{"id":2748,"date":"2007-12-22T21:40:41","date_gmt":"2007-12-22T16:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T21:09:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:39:57","slug":"strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Unusual USB Flash Drives: Strange, Fun and Useful Picks (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for a gift for a geek, or just bored of plain black pen drives? When we went shopping for a USB stick back in 2007, we found crystal-studded, wooden and motorcycle-themed drives and listed 15 of the strangest. Many of those exact models are long gone, but <strong>unusual USB flash drives<\/strong> are still a fun, useful gift in 2026. Here are the most interesting types to look for, and what to check before you buy.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-64380\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/unusual-usb-flash-drives-1024x538.webp\" alt=\"Unusual and strange USB flash drives\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/unusual-usb-flash-drives-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/unusual-usb-flash-drives-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/unusual-usb-flash-drives-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/unusual-usb-flash-drives-768x403.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/unusual-usb-flash-drives.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Popular unusual USB flash drives include credit-card-shaped drives, wooden and bamboo drives, jewellery and crystal designs, keychain and multi-tool drives, character and novelty shapes, tiny &#8220;nano&#8221; drives, dual USB-C\/USB-A drives for phones and laptops, and hardware-encrypted drives with a keypad. Check capacity, USB 3.x speed, the connector type and the warranty, not just the looks.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ad074089930b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ad074089930b\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/#12_unusual_USB_flash_drives_to_look_for\" >12 unusual USB flash drives to look for<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/#What_to_check_before_you_buy\" >What to check before you buy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/#Tips_for_using_any_flash_drive\" >Tips for using any flash drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/#Are_novelty_USB_drives_reliable\" >Are novelty USB drives reliable?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/#What_size_USB_flash_drive_should_I_buy\" >What size USB flash drive should I buy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/12\/strange-usb-flash-drives-on-amazon\/#How_can_I_spot_a_fake_high-capacity_flash_drive\" >How can I spot a fake high-capacity flash drive?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_unusual_USB_flash_drives_to_look_for\"><\/span>12 unusual USB flash drives to look for<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Credit card drives:<\/strong> slim enough for a wallet; often printed with logos as business giveaways. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/credit-card-usb-flash-drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">See credit card USB drives<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wooden and bamboo drives:<\/strong> warm, natural look, like the reclaimed-wood drive on our original list. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/wooden-usb-flash-drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">See wooden USB drives<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crystal and jewellery drives:<\/strong> pendants, bracelets and heart shapes that double as accessories.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keychain and multi-tool drives:<\/strong> tough metal designs that survive daily carry.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Novelty shapes:<\/strong> food, animals, cars, guitars, bricks and cartoon characters for fun gifts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pen drives that are actual pens:<\/strong> a writing pen with storage hidden inside.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nano drives:<\/strong> barely bigger than the connector; leave them plugged into a laptop for extra storage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dual USB-C and USB-A drives:<\/strong> move photos between phone, tablet and older computers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/dual-usb-c-flash-drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">See dual USB-C drives<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hardware-encrypted drives:<\/strong> a built-in keypad or fingerprint reader protects sensitive files. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/encrypted-usb-flash-drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">See encrypted USB drives<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rugged waterproof drives:<\/strong> for travel, hiking and work sites.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Luxury brand editions:<\/strong> collaborations with car, fashion or design brands, mostly for show.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Custom-printed drives:<\/strong> add your photo, name or logo for weddings, events and corporate gifts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Browse more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/unusual-usb-flash-drives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">unusual USB flash drives on Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_check_before_you_buy\"><\/span>What to check before you buy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Capacity:<\/strong> 64 GB to 256 GB covers most needs. Be wary of very cheap &#8220;2 TB&#8221; drives; many are fakes that lose data.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Speed:<\/strong> look for USB 3.2 and real read\/write speeds in reviews. Novelty drives are often slow USB 2.0.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Connector:<\/strong> USB-C for new laptops and phones, USB-A for older PCs, or both.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brand and warranty:<\/strong> known memory brands use better chips and offer longer warranties.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Durability:<\/strong> fragile novelty designs can snap; keep important files backed up elsewhere.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_using_any_flash_drive\"><\/span>Tips for using any flash drive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Format it for the devices you use; see how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2013\/01\/how-to-format-usb-pen-drives\/\">format a USB flash drive on Windows 11 and Mac<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Eject it safely before unplugging to avoid corruption.<\/li>\n<li>Never rely on one flash drive as your only backup.<\/li>\n<li>Carry useful apps on it; try these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/12\/best-usb-drive-portable-apps\/\">portable apps for a USB drive<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_novelty_USB_drives_reliable\"><\/span>Are novelty USB drives reliable?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some are fine, but many use slower, lower-quality chips. Use them for fun and light use, and choose a reputable brand for important data.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_size_USB_flash_drive_should_I_buy\"><\/span>What size USB flash drive should I buy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>64 GB is plenty for documents and photos; choose 128 GB or more for videos and large backups.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_spot_a_fake_high-capacity_flash_drive\"><\/span>How can I spot a fake high-capacity flash drive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Suspiciously low prices for huge capacities are the main warning sign. Test new drives with a capacity checker tool before trusting them with files.<\/p>\n<p><em>Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, QuickOnlineTips earns from qualifying purchases.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for a gift for a geek, or just bored of plain black pen drives? When we went shopping for&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":64380,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,15],"tags":[52],"class_list":["post-2748","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computers","category-gadgets","tag-popular"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2748","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2748"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2748\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64866,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2748\/revisions\/64866"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2748"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2748"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}