Unique Gifts for the Hard-to-Shop-For Person
- In This Quick Guide:
- Charities
- Entertainment
- Noteworthy
The key to finding the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person is to gather as much information as you can about them before going shopping. In fact, finding a unique gift won’t be difficult at all once you match their lifestyle and interests to some of our suggestions.
Charities
If your recipient is hard to buy for because they have everything they need or prefer to downplay the commercialization of the holidays, a charity-related gift will be much appreciated.
- Alma mater. Friends and family who are big supporters of the college or university they attended would likely love to receive something with the school’s logo on it, such as a blanket or sweatshirt. Many purchases can even be made online.
- Museum memento. If your recipient is a patron of the arts or has an appreciation for them, the gift shop at a local art museum can be a terrific source of inspiration and unique gift options.
- History-related. Individuals with a strong connection to a particular town or area may appreciate receiving a piece of history from the local historical society. An old map circa 1800 showing the house or area where they live now, for example, can be a special and unexpected treasure.
- Donation. Making a donation in someone’s name can be tricky if you’re supporting one of your favorite charities, so do a little research and make sure you are supporting one of theirs. They will truly appreciate it.
Entertainment
Whether you’re looking to spend $10 or more than $100, there are plenty of ways to dazzle your giftee.
- Magazines. Although books are eminently popular as holiday gifts, they are not very unique. Show you invested a little time considering an appropriate gift and select a magazine or two (or three) that you know the recipient does not currently receive and might enjoy. Magazines.com is one source for finding a wide range of available publications.
- Fruit. Growing up, my family always looked forward to receiving succulent Riviera pears from Harry & David as gifts from my grandparents. They are different enough, and plenty juicy enough, to be memorable. Or you can go with a more modern fruit bouquet through a company like Edible Arrangements, which is both eye-catching and delicious. Other options besides harryanddavid.com and ediblearrangements.com include fruitguys.com and thefruitcompany.com.
- Performance. Tickets to a local performance is another fun option and it’s unlikely they will receive duplicates. Check out plays that are coming to town, or concerts to be given by their favorite band. Stubhub.com and ticketmaster.com are the two biggest national ticket providers, but check your local concert halls and theatres, too.
- Experience. Most people today don’t really need another thing, but they would certainly enjoy a new experience. How about a round of golf on a top course the recipient has never played? Or a lap around the track of an area race track. Even a class on how to do something your friend or family member has said they always wanted to learn to do, such as knit or paint, would be thoughtful and appreciated.
Noteworthy
Although it is difficult to select a unique gift if you don’t know the recipient well, there are a few staples that are sure to delight and stand out.
- Photographs. Photographs are among everyone’s prized possessions, in part because they are so unique. Try and get your hands on some quality photos of your recipient or his or her family members—or take one yourself—and present the special photo in a nice frame.
- Stationery. Everyone loves receiving gifts with their name on them and personal letterhead is no exception. Choose classy papers or whimsical note cards with the person’s name or initials and be sure your gift will be used regularly. Katespaperie.com, felixdoolittle.com and thestationerystore.com are three retailers we love.
- Luxuries. You can’t go wrong with a cashmere sweater, pair of Ugg boots, set of beautiful candles, or just about anything from Oprah’s list of her favorite things. You’ll make a statement, but be ready to open your wallet. This year’s list of Oprah’s favorite things can be found at her website, Oprah.com.
- Gift-of-the-month. Sure, we’ve all heard of fruit-of-the-month and beer-of-the-month programs, but how about wine-of-the-month or astronaut-autograph-of-the-month clubs? You could even choose pie-, movie-, or perfume-of-the-month! Find more ideas at clubsgalore.com, club-offers.com, and findgift.com.
- A personal note. While tangible presents are pleasant, most people would truly appreciate knowing more about how they have touched your life. Taking some time to hand write a letter expressing how much they mean to you, and citing specific examples of how you have benefited from knowing them, is probably the best gift of all. Ask any teacher what gift they love receiving most and across the board, they will tell you personal notes are the best.
Chances are good that your hard-to-buy-for person realizes they are hard to buy for, which means that your extra effort in finding a unique gift will be especially appreciated.
by Marcia Layton-Turner
