Gift guides ·
Kelly Clarkson & Art of Play: 8 Gifts That Are Actually for Sale
Came for the Kelly Clarkson drama. Stayed for the genuinely unusual gift ideas.
If the Kelly Clarkson / Art of Play controversy sent you searching for the Brooklyn curiosity shop, here's the short version: the singer described a dismissive shopping experience, while the store said the encounter involved Molly, a wall-mounted mechanical bird it described as not for sale. Their accounts differ; we're not here to decide who said what. TODAY's reporting has the background.
One thing we can clear up: these are items that are actually for sale. Every gift below was listed as available to buy on Art of Play's website when we checked on October 13, 2026.
Think beautifully illustrated playing cards, clever wooden puzzles, and small objects that make someone stop and ask, “How does that work?” The picks below run from $17 to $72—no $15,000 bird required.
Prices are in USD, before any shipping or tax. Availability and prices can change; confirm on the product page. Purchases are made directly from Art of Play, not Go Gifters. This guide is not an endorsement by Kelly Clarkson or a collaboration with Art of Play.
01 / $17
Labyrinth Pocket Puzzle
For the friend who finishes every puzzle first
Two metal rings, two different mazes, and one deceptively simple goal: separate them. Then comes the harder part—putting them back together. This Hanayama puzzle, designed by Nob Yashigahara, makes a small gift with plenty of staying power.
Why it makes a good gift: A compact stocking stuffer or Secret Santa pick for someone who enjoys a genuinely difficult challenge.
Shop at Art of Play
02 / $18
Eames "Starburst" Playing Cards
For the design lover who hosts game night
Created with The Eames Office, this deck pairs the Starburst emblem with geometric court cards and a letterpress-printed box. It is an everyday object with enough considered detail to feel like a proper gift.
Why it makes a good gift: Useful at the next card night, but thoughtful enough for someone who notices the design of everything.
Shop at Art of Play
03 / $20
Henri Matisse Origami kit
For the creative person who needs an offline afternoon
This Matisse-inspired kit includes 36 illustrated folding papers. It borrows the color and playful spirit of his paper cut-outs and turns them into a hands-on invitation to make something.
Why it makes a good gift: A low-pressure creative gift for an art-loving friend, teacher, or family member—not another project that needs expensive supplies.
Shop at Art of Play
04 / $25
Ultimate Deck
For the collector who loves a closer look
A collaboration with Stranger & Stranger, the Ultimate Deck features 54 distinct works of art and an embossed, foil-accented tuck case. Turning over the next card is half the appeal.
Why it makes a good gift: Choose this over a standard deck for someone who collects illustrated objects or enjoys discovering tiny details.
Shop at Art of Play
05 / $32
Bird in Cage Puzzle
For the person who came here because of the bird
A wooden bird appears too big to escape its cage, but its movable wings hold the key. Patience and careful maneuvering—not brute force—are what let it slip free.
Why it makes a good gift: A charming, bird-themed puzzle with a satisfying reveal. To be clear: this is a wooden puzzle, not Molly or a singing automaton.
Shop at Art of Play
06 / $37
CMY Color Cube
For the color enthusiast with a sunny desk
Cyan, magenta, and yellow films cover the sides of this translucent cube. Turn it in the light and the overlapping colors reveal orange, green, and purple. Created by Keiichi Miyazaki, it is handmade in Japan.
Why it makes a good gift: A beautiful small object that rewards curiosity, especially for a designer, science lover, or anyone drawn to color.
Shop at Art of Play
07 / $60
Cluebox: Houdini's Magic Escape
For the escape-room fan who wants another round
Hidden mechanisms, secret compartments, and sequential discoveries turn this wooden box into a miniature escape-room experience inspired by Harry Houdini. After solving it, the recipient can reassemble it for the next player.
Why it makes a good gift: It gives a puzzle lover something to do, not just something to unwrap—and they can pass the challenge along.
Shop at Art of Play
08 / $72
Helicone Kinetic Sculpture
For the person who has everything except this
Twirl John Edmark's wood-and-brass sculpture and watch it shift between a helix and a pine cone. Its movement is inspired by the mathematics of nature and the Fibonacci sequence.
Why it makes a good gift: A memorable desk or shelf gift for someone who appreciates engineering, nature, and objects that are fun to handle.
Shop at Art of PlayWhich one should you choose?
For a small exchange gift, start with the $17 Labyrinth puzzle or $18 Eames deck. For someone who loves making things, choose the $20 origami kit. For a puzzle enthusiast's birthday, the $60 Houdini Cluebox is the stronger bet. And for the hard-to-shop-for person with an interesting desk, the Color Cube or Helicone adds a little daily wonder.
The best pick isn't necessarily the strangest object. It's the one that matches what they already enjoy.
Go Gifters
These picks match a type of person. Go Gifters matches the actual one.
Add the people you buy for once, and Go Gifters emails you personalized gift ideas 30 days before every birthday, anniversary, and holiday — suggestions drawn from what each person genuinely likes, not from whatever is trending this week. Need something for a one-off moment? Ask for ideas on demand and get them the same day.
It works in reverse too. Your Giftprint — your personal gifting blueprint — sends the people shopping for you the same tailored ideas, so whatever they choose still arrives as a surprise.
Then $6/month · card required to start · cancel any time before day 7.
Found something you'd love to unwrap?
Put the exact item on your free Go Gifters wish list, then share one link with family or friends. They can reserve gifts so you don't end up with duplicates.
Make my free wish listMore ideas: gifts for people who have everything, White Elephant gift ideas, and the gift ideas hub.