Unique Christmas gifts that changed my life

"My BFF gave me a picnic basket and a wine backpack. I was surprised because it wasn't something I would have asked for (or even thought about) but I loved getting something adventure-y. I've used it a million times!" Gena K., Steal this idea: Picnic Plus Brava Wine & Cheese Backpack Set, walmart.com, $40

"Last Christmas, my uncle gave me a gift card for doggy daycare. Not only did it give my dog a chance to be social and play all day (I'm pretty sure she thinks doggy daycare is heaven!), but my fiancé and I got to plan a special day trip…and that night we watched a movie without my dog slipping a stinking dog toy into my lap. Whenever relatives ask us for gift ideas, this is the first thing we mention!" --Natalie B., Steal this idea: Google "doggy daycare" and your hometown

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"One year my parents got me an electric keyboard. I had been really into music when I was younger, but I had stopped singing and playing piano once I started working full time. Having the convenience of a keyboard at home got me practicing piano, singing and digging out my old sheet music again. I eventually auditioned for a choral group and my passion for music was reignited!" --Emilie B., Steal this idea: Yamaha Keyboard, amazon.com, $124

"In high school, my neighbor gifted me with my first scrapbook-- and now I have over 30. As silly as it sounds, this gift opened up a whole new world to me. Scrapbooking has become a really nice escape when I'm stressed and it's a wonderful way to compile my memories. I can't tell you how much I love going back through all those pictures and mementos." --Lauren F., Steal this idea: Pioneer Postbound Album with Ribbon, target.com, $20

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"One Christmas my sister gave me a Clarisonic, and my mom gave me a Sonicare toothbrush. I opened the packages and was like--wow, my Christmas is so--hygienic. I knew both gifts were expensive, but it still felt kinda clinical and not super-exciting. Fast-forward two years later, and I'm obsessed with both to the point that I have a hard time sleeping if I skip them in my nighttime routine." --Mina A., Steal this idea: Clarisonic Mia, clarisonic.com, $119

"My friend gave me super-fancy lavender laundry detergent-- which made all my clothes smell delicious and somehow expensive. It was a great gift because it felt like such a luxury-- something I loved to have, but would never normally spend the money on. I've given it as a gift to other people since then!" --Marie K., Steal this idea: Lavender Laundry Set, mrsmeyers.com, $20

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"My little sister got me Dearfoams slippers for Christmas one year. They aren't the sexiest things in the world, so at first I was like, um, thanks for nothing. But they are sooo comfortable--and now, the first thing I do when I come home is take off my shoes and slip on my Dearfoams. I've had them for years and I appreciate that she knew me well enough to know that a cozy, relaxing gift was the perfect choice for me. They are life-changing!" --Meredith C; Steal this idea: Fair Isle Boot, dearfoams.com, $38

"I got a Mason Pearson hairbrush from my mom for my 28th birthday—these are super-luxe and have an amazing reputation and are like ten times the cost of a drugstore one. It was kind of an inside joke from my mom-- I've always been the worst at brushing my hair and she thought a fancy hairbrush would remind me. Not only has it reminded me, but my mom passed away just a few weeks later, so whenever I use it, I think of her. And since it's made well and built to last I know I'll have it forever, so that's cool, too." --Anna D; Steal this idea: Mason Pearson Junior Bristle & Nylon Hair Brush, amazon.com, $96

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"A couple of years ago when I was writing my dissertation, my computer crashed and I completely freaked out --of course I had not backed up my work because I didn't have the right stuff and it felt complicated. So for Christmas, my husband Ryan got me an Apple Time Capsule, which functions like an external hard drive, and set it up to wirelessly back up everything on my computer daily. This has been a life-saver for me, and the best part was that he did all the work to set it up for me." --Kate S.; Steal this idea: Time Capsule, apple.com, $299

"One year my boyfriend took me skydiving. I would never in a million years have done that on my own...and I'm still surprised and shocked that I did it. It's so not up my alley (I'm terrified of roller coasters). But once the free fall ended and the parachute opened, the world seemed so peaceful and beautiful. I'll never do it again but I loooove being able to tell people that I've gone skydiving. It made me free fearless." --Sarah B; Steal this idea: Google "skydiving lessons" and your hometown.

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