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There’s no reason socks should elicit groans when they’re given as gifts for the holidays. If you know where to look, you can find ones that reflect the tastes and personality of the person you’re shopping for. In addition to being a form of self-expression, they're also practical. Chances are that nearly all of the loved ones on your holiday shopping list could use an extra set. We pulled together a group of fun and colorful novelty socks that are perfect for Star Wars fans, Disney villain lovers, hikers, and everyone in between.
1. Injinji Toe Socks; $13-$26
Toe socks are more than funky-looking footwear. They also reduce blisters, wick sweat, and align the foot in a way that’s more natural than conventional socks. That’s why Injinji chose the style for its running socks. They’re great for working out, or just lounging around the house and feeling comfortable.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Seirus Heatwave Socks; $34-$35
When hiking in the dead of winter, even the thickest wool socks aren’t always enough to keep your toes warm. Seirus’s Heatwave socks use a high-tech design to trap the heat from your foot inside your shoes. The “kinetic heat return system” converts the energy you generate into heat that gets reflected back onto your body. They’re knit from a blend of spandex and polyester, so they can stretch to maximize the insulation of any size shoe.
Buy it: Amazon
3. Star Wars Starry Night Socks; $40
This five-pack of socks reimagines your favorite Star Wars characters in a Post-Impressionist art style. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, a Stormtrooper, and R2-D2 along with C-3PO are all represented against a swirling background reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night.
Buy it: Amazon
4. Studio Ghibli Socks; $14
If you know a Studio Ghibli fan that can’t pick a favorite movie, this sock pack is for them. Each pair in the set of four features characters from a different movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki, including Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), and My Neighbor Totoro (1989).
Buy it: Amazon
5. Christmas Sweater Dinosaur Socks; $11
If you don’t think the person you’re shopping for would commit to wearing a full ugly Christmas sweater, buy them these socks. The festive apparel features dinosaurs like T. rex and Stegosaurus sporting knitwear for the holidays.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Takeout Sushi Socks; $20
The creative presentation of these socks makes them a great gift for the holidays. They come rolled like sushi and nigiri and are packaged in a classic plastic takeout box—fake green grass included. When they’re unraveled, the socks show off the patterns and color palettes of the sushi pieces.
Buy it: Amazon
7. Bob Ross Socks; $12
Bob Ross’s “happy little accidents” saying originally referred to his painting, but it also makes for a sensible life philosophy. With these socks, wearers can carry the mantra—along with the artist’s glorious perm—on their feet wherever they go.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Stranger Things Socks; $15
These crew socks are perfect for Stranger Things fanatics who want to flaunt their love for the series wherever they’re comfortable enough to kick off their shoes. With shoes on, wearers can feasibly sit through business meetings without coworkers knowing they’ve got Joyce Byers’s Christmas lights wrapped around their feet.
Buy it: Amazon
9. Smartwool Socks; $20
All of the socks from Smartwool are made from Merino wool—a material that keeps feet dry, warm, and odor-free without compromising softness. Their socks are perfect for outdoors as well as staying comfortable in your day-to-day life. If you know the person you’re shopping for well enough, you can fill out a quick survey with their preferences for length, thickness, and outdoor activities to find the best socks for them.
Buy it: Amazon
10. Disney Villain Socks; $14
This is the gift for your one friend who shrugs off the classic Disney heroes in favor of their villainous counterparts. These socks feature the faces of classic evildoers like Ursula, Cruella de Vil, and Maleficent, along with each villain’s catchphrase. Six pairs are included in a pack.
Buy it: Amazon
11. Dreidel Dog Socks; $9
Celebrate Hanukkah by giving the gift of cuteness in the form of these socks, which feature a delightful combination of puppies and dreidels.
Buy it: Amazon
12. Baby Yoda socks; $15
Because deciding on just one pair of Baby Yoda socks for your Mandalorian-loving friend would be impossible, here are six pairs—each featuring a different adorable image of long-eared, Force-wielding Grogu. These pairs fit women’s shoe sizes 4 to 10.
Buy it: Amazon
13. SpongeBob SquarePants Character Socks; $23
Have a friend who’s essentially a sentient SpongeBob SquarePants quote machine? Show them how much you appreciate their wealth of knowledge on one extremely specific topic by giving them these socks. They pair well with a coupon for one hour of your undivided attention as said friend bends your ear about SpongeBob fan theories.
Buy it: Amazon
14. ShineSand Custom Face Socks; $13-$16
Any modern-day Narcissus—or just your goofiest pal—would enjoy catching the odd glimpse of their own face on their feet. Just upload their most (or least) flattering headshot during the order process and ShineSand will plaster it all over a pair of comfy, polyester-and-spandex socks in the color of your choice. Would it be even funnier to submit a photo of yourself, instead? We’ll leave that up to you.
Buy it: Amazon
15. Azue Fuzzy Microfiber Slipper Socks; $13
This festive, six-pair set of socks practically begs to be worn as soon as they get opened on Christmas morning. The ultra-soft microfiber will keep the wearer’s feet toasty during snowball fights, dog walks, or whatever else they have planned for the holidays. They’re especially great for people who hate cold weather—and if these patterns are a little too Christmas-specific, Azue has plenty of other designs from which to choose.
Buy it: Amazon
A version of this story ran in 2019; it has been updated for 2021.