I love hunting for the perfect gift. The one that makes eyes light up the second it’s unwrapped. For years, Etsy was my go-to, but it does take some serious digging to find something right. After discovering Uncommon Goods last holiday season, I’ve fallen in love with their curated collection of unique goods, and I already know this is where my checklist is going to be met.
With December fast approaching and my list of family members and Secret Santas in hand, I’ve already been browsing Uncommon Goods, and they’re honestly nailing it. Here’s how.
For a calm, curated experience… Uncommon Goods
Holiday shopping can be chaotic. From my experience, Etsy sometimes adds to that chaos…there are so many listings, quality can be all over the place, and sometimes you fall in love with something that ships from across the world. I’ve found beautiful handmade pieces, but I’ve also spent hours scrolling, filtering by shipping dates and wading through pages of similar-looking products hoping for a good fit.
Uncommon Goods is the opposite. The site is beautifully organized and intentional: handpicked rather than just uploaded. From eco-conscious stocking stuffers to thoughtful kits and kid-friendly finds, it’s curated without being cookie-cutter. This year, I grabbed the DIY Stained Glass Mosaic Kit for my cousin and had zero doubts about its quality.
For personalized gifts… Uncommon Goods
Yes, Etsy does have customization, but it can be hit or miss. I’ve had radio silence from a seller after placing a custom order and it made me so anxious. During the holiday season, that’s not a gamble I want to take.
Uncommon Goods makes personalization effortless. I ordered a Pet Portrait Wood Slide Ornament for my brother who’s really missing the pup he lost last year, and the process was smooth, timely, and exactly as described. No back-and-forth with a mystery shop owner, just simple, intuitive customization and delivery on time.
If you prefer supporting specific small businesses… Etsy
If you like messaging makers directly about a project, that connection can be found on Etsy. The platform gives you direct access to the one making your gift, and if you already have a relationship with a maker, you can purchase from them directly.
Uncommon Goods works with independent makers and small businesses, too, and many of their handcrafted gifts come in small batches. That’s why the things I’ve found for the hard-to-buy-for people on my list still feel like good gets. But Etsy does win for situations when one-on-one engagement is right.
To delight hard-to-shop-for people… Uncommon Goods
We all have someone on our list who has it all or insists they “don’t need anything.” When I need inspiration, I always find it on Uncommon Goods. Their product selection is quirky but useful, fun but still thoughtful.
This year I grabbed the Daily Puzzle Perpetual Calendar for my dad, to keep the old man sharp. Unlike Etsy, where I need to know what I’m looking for, Uncommon Goods makes browsing a source of inspiration itself.
If sustainability and giving back is important to you… Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods makes shopping consciously easy. They use recycled and sustainable materials, FSC-certified paper, and eco-friendly packaging. Plus, they’re leather-, feather-, and fur-free. Every order includes a $1 donation to a nonprofit of your choice—more than $3 million donated so far.
My niece and nephew are getting the Flyball Lawn and Beach Game (which will 100% be played in the living room, by the way), and I probably could’ve found a fun game elsewhere, but without the charitable giving.
Etsy has great individual sellers with sustainable practices, but unless you already know what to look for, it takes work to find them. You can’t always tell which shops are truly eco-minded vs. using buzzwords.
Uncommon Goods Is My Holiday MVP
While Etsy has its place, Uncommon Goods has become my go-to for gifting that’s thoughtful, easy, and way more fun. The quality is consistent, the experience is joyful, and the gifts are always a hit.This holiday season, I’m skipping the endless Etsy scroll and sticking with Uncommon Goods, and you should too.
