43 Gifts For Hard To Shop For People
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We all have that certain someone that is not just hard to shop for, but downright impossible. If you don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone! However, one surefire way to get them a present that they will enjoy and cherish is to focus on brainstorming unique gift ideas that resonate with their interests, hobbies, or passions. Do they love cooking? Tech? In need of a bit of relaxation?
Or, if simply purchasing a gift feels like playing it too safe, with a little creativity you can come up with gifts that aren’t just another thing to put in their home or kitchen, but a thoughtful tool that could elevate their palette, wellbeing, or style.
While this list might not help you find everything that you need for those *extra* difficult gifts, there’s sure to be an idea—whether it’s a silly gadget or a personalized present—to spark your gift-giving fire and help you give the ultimate gift this year. Pretty soon, everyone will be coming to you for gift inspo.
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $50
$$ | Between $50-$100
$$$ | Over $100
Kitchen Appliances/Tools/Food
Shopping for a unique gift for that already-has-everything foodie or chef on your list can be an excruciatingly difficult endeavor. However, the kitchen is also a space where culinary creativity thrives—aka the ideal place to think outside-of-the-box for a truly special gift. The best part about food-centric gifts is that there is a world of inspiration at your fingertips if you seek out speciality stores or boutiques (sorry Bed Bath & Beyond!).
For those who are always looking to try new things, this is the perfect time to gift a unique food pairing or subscription box that not only keeps them guessing, but opens up the chance to try new products and brands that they may have never heard of (a must when it comes to those hard-to-shop for people). We love a monthly box of goodies delivered to our door, but a curated collection of personalized cooking ingredients can leave a lasting impact.
For those who are looking for unique kitchen tools or gadgets instead, might we suggest an appliance or tool that upgrades their favorite dishes and beverages? Whether they love to host with creative homemade cocktails or they always welcome a new food experience, gifts that align seamlessly with their passions and interests will never steer you wrong.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Uncommon goods
Price: $$$
Even if they have a favorite coffee shop, everyone loves saving a little money if they can make their own delicious recipe at home. This nitro cold brew can’t be simpler to create: add coffee grounds, cold water, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply charge and pour for deliciously frothy cup of coffee.
Image: Amazon
Soup & Cracker Mug
TIYOORTA
Price: $
If the cold weather doesn’t make you want to just be cozzzyyy, then this soup bowl will. Stock up with your favorite crackers and you’re ready to enjoy everyone’s favorite winter meal.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
Uncommon Goods
Price: $
Lover of the super hot stuff or just a hint of heat? This hot sauce making kit makes it easy to customize a hot sauce to fit your unique palette.
Image: Food52
Cast Iron Garlic Roaster
Uncommon Goods
Price: $
Love the taste of roasted garlic but think that you can’t make it yourself? This cast iron tool makes it so simple to create flavorful sauces, whether you’re cooking on the grill or in the oven. This is the perfect gift for a foodie in your life.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Periodic Table of Flavor Rub Set
Uncommon goods
Price: $$
One can never have too many seasonings and flavors in their kitchen. Are we right?
Image: Amazon
Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
COWSAR
Price: $$$
There’s just something about that crushed cube ice from your favorite fast food restaurant. Get the same taste and texture at home…all while saving some extra money!
Image: Uncommon Goods
Glass Topper Cocktail Smoker
Uncommon goods
Price: $$
A good Old Fashioned cocktail is high up on this Editor’s list of “Best Things Ever.” Adding that hint of smoke to a craft cocktail elevates it to the highest level.
Image: Food52
Double-Walled French Press
Frieling
Price: $$
Coffee lovers know that a French press can extract more flavorful notes out of their favorite beans. Why not look good while doing it?
Image: Amazon
Farfalloni-Shaped Pot Holders
Monkey Business
Price: $
Perfect as a stocking stuffer or even as a White Elephant gift, these fun pot holders are shaped like delicious pasta—ideal as a silly gift for a chef!
Image: Target
Wood Classics 3-Piece Salad Bowl Set
Gibson Home
Price: $
Serving sets are quintessential wedding and hostess gifts, but they can also be a great way to upgrade those frequently used bowls for your next night of entertaining.
Image: Food52
Swedish Gummy Fish Sampler
Kolsvart
Price: $
Another extra unique option for a sampler gift, the traditional Swedish fish candy has been taken up a notch with this delicious collection.
Image: Amazon
DIY Whiskey Infusion Kit
DO YOUR GIN
Price: $$
Do you like to create your own cocktails at home? Have guests over frequently? This unique kit is a great way to create your own signature cocktails to share at your next get together (or keep all to yourself).
Image: Nordstrom
Gourmet Chocolate Gift Set with Jug
Verve Culture
Price: $$
You don’t have to tell us twice—we can’t wait to try out an exquisite cup of warm, creamy cocoa on a cold night.
Home (Decor, furniture, appliances, etc.)
They say that the home is where the heart is and it can’t be any more true than when it comes to gift giving. Contributing to someone’s living space with a special present gives you the ability to transform their house into a relaxing sanctuary. Not only are home gifts practical, but these go beyond material value—giving the gift of comfort or self-care to someone who needs it most is a simple, yet powerful way to show them that you care. Your home is truly a reflection of yourself, so there is no better place to focus on when thinking about what to get that hard-to-shop-for person in your life.
Whether it’s a custom piece of artwork for their walls or a cozy blanket to curl up in and read a favorite book, gifts for the home are ones they will be sure to use daily!
Image: Amazon
Fuzzy Faux Fur Blanket
Bedsure
Price: $
It seems to us that wanting to upgrade your home sanctuary will always be made better by the addition of comfortable bedding. Why not make it feel like they’re cozied up with their favorite animal with a fuzzy blanket?
Image: Uncommon Goods
Birth Month Flower Grow Kit
Uncommon goods
Price: $
Cut flowers come and go in a matter of days, but this gift keeps on growing and will be a daily reminder of your thoughtfulness. Plus, this easy-to-grow kit will make it almost foolproof to sprout a colorful bouquet in their home.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Custom Song Wall Art
Uncommon Goods
Price: $$$
Even the non-musically-inclined among us can appreciate this unique gift that takes their favorite song and turns the sound wave into a piece of art.
Image: Etsy
Floral Serving Tray
Ethereal Spark
Price: $$
Whether they are a hostess to simply a lover of flowers, this romantic serving tray can be set in their bathroom or bedroom to display jewelry, makeup, and perfume, or used in their kitchen to entertain guests with delicious charcuterie!
Image: Etsy
Happy Skull Planter
Valerie Anne Studio
Price: $
A fan of unique home decor will fall in love with this skull-shaped planter. Try growing a trailing plant inside to imitate long hair growing from the skull!
Image: Etsy
Books For Flowers Vase
LaVieLenteStyle
Price: $
Book lovers, unite! This frosted glass vase is the ideal gift when you don’t want to get the reader in your life another book (or when they’ve read just about everything!).
Image: Etsy
Custom Neon Sign
Neon Outshine
Price: $$
Home bar? Bedroom decor? Dim studio lighting? No matter what you want to use it for, a customized neon sign can be placed in their favorite place with their favorite saying.
Image: Etsy
Friendly Plant Pot
Ready Set Made
Price: $
There might be a lot of planters and plant-themed gifts on our lists, but none of the others have little happy faces now, do they?
Tech
If you’re looking for gift inspiration for tech lovers, you’re likely excited at the challenge or dreading the search. However, there’s not just one kind of tech guru out there—which is good news for you! Electronics, whether that be computers, smart home devices, fitness trackers, or Bluetooth speakers can cater to each individual’s different interests and needs. These gifts are the ideal choices for anyone who is looking to engage in favorite activities or start fresh by learning a new skill. Many tech gadgets also provide the opportunity to connect with others to create lasting friendships and explore new passions.
So, if you're looking for a gift that combines functionality and innovation (with a dash of creativity mixed in), these tech gifts can’t be beat.
Image: Amazon
3-in-1 Charger
Ezvalo
Price: $$
A 3-in-1 charger is an underrated gift since it’s so useful, even for the hard-to-shop-for people in your life! This affordable charging station includes an ambient night light, Bluetooth speaker, and charging mat for any device. All the essentials at the touch of their fingertips!
Image: Amazon
Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
Larq
Price: $$
A pricey gift, but one of the coolest! This self-cleaning water bottle neutralizes odor and bacteria, allowing you to drink the cleanest, freshest water all with one simple charge.
Image: Amazon
Temperature Controlled Mug
Ember
Price: $$
This mug has been a top gift in 2023, and it’s the perfect cup to keep your coffee and other beverages at the exact perfect temperature, all the time. It comes in 8 cool metallic colors to find the perfect one for him or her!
Image: Amazon
Bluetooth Turntable
Audio-Technica
Price: $$$
A Bluetooth-operated turntable for the music fan in your life! They might be hard to shop for, but a quality music player is a gift that will be loved by anyone.
Image: Amazon
Kindle Page Turner
Syukuyu
Price: $
For all the Kindle fans here’s a handy page-turner! This remote control quickly charges via USB for endless turning and reading, and can also work on other devices, such as an iPhone or tablet.
Image: Uncommon Goods
UV Cell Phone Sanitizer Case
Phonesoap
Price: $$
Our phones are in contact with germs and bacteria every day, so this gift is universally useful! It zaps your phone in a special case with a sanitizing UV light to ensure it’s squeaky clean in seconds.
Image: Amazon
Smart Mood Lighting Bars
Govee
Price: $$
A unique and fun gift for anyone, this cool mood light bar sets the right vibe anywhere in their home! It is accompanied by an app for easy control or color changes.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Plant Self-Watering Life Support
Uncommon Goods
Price: $$
A silly, yet useful gift for any plant lover! Not only will it keep their plants hydrated, it will make them feel better if their plant babies aren’t getting watered that day!
Image: Amazon
DEEBOT T20 OMNI
ECOVACS
Price: $$$
This powerful vacuum moves all on its own, learning the floorplan of any space and imprinting a map to follow while cleaning. Anyone would love this hassle-free gift that leaves their floor looking spotless without any effort.
Image: Amazon
All-in-One Combination Coffee & Espresso Maker
De’Longhi
Price: $$$
An all-in-one coffee and espresso machine with everything you need, it even has an attached frother to whip up lattes and cappuccinos. This is a gift that isn’t just for coffee lovers!
Self-Care
Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we set our own well-being to the side in favor of early morning alarms and jam-packed schedules. However, sometimes finding a gift for someone that is hard to shop for is as simple as giving them what they aren’t giving themselves—self-care! While self-care is commonly thought of as indulgent activities such as bubble baths and massages (and trust us, we love those things, too!), it can go much deeper by focusing on prioritizing mental health. These self-care gifts not only spread joy, but they are a strong reminder to carve out time for yourself even on the busiest days! While you can’t give someone time, you can give them the space to take the time that they need—and that is an irreplaceable gift!
Image: Etsy
Hand Embroidered Corner Bookmark
77 Arts
Price: $
If you have a voracious reader on your gift list, this is a customized, handmade option that they are sure to love. Not only is it a completely unique gift, they’re affordable enough to keep one for yourself, too (or two… or three…).
Image: Etsy
Embroidered Feather Bookmarks
Evelyn’s Embroidery
Price: $
This is another one of our favorite gifts for readers (or students who need to keep track of their homework). This embroidered feather bookmark is a beautiful edition to any reading collection, and will be one that they will cherish each time they open a book.
Image: Amazon
Satin Pajama Sets
Ekouaer
Price: $
Wearing comfy sleepwear can be self-care itself and a thoughtful gift for anyone! Customizing a pajama set with their name will make the gift more special, ideal for the hard-to-shop-for people in your life.
Image: Amazon
Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager
Snailax
Price: $$
Massages, say less. Who wouldn’t want a foot massage with the click of a button and in the comfort of their own home? This heated, cushioned massage pad is ideal for relaxation and compression on tired feet.
Image: Amazon
LED Facial Mask
Aphrona
Price: $$$
Achieving glowing skin is a wonderful gift to give and receive! This TikTok famous LED mask is a must-try for yourself and anyone that loves a techy self-care gift.
Image: Amazon
Wearable Sherpa Blanket
Bedsure
Price: $
Give the gift of ultimate coziness! Not just a hoodie, it doubles as a blanket for ultimate comfort with an extra-warm sherpa lining for their restful days at home.
Image: Amazon
Smart Clock & Night Light
Loftie
Price: $$$
A special light that helps you sleep easier and wake up smoother. It can be customized to their sleep schedule, and the ambient lighting helps with mood and energy. Sounds like a great gift for anyone and everyone, right?
Image: Sephora
Personal Vibe & Massager
Maude
Price: $
This pocket-sized vibrator’s design is discreet and easy to pack in your purse, backpack, or even luggage for a very personal way to practice self-care.
Image: Uncommon Goods
One Question A Day For Self-Care Journal
uncommon Goods
Price: $
An affordable gift that anyone can benefit from, a guided journal is a gift for mental health and improved overall emotional well-being.
Image: Amazon
Weighted Eye Mask
FACEMOON
Price: $
A weighted, padded sleep mask that blocks light easily and comfortably! It is a gift they can use every day or when they’re traveling, guaranteeing hours of peaceful sleep (which is an underrated gift for anyone, not just the hard-to-shop-for).
Image: Amazon
100 Movie Scratch Off Poster
Enno Vatti
Price: $
A fun gift for an introvert or movie lover, this is also a great way to challenge yourself to watch movies that you’ve never seen! This poster also works as some colorful wall art!
Image: Etsy
Personalized Flower Self-Care Kit
Sweet Tomorrow Co
Price: $
A personalized gift box that has a little bit of everything to create an easy self-care routine! Pick your friend or loved one’s birthday month for a customized self-care gift set, including bath salts, soy wax candle, and a reusable glass and straw.
