Gift Ideas for the Hard to Buy For

I love planning and picking out gifts to give people. But there are always those one or two people on the list who are so hard to buy for! I’m sure you have people like that on your list, too. Maybe they seem to have everything they need already or you don’t know them super well, so you don’t know what they would like. Maybe their interests are so expensive or specialized, you feel inadequate to get them an appropriate gift. Don’t despair! There are still several great gift options, even for these people. Here are some ideas:

Idea #1: Choose a Gift Theme

Instead of having to pick out a unique gift for everyone on your list, why not decide on a gift theme for all of them? Decide that you’re going to give everyone on your list a book or an item of clothing, or a movie. This will narrow down the decision and you’ll have an easier time choosing something when you get stuck.

Idea #2: Sentimental Gifts

Got a grandparent in your life? Trust me, they will love anything related to the grandkids! Give them something the grandkids made or even just a printed family photo (go ahead and put it in a nice frame to spruce it up). My cousin gave her father-in-law a digital picture frame and now every year she can update the pictures on it.  Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! Think about what means a lot to the person you are buying for. Is there a location that is near and dear to them? How about a framed map of that place? Or better yet, get a set of coasters with the map on it. Get a simple piece of jewelry engraved with a special name or date. Or order a print of their favorite quote. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive to be meaningful.

Idea #3: Something Edible

Who doesn’t like good food? Make a big batch of desserts and then divide them up to give to everyone on your list. Not good at baking? Buy some cookies or a pie from the bakery section of your grocery store, then tie it up with fancy ribbon or transfer the dessert to a decorative tin. How about giving freezer meals to a new mom or ordering a subscription from a meal prep company for someone? Everyone needs to eat! You can’t go wrong here!

Idea #4: Experiences

Maybe you want to avoid giving presents that will just become clutter. How about gifting an experience instead? Tickets to a game, show, or museum would be a great option. Or you could think outside the box a little and give an IOU to go on a hiking trip, a shopping spree, or a picnic. Giving the gift of quality time is a great option when “stuff” just isn’t their thing.

Idea #5: Gift card

I used to shy away from the thought of giving gift cards because they seemed boring. However, I’ve come to realize that I really enjoy receiving gift cards to my favorite places! It’s exciting to know you have a little extra cash in your pocket for your favorite restaurant, clothing store, or to spend on your favorite hobby. If I like receiving them, other people probably do, too. So don’t hesitate to pick up a gift card for someone (or a few someones) on your list!

Tip #6: Gift baskets

If you can’t settle on just one perfect gift, how about giving them a variety of gifts in one basket? This doesn’t have to be expensive. Choose a basket theme and pick out a handful of items that go well together. How about popcorn, a movie, and their favorite candy? Or nail polish, lotion, and some super comfy socks? My mom likes to give a cake mix, an apron, and some wooden spoons together in a mixing bowl. The options are endless!

And ultimately, just remember most people are thankful that you thought of them!  In a year full of chaos and tension, let's give the gift of cheer this year to everyone we see!