Whether its for a birthday or holiday occasion, you never want to feel unsure about the gift you’ve chosen for the people in your lives. When someone in your life is difficult to buy for, it can create unnecessary stress. So, what do you get for the man in your life that has everything? What are your surefire “safe” – but still thoughtful – gift options?
Here’s your no-fail gift giving guide!
10 Great Gift Options When You Don’t Know What to Give
#1 – A Foodie Subscription Service
Most people who are tough to buy for don’t want a lot of extra stuff cluttering their lives. One of the best ways to avoid being a nuisance this holiday season is to buy a subscription service for their favorite consumables! There are subscription services like BeanBox that deliver curated sachets of artisan coffee each month. There are international snack boxes, craft beer and wine subscriptions, and just about anything for lovers of good food and drink.
#2 – The Chance to Acquire a Skill from Masters
For $180, you can give the gift of knowledge! MasterClass offers online courses from some of the most renowned professionals in the world. Gordon Ramsay will teach you to cook, George Stephanopoulos will teach you communication skills…the options are unlimited. Plus, their holiday deal this year is to give one, get one…meaning the giver gets to hone new skills for free!
#3 – A Soothing Massage Gun
Whether you’re a stressed out professional or a sore athlete, nothing beats a good massage. In the last few years, massagers have gotten less bulky and more versatile. It’s tough to beat the tension release from a massage gun! They’re compact, wireless, and come with multiple attachments to deal with whatever ails you.
#4 – Experiences Instead of Stuff
Again, it’s better to err on the side of experiences over things when you’re buying for the tough-to-buy-for. How about lessons for sailing, scuba diving, or sky diving? How about a first-class pampering at a spa, or an experience in a sensory deprivation tank? If you don’t know what they’d like, ask. You might be the one to give them the opportunity to do something they never thought they’d get to do.
#5 – Handmade Goods
Even “impersonal” gifts can be meaningful if they have a personal touch. Etsy is a great place to scope out handmade and bespoke gifts for just about everyone. Personalized leatherworks, niche gifts, handmade goods for office and home…there’s a whole world out there of bespoke gifts!
#6 – A Gear Refresh
Consider the target of your gift-giving endeavors. Do they enjoy camping? Hitting the gym? What are their hobbies? I guarantee there’s gear that goes with it! Gift a luxe new water bottle to bring refinement to their workout routine or new camping gear, like sleeping bags, tents, portable fire pits, or coolers.
#7 – A New Signature Scent
Buying cologne is challenging. No one has the same body chemistry or taste in fragrances. But that doesn’t mean a new signature scent is a no-go! Cologne sampler sets are an option, as are services like Scentbird. Then again, you can’t go wrong with a classic like Creed Adventus or Le Labo Santal 33!
#8 – Luxe Tech Accessories
All you really need to buy a tech gift is to know what your target has. If you know they have an Apple watch or a particular phone model, you’ve got opportunities here. Buy them a leather wallet-phone case hybrid or a high-quality watch strap to change up their look.
#9 – A Fine Dining Experience
Everyone loves a great meal. While giving a restaurant gift card doesn’t seem like the most personal of gifts, you can make it special by picking the right eatery. Gift a Michelin-star experience, or a steakhouse that serves the best cut you’ve ever had. Make it all about high-quality, world-class dining.
#10 – Ad-Free Streaming
As another clutter-free gift, why not give the gift of streaming? Whether they use the service or not, it’s the opportunity to try out something new or get a few months free of their most beloved streaming service, from Netflix and HBO Max to Spotify and Audible. No matter what, you’re giving something useful that won’t take up precious real estate in their home or office.
What are your go-to gift giving ideas when someone is tough to buy for? Share in the comments!