Every year, I try to prepare for the holiday season by putting together gift lists ahead of time. But no matter how much preparation goes into my lists, they’re always lopsided.
What do I mean by lopsided? I mean that I always know what to get some members of my family, but I never know what to get the others.
The fact of the matter is that some people are much easier to shop for while others seem near impossible. Even though you might know these people like the back of your hand, they either have everything they need, or they never reveal anything they want!
That’s why I’m approaching this gifting season a little different by putting together a gift guide for the hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Whether it’s your fickle husband or your busy neighbor, I have a few things that will make them smile when the holidays roll around.
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Gifts For Your Hard-To-Shop-For Best Friend
No matter how many years you’ve been apart, a best friend will be there for you no matter what. Show them you care with a unique and thoughtful gift!
Between the unique details and gorgeous color, this adorable Pedestal Jewelry Holder from Uncommon Goods is the perfect gift for a bestie.
If she’s always in a rush, the “stop-and-drop” may be her go-to move With this holder, she’ll be able to throw her keys, jewelry and change all in one place!
Do you have an indecisive best friend? Gift them this Clinique Chubbettes Set which includes 20 small tinted lip balms!
I personally like the mauve colors, but with this collection they can change it up from a coral to a dark burgundy.
Let the jewelry do the talking with this Best Friend Necklace from Etsy. It says “you are my rock” and includes a gemstone and personalized initial.
Plus, dainty jewelry is super popular right now!
Gifts For The Woman In Your Life
Some women like cooking while others would rather go to the gym. But one thing is certain, finding gifts for them can be pretty tough!
Thankfully, I found a few options for the hard-to-shop-for ladies in your life — from your sister to your mother to your favorite barista.
This gift is pretty personal so you’ll want to know your recipient well. It’s a Custom Handwriting Cutting Board and you can personalize it with a favorite recipe (written in your writing or the writing of a loved one).
Face rolling is basically the process of using a tool to gently massage your face. People claim it eases tension, increases circulation and may even decrease puffiness!
Sound compelling? You can gift these Gemstone Facial Rollers to your closest hard-to-shop-for pal.
My friend said this was the best gift she’s ever received. It’s called the Copper Chef Egg Maker and it will change the way you make eggs for good!
Place your eggs in the chamber, click the power button and you’re on your way to hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs and omelets in no time.
Make traveling less of a hassle with this Sigma Essential Travel Brush Set. It includes seven brushes — from contouring ones to blush ones — and a convenient case that can easily be packed in a suitcase or purse!
Do you have a friend who likes to cook? Maybe one that already has every cookbook and kitchen gadget on the market? Treat her to this Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit filled with 15 flavorful herbs and spices.
With the kit, she can host a get-together with breads, oils and taste profiles from around the world.
Gifts For The Man In Your Life
Men have a tendency to hide what they want for gifts. Or, in my experience, they’re never too vocal about their personal list.
Instead of relying on a guessing game, I threw together a few options that they’ll use far beyond the holiday season!
I’ve always been a fan of the Bose brand because of the quality and impeccable sound. That’s why I recommend these Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for your husband, best friend, brother-in-law or any man on your list!
These ones can play music or cancel out interrupting sounds. They’re also super comfortable due to the padded ear cushions.
This one is a bit of an investment, but it’s a unique gift they’ll never forget! Check out the Coravin Wine Preservation System for any hard-to-shop-for (and wine-loving) man in your life.
It features a chic preservation system, along with four capsules, an aerator and screw cap.
For the guy-on-the-go, a Leatherman Multi-Tool will be useful for years to come. It’s designed to help him with everything from cutting wires, to tightening screws and more.
This is a gift my son Trevor recommended! He said it’s always neat to receive a jersey (especially from popular teams like the Astros or Dodgers).
That’s why I included this Custom Baseball Jersey for the holiday season! You can get it personalized with his favorite team along with his name.
While people aren’t traveling as much these days, a toiletry bag is essential for the jet-setting guy. This one is made with genuine leather and you can personalize it with his initials.
Gifts For Your Teen or College Kid
Teen? College kid? I have both and I’d be lying if I said they aren’t on my list of hard-to-shop-for people! This year, I’m focusing on unique gifts that are also practical — so those gifts won’t end up in their package a year from now…
For Your Hard-To-Shop-For Girls
With the chaos of life, a little pampering can go a long way for your daughter, niece or granddaughter!
Give them the gift of relaxation with a sugar body scrub that will help them achieve soft skin. This option from Josie Marin has a super sweet scent and comes in a convenient tub that can be kept in the shower.
Can we talk about the coziness of these UGG Backstrap Slippers?? They look oh so comfortable and I’m sure your teen won’t have any complaints about them.
They come in three colors and have a solid bottom so they can be worn in or out of the house.
If you know a college girl that lives in a dorm or small apartment, space isn’t always a commodity.
That’s why I adore this compact Clinique Makeup Set because it includes everything she’ll need for a full-face look. The light and dark colors are also great for a day-to-night look.
Ask any girl from the age of 13 to 30, and she’ll tell you the best water bottle on the market is the Hydro Flask. It’s designed to keep cold water cool for 24 hours and hot water warm for 12.
The best part is that they come in lots of colors and can be decorated in stickers and accessories!
Quarantine isn’t the easiest thing to navigate and for a young girl in the prime of her social life, it’s probably near the point of unbearable.
Let her know you understand her frustrations with this Quarantine Succs Gift Box. You can add a personalized drink holder along with the live succulent and refreshing candle!
For Your Hard-To-Shop-For Boys
If your boy doesn’t already have his own pair of Apple AirPods, he likely has them on his list. Beat him to the punch by treating him to a pair this holiday season!
They easily pair with any mobile device and have a convenient case that protects them from damage.
Is your son, grandson or nephew into gaming? Give him the chance to upgrade from that old bean bag by gifting him a Gaming Chair.
Not only does it look cool, it will help him avoid aches and pains thanks to the ergonomic design.
Nike has always been a trendy and reliable brand. And if you ask a boy which shoe to get, he’ll likely tell you the Air Max. It definitely has the “cool” factor and it can be customized to fit his personal style.
Trevor has a couple pairs of custom Nike shoes and continues to wear them every day!
Gifts For Your Neighbor
My neighbors are some of the hard-to-shop-for people on my list because I don’t know what they already have in their household.
With that said, I always like to show how much I appreciate their companionship with a small gift. Here are a few I’ll be adding to my list this year!
What I love about this Philosophy Showered In Gifts Set is that it comes in a three pack! So you can gift one to your neighbor, one to your mailman and one to your hairdresser — the options are endless!
You can’t go wrong with giving someone food and the Mrs. Prindable’ s Apples look just as good as they taste! This set includes five apples (one for everyone on the block), and each one comes with a convenient gift box.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who found their best friend after moving to a new neighborhood, this Neighbor Mug is bound to be the perfect gift.
Simply said, it shows that you care and that you’re grateful for your undeniable friendship!
While they’re sipping coffee from their neighbor mug, treat them to this Seasonal Simple Syrup Set which can add a sweet twist to their drink!
Gifts For Your Hard-To-Shop-For Coworker
Let’s face it. You wouldn’t be anywhere without your favorite coworker! Let them know you’re thankful for their hard work (and office chats) with a present for the holidays.
It doesn’t need to be anything big, but even the tiniest thing can still say “thanks!”.
The Flippy Cubby Multi-Angle Tablet Stand looks a little odd, but it’s quite the convenient gift!
It’s designed to prop up an electronic device or tablet while they enjoy a snack, coffee, or petting their pup in bed! It also has an internal “cubby” where they can keep eyeglasses, pens and more.
This sophisticated gift will help your favorite coworker keep all their devices in an easy-to-access place.
The Personalized Charging Station has a spot for their phone, watches, glasses or their tablet. Plus, it includes slots so they can easily thread chargers through to their devices.
Help your closest colleague keep their drink warm with the Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer. My friend has one and raves about it because it ensures their coffee stays warm all morning. You can also get it for under $11!
Simply plug it in and place your mug on the hot plate. The coating will eliminate the chance of burning and the compact size makes it easy to store.
Hopefully this list will make those hard-to-shop-for people a little easier. I know I have a few items on my own list (like those Clinique lip balms), and I’m sure my loved ones will receive a few other options as well!
From my holiday home to yours,
Jill
Find more gifting stories here:
– Affordable Gifts Under $50
– My Favorite Fall Fashion Picks
– Why I’m NUTS For Whitley’s Peanuts
