We all have that person on our shopping list—the one who already has everything they could ever want.
We all have that person on our shopping list—the one who already has everything they could ever want. You know…that one person who gets something whenever they need it, is genuinely content with what they already have, and is, therefore, impossible to shop for!
These particular family members and loved ones on our lists seem to increase in number every year. If you’re like me, you love giving gifts that have a purpose or a sweet sentiment attached and can grow frustrated when the obvious gift choice isn’t quite so obvious anymore.
Having this noble quality of contentment may make someone a joy to be around—but it can make shopping for them extra tricky. But never fear!
Here are ten gift ideas for the person in your life who already has everything:
1. Custom Subscriptions
Does the person on your list love coffee? Popcorn? Cigars? Exotic meat? Whatever their favorite thing is, look online for a monthly subscription. There are so many options available now to gift someone a monthly or quarterly subscription to not only a favorite magazine or book but food item, hobby, or craft. There are a ton of various “flavor of the month” clubs out there that are easy to source out. This type of gift works even for children or teenagers, as everyone loves getting fun mail from time to time! The hardest part will be narrowing down which one to pick!
2. Accessories to Their Favorite Thing
If your loved one is a tea connoisseur, think outside the tea box and hook them up with a gift basket of accessories. A tea diffuser, a package of stir sticks, packages of new flavorings or additives for their favorite hot drink, a new mug, etc. Whatever they’re known for enjoying, treat them to a basket full of unique contributions. Are they a hunter? Why not camo socks and pocket hand warmers? Book nerd? A reading light and bookmarks from their favorite series are sure to be a hit. Do they love Bible study? Get them some notecards, Bible highlighters, and a brand-new pack of pens. Not only are these ideas practical and useful for your loved one, but they’ll also show them that you notice their favorite things and will help them to feel “seen.”
3. Gift Cards
Gift cards can feel impersonal or like “cheating” when you’re shopping, but when you pair the gift card with something fun in the same theme, it can turn into a thoughtful, creative gift. Putting a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop inside a mug might be cliché, but I’ve never met a coffee lover who didn’t enjoy a new mug! Gift card to a sports store? Pair it with a new tennis ball, a pair of running shoelaces, or their favorite protein bars, depending on what sport they’re into. Gift card to a home goods store? Add a cozy winter blanket or delicious smelling candle. You get the gist!
4. Experiences
Most of the time, your loved one isn’t looking for a tangible item from you so much as they’d like to spend time with you. Gifting tickets or homemade coupons promising to treat them to an evening out is a great present for someone looking for quality time! Check online for local events or festivals in your town, or think of a fun outing they’d like to do with you. These gifts can be as inexpensive as you need them to be, as the point is the time shared together. Go big with concert tickets out of town or go small with a promise to have a coffee and museum date together one evening next month. I promise they’ll love the thoughtfulness behind wanting to spend the day with them!
5. Sentimental Jewelry
Maybe the loved one on your list already has a lot of nice jewelry, and your budget doesn’t allow you to compete with that. But what about a sentimental piece? This gift idea is especially meaningful for mothers and grandmothers. Whether your loved one just had a baby, is the Nana to four grandkids, is a great-grandmother, or a favorite aunt, jewelry with birthstones or other markings to indicate children are a special touch that is always appreciated. Personalized online stores like Etsy have a variety of options in this vein—you’re sure to find something for everyone!
6. Custom Cookbook
Does the person on your list enjoy cooking or baking? Why not surprise them with a homemade, personalized cookbook with contributing recipes from various family members and friends? Not only will this idea let them spice things up in the kitchen and get out of a creative rut, but it will also provide a personal touch from those who loved them enough to share their favorite recipes. It could even turn into an heirloom to pass down to future generations. Practical and meaningful is the best gift combination possible!
7. Memories in the Making
Literally! Everyone has memories with their loved one, be it a friend, spouse, or family member, so why not get creative? Take a special memory and turn it into something tangible. The sky is the limit here, with a little bit of thought and effort. For example—do you have an inside joke? Have it printed on a coffee mug or T-shirt for your friend! Do you and your spouse or significant other have a shared song? Have the lyrics printed on something special for their gift. Is there a memory to a favorite place you visited together? Print the coordinates on a bracelet or necklace. Shops like Etsy offer these types of deals for affordable prices all the time. All you have to do is get online and search!
8. Creative Book Merch
Is your loved one a bookworm? Get creative with their favorite book, and have custom bookmarks created. Or go a step further and seek out the author for a personalized autograph! (I’m a fiction author, and I love doing this for readers!) Or find out their favorite childhood book and have it turned into a necklace. Many online craft sites will also offer repurposed books as journals or notebooks. Treat the book lover on your list to a special memento by getting creative and turning their favorite book into a delightful gift.
9. Favorite Character Merch
Does the loved one on your list have a favorite character or collection from a movie or story? Whether they’re a lover of all things Snoopy, Care Bears, Seinfeld, or Marvel, load them up with goodies that remind them of their beloved creatures or actors. It’s easy these days to find character socks, hoodies, figurines, notebooks, even lunch boxes, and home appliances like toasters. (Yes, I have a Snoopy hot dog warmer. Believe me when I say anything is possible! These types of gifts are personal, thoughtful, and always welcome. After all, you can’t have too many tributes to your favorites!
10. Photo Gifts
For the person who has everything, why not create a permanent memory for them by turning a beloved photo into a blanket, sweatshirt, puzzle, coaster, or tote bag? There are multiple sites online that provide this service for a variety of prices, based on the desired product, and are high quality. You can put a photo on almost anything these days! Plates, mugs, mousepads, etc. This can also be an especially easy and great gift for pet lovers…just find a photo of their beloved dog or cat and have it turned into a photo gift for their Christmas present. They’ll love it!
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Anna Ostanina
