out. You can also use the popper as your bowl if you want. I may buy more to give as gifts!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in 10 colors).

22. This minimalist candle complete with a curated playlist (scan the QR code on the packaging) so they can easily set a multisensory ~vibe~ when they finally get a relaxing night to themselves.

Cadence Candle Co.

Cadence Candle Co. is a Black woman-owned small biz based in Washington, DC creating hand-poured, soy-blended candles to help you light a vibe in your home with the help of thoughtfully blended fragrances and accompanying playlists for every candle.

BuzzFeed editor Heather Braga tested the brands best-selling "Better Days" candle and has great things to say about the experience:

"I received a candle from this brand to test and I am *so* into this entire concept. I live for a great candle and listening to music during my evening bath, so the fact this was able to really add something to the experience made it a 10/10 for me. Cadence Candle Co. is a Black woman-owned business that, IMO, has come up with a genius product. I won't spoil any of the songs that are on the playlist, but know that the founder Taelor has a true gift for curating soothing sounds that go great with the flickering of a candle."

Get it from Cadence Candle Co. for $32 (available in other scents).

23. A five-year journal that asks just one question a day to help them ease into the potentially-daunting task of building a daily journaling habit. Once filled out, it makes for a one-of-a-kind, retrospective keepsake they'll enjoy going back to years from now.

Sarah Han / BuzzFeed

Read our full review of the Q&A a Day Journal!

Promising review: "I will have had this little book two years in November and after one year was complete, I discovered why it is so good. The first year the questions are new — some are fun and frivolous and others really make you think. There are only four short lines to write your answer so there is no pressure to come up with an essay, but by the same token, you have to shorten what could be a long answer into something tight and to the point. The second year can be an eye-opener when you read last year's answers and realize how much things, circumstances, or you yourself have changed — and how others have stayed exactly the same. It's simple, short, and often fun, but it can bring back memories, good and bad, and it can certainly make you think." —BritGal

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

24. A copy of The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook for guiding your family's magician in the kitchen through magical recipes like Molly's Meat Pies and Pumpkin Pasties that they (and their Muggle taste testers) will love.

Adams Media

There are a total of 150 wizard-themed recipes.

Get it from Amazon for $10.16+ (also available spiral-bound) or Bookshop for $18.35 (to support local bookstores).

Editor's Note: BuzzFeed does not support discriminatory or hateful speech in any form. We stand by the LGBTQ+ community and all fans who found a home in the Harry Potter series and will work to provide a safe space for fans. If you, like us, feel impassioned about trans rights, learn more or donate here.

25. A pair of sushi socks so cute and hilarious even top-tier sushi snobs will tip their saké to you in appreciation.

Amazon

Promising review: "Not only was this a great, hilarious gift, but surprisingly, these socks are great quality also! They’re really soft and don’t shrink too much in the dryer." —Amber

Get them from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two sizes).

26. A giant personalized face cushion if your family's love language is ~hilarious~ gag gifts.

Firebox

It'll take around 10–15 working days for them to receive their personalized face cushion.

Promising review: "Arrived today. Really great quality. Even bigger than I thought. My son is going to absolutely love it and I’m going to order another for my friend. Thank you." —Jo

Get it from Firebox for $31.

27. A yummy cheesecake and fruit box because decadent, chocolate-dipped treats are a people-pleasing way to celebrate virtually any occasion.

Edible Arrangements

The 12-piece box comes with three mini cheesecakes, each topped with a piece of fruit, and paired with a trio of chocolate-dripped apple wedges, bananas, and strawberries.

Promising review: "My granddaughter sent me this surprise and sure made my day. It was scrumptious and a great display. Will be repeat customer." —Loretta Zeeb

Get it from Edible Arrangements for $37.99.

28. A dainty initial necklace to remind them of you every time they wear this perfectly-personalized pendant, which is going to be all the time since it goes with ~everything~.

Amazon

Promising review: "The best necklace I’ve ever had! It’s the perfect size and length, and so dainty! I was worried about the gold fading (because it’s so wonderfully affordable) but it hasn’t — not even a little bit! I’ve worn it every single day for about a month now, even accidentally wore it in a chlorinated pool for a little bit but nothing happened and it’s never been damaged! It has become such a staple for me and my everyday outfit, I don’t feel complete without it anymore. Would highly recommend and will be buying another if this one ever breaks!!" —Brittany Burrahm

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 26 letters and with or without pavé details).

29. A Nicolas Cage sequined pillow cover that'll bring the eternal joy of the actor-turned-meme-star's face into their home — whenever they choose to reveal it!

Amazon

Promising review: "Brought tears to everyone's eyes. Not sure if it was laughter or disappointment, but I sure thought it was hilarious. Nothing like brushing beautiful sequins to reveal a close-up of Nicolas Cage." —AdrienneK

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in seven colors).

30. A pack of 16 hydrating sheet masks for encouraging them to take a little oh-so-necessary me-time — something their mind and skin will thank them for.

Amazon

Each sheet mask features a different ingredient, such as green tea collagen, vitamin C collagen, and pearl collagen.

Read our full Dermal Korea Collagen Essence facial masks review!

Here's an excerpt from my coworker Sam Wieder:

"They're just so relaxing to use! Between balancing work and a social life, having a veryyyy long commute, and spending weekends running errands, I've truly come to love the half-hour I can spend relaxing with my face mask on a Sunday night."

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $9.99.

31. A milk chocolate bash cupcake so they can channel their inner piñata-loving child and bust open this chocolatey treat with the included mallet to discover EVEN MORE chocolatey treats!

Dylan's Candy Bar

Each bash cake contains approximately eight ounces of mini chocolate-covered pretzels.

Get it from Dylan's Candy Bar for $60.

32. A wacky waving inflatable tube man in a desk-friendly size if you're looking for the perfect gift to *inflate* their day-to-day with unbridled, dance-inducing joy.

amazon.com

The 18-inch figure comes with a 32-page mini book exploring the fascinating origins of everyone's favorite flailing arm man. Batteries aren't included to get this little guy going, so be sure to pick up a couple of nine-volt batteries before gifting.

Promising review: "If you have anyone who is delighted by the wavy-arm guys that we see outside stores, they will enjoy this. It comes with a cute book that talks about the history of wavy-arm guys, which we found very interesting!" —bbmac

Get it from Amazon for $6.79.

33. A plush reading pillow because the only thing that can make reading in bed even better is reading in bed with back support.

Amazon

Promising review: "I bought this for my wife. Being propped up only by pillows is not good for holding a book and she says the arms on the Linenspa makes it much easier. We've only had it since Christmas, but it looks durable and easily cleaned. A handle at the top makes it easy to lift and move aside to make the bed." —Albert N

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

34. A heated Shiatsu massager to offer some soothing at-home relief from the daily aches and pains that come with having a body and being alive.

Amazon

This multi-purpose massager has eight different kneading modes and protects itself from overheating with an auto-shutoff feature after twenty minutes.

Promising review: "I love using this so much and use it every couple of days just to keep my neck and shoulders in shape. It helps so much if I sleep funny and I can fully recover after using it for about 30 minutes. I also find it extremely soothing after a hard day at work. I simply put it behind me in a chair or couch while I’m watching TV for the evening and after a very short time, I just feel the circulation flowing and my muscles relaxed. Great design and easy to use. Well worth the money, too. It has an auto-shutoff if it gets too hot, which is excellent because then it never gets too hot and burns out." —A. Brink

Get it from Amazon for $49.99.

35. Or a reusable hot and cold therapy pack with a washable sleeve and a three-channeled insert filled with jasmine rice they can pop in the microwave or freezer for soothing relief from aches and pains or to just unwind at the end of the day.

Beloved Packs

Vida launched Beloved Packs in 2016, and ever since this Black woman-owned small biz has been creating therapy packs as a way to help people combat daily stress, minor aches, and incorporate an easy self-care practice into their everyday routine.

Promising review: "This rice pack is amazing! It really helps with eye strain headaches from increased screen time at work. It is super high quality as well. I look forward to using it every evening." —Abby J.

Get it from Beloved Packs for $30.

36. Fancy-looking hair clips that'll trick everyone into thinking their hairstyle was very planned and not the result of five snoozed alarms and dry shampoo.

Amazon

Promising review: "This set is exactly what I was looking for! Just decorative for certain hairstyles. I gave them away as gifts to my cousins and friends. They loved them!" —R_Svdr

Get a 20-pack from Amazon for $9.99.

Your family post-gift remembering why you're the favorite:

Cartoon Network

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.