40 Small Gifts That Prove the Best Things Come in Tiny Packages
These little, yet thoughtful items are sure to go a long way with their recipient.
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If you’ve ever questioned the saying “the best things come in small packages,” we're here to tell you that often times, it's true. The best things are small gifts and our list of compact items and teeny tiny knick knacks proves it.
At Good Housekeeping, we happen to be gifting experts, so we know a thing or two about picking out just the right thing for anyone on your list. Not only will minimalists appreciate these curated items that don’t take up much space, but these products are also great to take on-the-go and ideal for whenever they may need a small pick-me-up. Plus, many of these picks are inexpensive presents that you can buy for multiple people in a family or friend group. While they may be small in size, they'll leave a huge impression on your giftee.
A fun little paint set, which includes three canvases, a miniature easel, miniature paint brush, and seven paint pots, will be just the thing to keep them happy. It's paint by the numbers so all they have to do is match the colors to each numbered section to reveal their masterpiece.
If they're fond of road trips or spend a reasonable amount of time in their car to commute, this pack of essential oil diffusers could transform their experience. They come in 15 scents and can easily can hang from their mirror without distracting from their view. Plus, they boast long lasting fragrance of up to 45 days, per the brand.
Bag charms are everywhere right now and this one is just as cute as it is functional. Large enough to carry loose change, a lip gloss, or a few back up hair ties, this envelope bag charm is a great option to give them a bit more storage room.
LEGO fans will appreciate these cute mini plants that each stand under 5 inches high. The set features 217 pieces and is designed for ages 9 and up, meaning even the little ones can get in on the building fun. Reviewers love the movable arms and ability to swap the plants in each pot.
You've seen the tube guy flailing around in front of your local car dealership, but now you can have this cute miniature version as desk decor. Standing at 17 inches, the trinket uses battery power to blow air into the tube and keep it inflated. It also comes with a tiny book detailing the origins of the toy. Note: it does not include batteries.
A fun twist on a message in a bottle, they will receive over 60 little notes that each have a positive message written on them. If you're looking for something a bit more personal, there's a DIY version where you can write your own messages.
How adorable is this mini Scrabble game? Whether they keep it as decor or attempt to play with the tiny magnetic letters, it'll always get a conversation going.
Small enough to fit on their keychain, this mini microscope comes in four colors (blue, green, grey and orange) and has an LED light. It can magnify up to 20 times what the natural eye can see, according to the brand. Reviewers noted that it's great for taking a closer look at objects, and that kids in particular will love it.
Anyone who is obsessed with Stanley cups will appreciate these little tumblers. Perfect for a shot of espresso or their favorite spirit, they are adorable and functional, as the brand says they're insulated to keep drinks hot or cold.
We're pretty much obsessed with this sweet jewelry case that is small enough to travel with, yet big enough to hold all of their favorite pieces. It's also available in eight different colors and comes with an initial embroidered on the top.
A fully functioning vacuum that fits in the palm of your hand may be just what they need for little messes. Sure, it's not going to deep clean like our top tested vacuums, but Amazon reviewers say it works well to clean crumbs on a table, debris on a desk and other things.
Over 23,000 people have given this kit 5-stars on Amazon thanks to how handy it is when it comes to fixing things like small electronics, eyeglasses and watches. There are 36 pieces in the set, including magnetic screw bits, prying tools, a cleaning brush, and tweezers.
No glue is required with this kit, which fits together like pieces of a puzzle. Assembly time can around one to two hours, according to the brand, making it a great option for model building beginners. Reviewers have gifted it to everyone, from their husbands to their teenagers.
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Compact and easy to take on-the-go, this pocket-sized colored pencil set is ideal for artists of any age. It includes 11 colors, a sharpener, and an eraser.
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Keep all of your favorite memories in this teeny tiny photo album. Pick from three design options and whether you want it to hold five or 10 photos. The seller will even resize all of your photos for you so they'll fit.
Shovels this size probably won't move much, but they'll make cool decorative spoons and can work wonders for stirring coffee or eating dessert. They come in three colors (silver, gold, or rainbow) and your choice of a set of four, 10 or 20. "Really great quality and have a nice heavy feel to them," one reviewer on Amazon wrote.
Shaped just like capsules, these miniature lipsticks which can easily fit in the palm of your hand deliver bold color in a tiny package. One pack includes 18 matte shades, including reds, pinks, purples, and nudes.
Burning these candlesticks that are just four-inches high will help your giftee take a moment to be mindful and reflect. The seller claims each candle burns completely in 20 minutes—a nice amount of time for a little break.
Small enough to fit in their pocket, this manicure set has everything they need to maintain their nails. It also comes in several colors. And although it's for anyone, we've noticed that every time it's in one of our gift guides for men, it's a reader favorite.
Your giftee will be shocked to see how this spacious tote can be compressed into a pocket-size pouch. It comes in four colors (blue, black, orange and green) and holds up to 60 pounds, according to the brand. "I was pleasantly surprised by the 'bonus' features—two types of carrying—short handles or cross body strap, and the loop on the stuff sac has a magnetic closure to make it really easy to attach to the outside of another bag if you need to," an Amazon reviewer said.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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