One thing's for sure: 2020 has been a roller-coaster ride the likes of which we never expected — or want to experience again for a very long time. If you're searching for an unexpected gift idea, there's probably something on this list that will get a laugh out of a friend or family member as they look back on this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$17 from Etsy
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From murder hornets to "Tiger King" to toilet paper shortages, the gang's all here for this Bingo-themed ornament. Made from jute and wood, it's sure to be a conversation piece on the tree for years to come.
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$12 from Amazon
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One of the most recognizable children's books of all time has always been ripe for parody, so "Goodnight Zoom" was a tale just waiting to happen. Everything from homemade bread to a pile of delivery boxes makes an appearance in this zany time-capsule read.
$20 from Uncommon Goods
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Make a remote worker giggle with this partially functional, fully funny survival kit. It includes items like ear plugs, a pajamas-or-pants decision coin, a fidget cube, and even conference call bingo (example space: "Sorry, I think there's a lag").
Related: 25 Top-Rated Products on Amazon for Working From Home and Remote Learning
$15 from Uncommon Goods
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We could all use a little positive thinking right now. Help someone look forward to their post-pandemic life with this poster. It has scratch-off illustrations for everything from hugging a friend to getting a massage to hosting a game night.
Related: Fun Gifts for the Entire Family
$20 from Etsy
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Here's a gag gift that would be particularly great for a nurse, grocery-store worker, teacher, or any other essential employee. Now if only we could find the real thing at the store.
$5 from Etsy
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Here's a stocking stuffer that your favorite Anthony Fauci fan or healthcare worker definitely won't see coming. Available from the same shop: Fauci as Uncle Sam and Fauci as Superman.
$35 and up from Zazzle
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With apologies to Leonardo da Vinci, here's a masterpiece truly befitting of 2020. It's available with piece counts from 30 all the way up to over 1,000 — enough to fill a few afternoons spent (where else) at home.
$20 from TeePublic
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Great Scott! We all know 2020 is the last year Marty McFly will want to step out of his DeLorean and find. Not only is there a pandemic, but he'd be dismayed to find out that we still aren't swooping around on hoverboards. (So lame.)
$6 from Etsy
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These days, we need to celebrate the little things. Pants certainly deserve a ribbon (and if you ask us, any pants without an elastic waistband deserve a full-fledged trophy). For the ladies in your life, there's also an "I Put on a Bra Today" ribbon.
$24 from Whiskey River Soap Co.
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This whiskey- and coffee-scented candle "smells like video calls that could have been emails." We can definitely relate, but if you can't, there's also a candle for distance learning, essential workers, day drinking, and more.
Related: This Year's Hottest Holiday Gifts
$26 from Uncommon Goods
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If you know someone who has gone from an hour-long commute to working from their couch or bed, here's the mug they can't live without.
Related: Perk 'Em Up with These Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers
$20 from TeePublic
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Bonus points if you're gifting a Panic! at the Disco fan, but we're guessing just about anyone could get a chuckle out of this shirt in 2020. (Jumbo packs of toilet paper and hand sanitizer not included.)
$7 from Amazon
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No, this coloring book isn't for kids — trust us — but it's a great de-stressing gift for any grown-up who isn't averse to a little salty language. (We recommend pairing it with a bottle of their favorite booze.)
Related: Boozy Gifts That Don Draper Would Endorse
$12 from Amazon
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Really, what more is there to say? If you're gifting a whiskey drinker, don't worry: Amazon Handmade has them covered, too.
Related: Affordable Wine Clubs That Will Satisfy Even the Snobs
$48 and up from Society6
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Your globetrotting friend may not have gotten any more stamps on their passport this year, but you can ease their wanderlust with this vintage-style "travel" print. It commemorates many thrilling trips to their own exotic bathroom.
Related: Creative Gifts for Artists That Are Sure to Inspire
$15 and up from Giant Microbes
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Dare we say these stuffed coronavirus microbes are almost … cute? You can also make it a real party with a plague pack of clip-ons including Zika, SARS, measles, and pandemic flu.
Related: Fun and Hilarious Gag Gifts for the Prankster in Your Life
$81 and up from Fine Art America
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Give the meme that keeps on giving with this framed print, and at least your anxious friend will have something funny to stare at while they breathe into a paper bag. (Really! It's fine. Everything is fine.)
$25 from Etsy
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Give your favorite essential worker the validation they deserve with this PJ set, perfect for lounging around when they finally get a break. And if they're, well, not so essential, check out this set — they may even be able to wear it for their next Zoom call.
Related: Pajamas, Sweats and Leisure Wear Perfect for Working at Home
$45 from TeePublic
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Bigfoot was social distancing before social distancing was cool, right? This hoodie would make a particularly great gift for a surly teen who liked to hide in their room even before the pandemic.
$2 from Etsy
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When Japanese roller-coaster riders were banned from screaming earlier this year, it felt like a rallying cry for all of 2020. Now you can commemorate it on this subversive cross stitch, complete with rainbows, hearts, and cheerful coronavirus microbes.
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$19 from Etsy
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Hey, 2020 wasn't all bad — after all, it gave us a chance to binge watch "Schitt's Creek." Help someone channel their inner Alexis with this made-to-order face mask, complete with the all-important adjustable nose piece.
Related: Masks and Accessories to Make Covering Your Face More Comfortable
$30 from Amazon
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What better way to commemorate the year that was (or wasn't) than with their very own hand-sculpted, hand-painted toilet-paper ornament? For the ultimate in gift packaging, we suggest tucking it inside a roll of Cottonelle.
$17 from Zazzle
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For the love of God, Bob, we still can't hear you. Here's a passive-aggressive way for the frustrated Zoomer in your life to get their message across to coworkers during that next endless video call.
$13 and up from TeePublic
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This print puts 2020 in terms gamers can understand: It's the boss level, and there's nary a cheat code to be found. Choose from five sizes, or get it on a T-shirt or mug.