Good things often come in small packages, especially when it comes to gifts. Though you may be tempted to grab the biggest and brightest packages this holiday season, you can also satisfy the loved ones on your list with something adorably small and practical.
Below, we compiled a list of all things fun sized — the best small, miniature and tiny gifts to make your loved ones smile this holiday season.
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The best fun size gifts in 2024
Below, you’ll find the best small gift ideas for this holiday season. I compiled this list using products from past coverage, including previous award winners and some NBC Select staff favorites.
Baggu Puffy Earbuds Case
If your giftee is anything like me, they’ve misplaced a wireless earbud or two in the past — this case from Baggu is just what they need. It has a velcro flap for secure holding and comes lightly padded to protect earbuds from scratches or damage, according to Baggu. Your giftee can also attach it to their keyring using the built-in loop and toss it in the washing machine whenever it’s dirty.
Apple Airpods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Speaking of earbuds, this generation of Airpods are designed for increased comfort and improved sound quality, which makes them a great gift for music or tech enthusiasts on your list. NBC Select commerce editor (and resident tech expert) Jordan Bowman loves how lightweight these Airpods feel and says the noise-cancellation settings work really well. Plus, the audio “sounds a lot better compared to [his] old ones.”
Le Crueset Mini Round Cocotte
Consider this gorgeous little dish for the at-home chef on your list. It’s made from Le Crueset’s signature stoneware, which allows for even heating to prevent scorching or burning, according to the brand. The dish’s size is perfect for individual portions of your giftee’s favorite soups, baked casseroles, desserts and more. It’s glazed in a chip- and stain-resistant enamel, and dishwasher-safe.
Le Mini Macaron Mini Nail Stickers
Mini nail stickers are an affordable and easy way to help your giftee step up their nail game. They come in themed packs that include florals, butterflies, holographic shapes, holiday designs and more. To use, just apply over nail polish or on the bare nail, and seal with a top coat, according to the brand.
Ecolution Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper
This micro container circulates hot air to turn kernels into delicious popcorn — use the lid (which doubles as a measuring cup) to portion out your serving size, and then put the container in the microwave for three minutes or less. After popping, you can add your favorite toppings to complete your snack. The popper is made from a dishwasher- and temperature-safe glass, making it the perfect addition to your giftee’s next movie night.
Santa Maria Novella Carta D’Armenia Incense Papers
Incense papers are a smaller alternative to candles for the fragrance lover on your list. Each paper is soaked in a mixture of resin infusions and spices which, when lit, releases its essence into your space. For safe use, the brand suggests placing the papers on a glass or ceramic surface to burn.
Le Puzz Miniature Flower Friend Puzzle
Le Puzz makes some of our favorite puzzles, and this miniature one is great for beginner and seasoned puzzlers alike. It has 81 random-cut pieces and each one is cut extra thick to prevent the puzzle from coming apart, according to the brand. A resealable storage bag and a double-sided poster of the puzzle art are also included with each purchase.
Ototo Tea Infuser
Fans of loose leaf teas will love this Baby Nessie tea infuser by Ototo, which is made from a food- and dishwasher-safe silicone that’s heat-resistant to boiling water, according to the brand. Nessie’s neck doubles as a steeping spoon while the body is the loose leaf capsule where your giftee will place their tea.
Anker Nebula Capsule
Bowman owns this compact, soda can-sized projector that he says is easy to set up and produces a better image than his old TV. It has Wi-Fi, Micro USB and Bluetooth capabilities, and an HDMI port to connect your favorite streaming device. It also has a 360-degree speaker, and is available in a more advanced model with higher resolution capabilities, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3. For more on the Anker Nebula Capsule, check out his full review.
Lula’s Garden Zen Garden
For a low-maintenance plant gift, consider this planter box from Lula’s Garden. It comes with a fresh succulent, which is easy to care for, in our experience, and beautiful to display. The planter can also be personalized with a ribbon or message of your choice, according to the brand.
Tamagotchi
I loved my Tamagotchi growing up, which is why I recommend gifting one to a Millennial or Gen-Zer who could use a dose of nostalgia. It’s a great way to pass the time sans Wi-Fi or social media — you can feed your Tamagotchi, play with it, give it medicine, clean up after it and more, just as you would a pet in real life. Tamagotchis also come in a wide range of designs that you can choose from to best match your giftee’s personal preference.
Love Thy Beast Wiggly Glow
Calling all cat owners — your kitty will love this handcrafted glow-in-the-dark toy for nighttime play. It has a glowy rubber ball at the top with a wiggly, feather tail for your cat to chase and pounce on.
Maileg Princess and the Pea Big Sister Mouse
This miniature toy set is based on the classic fairytale of The Princess and the Pea. It comes with a toy mouse princess dressed in a lace-trimmed gown and matching crown, who lays atop a stack of mini mattresses — a mini green pea is also tucked in-between the layers, just like the story. The entire set-up is housed inside a keepsake box, which the giftee can slide open and close as they please.
Papier Bright Ideas Mini Highlighters 4-pack
Papier makes some of our favorite planners and stationary sets, along with a festive holiday advent calendar. These teeny highlighters are the ultimate aesthetic pick. Each marker houses a water-based ink with a soft matte finish for a smoother glide as you move it across the page, according to the brand.
Lion Latch
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin calls this tiny jewelry holder a “lifesaver” when she’s heading to the gym after work. “I keep it in my bag and put my rings in it. It gives me peace of mind to know that they’re in a safe place while I’m exercising,” she says. Each holder can be used for necklaces, rings and earrings, along with vitamins, pills and more. Malin also likes how much the Lion Latch can hold. “Despite being pretty small, I can fit one ear cuff and eight rings in it,” she says.
Rika Espresso Cup
This glazed stoneware cup is sure to add a pop of color to your giftee’s morning routine, especially during cold and gloomy winter days. Though handcrafted and handpainted, it’s also dishwasher- and microwave- safe.
Catbird Baby Cygnet Gold Ring
NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry, but she loves this cygnet ring from Catbird because “it’s dainty and goes with everything.” The ring is made from solid 14-karat gold, and if you want to add a personal touch, it can be engraved with a letter or number of your choice. “The standard ones are too bulky for my petite hands, which is why I love this tiny version,” Brown adds.
Jellycat London Sassy Sushi Nigiri
Jellycats are small, adorable plushies that are made to be hugged and squeezed, according to the brand. They come in all kinds of shapes, including food, animals and more. Malin uses them as fun decor for her home and office space. “They’re so soft and very small, so I stick them on shelves around my home, on my bed and even on my desk,” she says.
Malmaison Mini Glass Vases
Each mini vase in this 5-piece set has a unique shape and painted glass color. You can use them to hold flowers or stones, or display them as decorative pieces on their own. These vases are also hand-wash only.
Big Night Glass Teaspoons (4-pack)
Another great addition to any kitchen, these dainty glass teaspoons combine style and function to make a great artisanal gift. Each set comes with a mixed pack of four colorful glass spoons that are ideal for scooping sugar, stirring coffee and more.
Pure Enrichment Wave Mini Travel Sound Machine
This mini sound machine was one of Brown’s favorite products to test for NBC Select’s Wellness Awards. It has six sound options along with a built-in rechargeable battery and a sleep timer, according to the brand. “I typically end my daily morning routine with a couple minutes of stillness and the timer on this sound machine makes it easier to keep my phone tucked away,” says Brown.
Rolife Book Nook Kit
This do-it-yourself kit from Rolife is a constant conversation piece in Brown’s apartment. “I wandered into a toy store after a particularly difficult doctor’s appointment and figured this would be the perfect way to keep my hands and mind busy — and I was right,” she says. Each kit comes with over 170 pieces and an instruction booklet, which Brown says is easy to follow. “That moment when you turn on the little light inside the nook is magical,” she says. “I love keeping it on at night for my cats to look at.”
Ihoshiro Kiln Vegetable Series A Mino Ware Chopstick Rest
This adorable kitchen accessory is where your giftee can rest their chopsticks and other utensils. Each rest is individually made and designed to resemble a popular vegetable ingredient in Japanese cuisine, according to the brand. Whether you get them one to use on their own, or a set to compliment their table settings, this is sure to be a unique addition to their kitchen collection.
Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer
Digital photos are convenient, but physical photos are better keepsakes, in my opinion. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids, this printer allows the user to edit and print photos directly from their phone or tablet using the accompanying Canon Mini Print App. Your giftee can also avoid stocking up on expensive printer ink — this option has ZINK, a Zero-Ink technology that uses dye-based crystals embedded in the photo paper, according to the brand.
The Nap Ministry Rest Deck
These cards, created by activist, teacher and artist Tricia Hersey, contain 50 practices to help your giftee reframe and reclaim rest as a form of self-care, mental healing and liberation, according to the brand. Each card is also designed with beautiful, calming artwork. We recommend pairing this deck with Hersey’s book, Rest is Resistance.
Popsocket
Popsockets magnetically snap on and off, making it easier to hold and handle your phone, according to the brand. Each one comes with a MagSafe phone grip and an adapter ring to make any case compatible. Popsocket has plenty of designs to choose from, so you can find one that perfectly suits your giftee’s style.
Material Kitchen The Resting Stone
Your giftee can rest their utensils, ingredients and more on this hand-crafted, pebble-shaped dish that’s “designed to be displayed,” according to the brand. Each one comes in a nature-inspired colorway and must be cleaned gently by hand.
Little Words Project Breathe Bracelet
This bracelet is for the giftee who needs a reminder to sit back and relax. Each piece is handcrafted with beaded stones on an elastic cuff, and is complete with plated brass hardware throughout, according to the brand. You can also choose from other phrases like grace, trust, believe and more. The bracelet is available in sizes ranging from XS to XL, so be sure to check the brand’s size guide before purchasing.
Wild One Poop Bag Carrier
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio says this poop bag carrier from Wild One is a “lifesaver” during walks with her dog. The carrier holds a full roll of poop bags, and is easy to refill because of the screw lid at the top. There’s also a top loop that can easily connect to dog leashes, keychains and more. “I keep it connected to my dog’s Wild One leash, so I never risk forgetting it when I take her out,” says Godio.
Uncommon Good Orbits Eye Stones
In Brown’s experience, these Finnish soapstone rounds are naturally cooling, though their effects can be enhanced through refrigeration. “I grab these whenever I have a migraine and love how they ease some of my eye pain and force me to take phone breaks,” she says. Plus, because they’re so small, Brown loves tucking them inside her carry-on luggage for on-the-go relief while traveling.
Venus Et Fleur Le Mini Round
Sometimes simplicity is the best route — set in a round display box (inspired by Parisian hat boxes, according to the brand), this Venus Et Fleur arrangement contains a single Eternity Rose made to order by the brand’s floral artists. The Eternity Rose requires no watering or direct sunlight, and lasts at least a year or longer, according to the brand.
Quince Nappa Leather AirTag Key Ring 2-pack
The perfect gift for your tech-savvy loved one, this dual pack of key rings, made with durable top-grain nappa leather, is designed to protect your bluetooth trackers from daily wear and tear. Go the extra mile by pairing it with brand new AirTags.
Oura Ring 4
I think the Oura Ring’s small, sleek design makes it a solid alternative to the traditional smartwatch. It also has a 7-day battery life and tracks health metrics like blood oxygen, heart rate, skin temperature and more, according to the brand. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz wore the ring for over four months, and liked its sleep and health tracking features, along with the ring’s automatic workout detection. You can check out his full Oura Ring review for more info.
Dusen Dusen Recycled Leather Card Holder
Card holders are a useful and convenient travel accessory, making this option from Dusen Dusen the ideal gift for your friend on the go. Plus its vibrant design, made from a durable recycled leather, won’t be hard to spot in a crowded handbag. For more colorful travel accessories, you can also consider the brand’s coordinating passport holders and luggage tags.
World’s Smallest Uno Card Game
With this pocket-sized version of Uno, your giftee can take the famous card game with them wherever they go. They’ll get a full deck of miniature Uno cards, along with a tuck box to hold them in. A great white elephant gift, or gift for someone you don’t know, this pick is sure to bring the fun in any situation.
Counterpart Charger
Another useful yet aesthetically-pleasing gift, this charger from Counterpart has a 4-foot retractable cord made from a soft silicone, according to the brand. The cord is wrapped inside of a minimal, round case and is compatible with all USB-C devices. This means your giftee can use it with their phones, earbuds, tablets and more, making it a great multifunctional find.
Sonny Angel Animal Series Random Sealed Box
This holiday season, you can surprise your giftee with this blind box gift from Sonny Angel. Each box contains one of 12 Angels in this series, and will be a mystery to your giftee until they open it. The Angels come in a wide range of collectible series, each with themes like animals, fruits, candy and more. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez loves to use her Angels as desk decor, and has collected over 30 editions.
Tile Pro 2-Pack
This Bluetooth tracker is a great alternative to Apple AirTags, and won NBC Select Travel and Giftable Tech Awards for best Android tracker. You can use the Tile app to zero in on its exact location, and can ping the device to make noise when you’re within 400 feet of the device. It’s resistant to water and dust, and also includes a replaceable battery that lasts up to a year, according to the brand. If you don’t want a 2-pack, you can purchase just one here.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including gift guides on the best blind box gifts and the best zodiac gift ideas. To find the best fun size gifts, we searched the web for the best small and miniature gift ideas, including products we’ve covered previously along with some NBC Select staff favorites.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for Select on NBC News.
