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20 Actually Funny, Surprisingly Useful Birthday Gifts Anyone Will Love
From tortilla blankets to puffer coat koozies.
By Sarah Madaus
Giving gifts can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. For the next birthday on your list, why not lean into humor, absurdity, and whimsy? To us, giving a funny gift requires more knowledge about a person than buying a more serious one, which makes them surprisingly great gifts to receive. You have to know their specific sense of humor, on top of knowing the kinds of products they actually use.
If they're the punny type, perhaps a bird mug stamped with "fowl language," and if they're more self-deprecating, a pet rock (yes, really) will remind them that they're not ready for living, breathing pets. And for the person who's in the honeymoon phase with their significant other, a pair of hand-holding mittens so they never have to be apart.
Ahead, our assortment of funny birthday gifts that will actually get a chuckle (if not a full-blown laugh attack) out of your loved ones. We've included a few for milestones like 30th and 50th birthdays, as well as plenty of affordable options that are still useful (read: a cowboy boot bottle opener), all from retailers like Amazon, Uncommon Goods, Urban Outfitters, and more.
Goodbye, 20! Ring in their 30th birthday by staying in, watching movies, and going to sleep early. This apt candle is funny and fragrant, scented with green tea, jasmine petals, and black tea.
When there's nothing else to give, give a custom potato. Yes, a potato, stamped with your message of choice (we suggest your best spud pun). You can also add on extras like candy, glitter bomb, or a potato dad cap.
There are lots of clever drink charms on the market, but these are our favorites. They can attach a clinging cowboy to all the martini glasses during their next dinner party and watch everyone giggle about the assless chaps.
5
Best Coloring Book
Chronicle Books This Annoying Life: A Mindless Coloring Book for the Highly Stressed
5
Best Coloring Book
Chronicle Books This Annoying Life: A Mindless Coloring Book for the Highly Stressed
For the artist with an addled mind (or anyone, for that matter), hand over this funny and relatable coloring book. It depicts scenarios like putting together furniture, reaching for ice only to find an empty tray, and dropping contact lenses on the floor, allowing your giftee to add color to life's little annoyances.
Brighten up their morning with this punny bird mug, reminding them of the humorous nature of science. While they sip on their coffee, they can chuckle at the blue-footed boobies, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, and rough-faced shags.
As you age, the amount of f*cks you give begins to decrease. You know who you are, you know what you want, and you know how to get it. Remind your loved one of that with this kitschy needlepoint pillow for their 40th.
8
Best 60th Birthday Gift
USAopoly The Golden Girls 1,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
8
Best 60th Birthday Gift
USAopoly The Golden Girls 1,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
How do you say "You're old" in a funny way—without the same old corny cards? You send them a Golden Girls puzzle to celebration their golden years. And just pray they age like Blanche.
9
Best Funny Gift for Her
Rodale Books But Like Maybe Don't?, by Arianna Margulis
9
Best Funny Gift for Her
Rodale Books But Like Maybe Don't?, by Arianna Margulis
This funny book by cartoonist Arianna Margulis puts a funny twist on the absurd, heartbreaking world of love in 2023. She depicts everything from getting ghosted to texting your ex at 2 am when you're in the club.
Your giftee can keep their bevvy insulated with this beer can cooler disguised as a puffer coat. Bonus: It'll keep their hands warm while it keeps their brew chilled.
We love a good play on words, especially when it comes attached to a product as cute as this. The Bootle Opener is exactly what it sounds like, and it'll look right at home on your favorite cowgirl's kitchen counter.
Humorously remind the person who can't even keep plants alive that they need a pet rock. It can be their desk companion; heck, they can even take it out for a walk if they want to.
You thought we wouldn't include a potty joke? We simply can't resist the ToiLight, which illuminates your toilet bowl so it can serve as a nightlight. Weird? Totally. But it's certainly a fun gag gift.
Chances are, a man in your life needs new slippers. He can slide his toes into a rubberized pair of brook trouts, tiger barbs, or maybe pearl danios. Say what you want about these "fish flops," but they're certainly heavy-duty, and we can imagine any guy getting a kick out of them.
Any couple would appreciate this sweet and funny hand-holding mitten set so they can keep up their physical touch love language when the seasons change. It comes with one hand-holding mitten and two regular mittens.
Remind the 50-year-old that they're on their way out (kidding!) with this cane decorated with all the essentials: a pair of glasses for their poor eyesight, their pharmaceutical cocktail of choice, a fan (the body just doesn't cool itself the way it used to), and a blowhorn so everyone can get out of their way.
For the new, anxious, or terrible driver, there's a bumper sticker for that. With this sticker, they can get everyone on the road to crack a little smile, though we can't guarantee the merging thing will work out.
This funny self-waterer is actually great for the absent plant parent. It looks like a hospital IV bag and delivers vital hydration to their thirsty green friends for up to seven days.
Once you pass childhood, you realize that socks are actually great gifts. These are even better since you can customize them with the face of your recipient's pet, partner, or even themselves.