Do you have a few hard-to-buy-for people on your list this year? You know… the ones who have everything, need nothing, and say “don’t get me anything” but you know you need to get them something.
Yeah, I thought so!
Thankfully, I have a short list of simple gift ideas I pull from whenever I’m unsure what to give to someone who has everything.
If you’re struggling with a few gifts yet, pull some ideas from my list below (and please share your gift ideas in the comments.)
1. Food
Assuming the person does not have food allergies, food can be a great gift option for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list.
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking (there are hundreds more though!)
- Homemade bread (whole grain or quick bread)
- Bars, fudge, or truffles in a cute gift box
- Christmas cookies
- A dry brownie or cookie mix (with instructions to make the goodies)
- Home-canned jams, tomatoes, applesauce, etc.
- Homemade hot chocolate mix
- Cone bags filled with popcorn, candy, or trailmix (here are some exampes)
- Homemade (or storebought) cheesecake — or another cake or pie they really enjoy
- Gourmet coffee or tea (skip the mug!)
- A bar of nice chocolate with a homemade wrapper (look up ideas on Pinterest)
- A big bucket of all their favorite snacks, candies, and treats (great for kids!)
- A homemade meal (contact them ahead of time to arrange this)
- Fancy meats, cheeses, and crackers
- A favorite wine, craft beer, or other favorite beverage (our kids love getting Gatorade)
- A “fruit bouquet” — like something from Edible Arrangements (or try making your own).
NOTE: You could pair your homemade goodies with a gift card to their favorite restaurant or grocery store to increase the value.
The important thing with giving food gifts is that you actually think about what types of food your recipient enjoys. Don’t just throw some leftovers from your freezer or pantry together at the last minute.
2. Cleaning & Personal Care Products
I often use this option if I know the person well enough and think they would be happy to receive cleaning products or personal care products.
Not only are these types of gifts non-perishable (so I can prepare them in advance) and consumable (not cluttery), they can also be tailored to fit almost any preference and budget.
Here are a few examples I’ve used recently:
A few years ago, I gave the women on my list a container of Method dish soap and a fun bamboo kitchen scrubber. It was a cute set, it was fairly frugal to put together, and since many of the recipients were newlyweds and new homeowners, it was also extremely useful and practical.
I love gifting a clothes basket filled with cleaning supplies and household staples for wedding shower gifts (see examples in this post).
I also regularly gift bars of Bend soap with a gift card on the back (they are the PERFECT size to “hide” a gift card!
If I know a friend, relative, or teacher really likes a particular scent, brand, or product, I’ll keep an eye out for good deals throughout the year and stock up so I can throw together a quick, yet thoughtful gift any time of the year.
3. Photo Gifts
Mugs, bags, t-shirts, mousepads, wood, metal, plastic, paper — you name it, you can probably get a photo printed on it and gift it to that special someone who needs absolutely nothing but would love another cute photo of your kids, your pets, or even a beautiful sunset.
We often give photo calendars or magnets to grandparents and great-grandparents. Photo ornaments are also a fun idea and they can be packed away with the Christmas decorations.
Of course, some of these require a bit of computer knowledge and a week or so of advance notice to get them printed and shipped, but they are one-of-a-kind!
You might also consider doing something like Storyworth with a close friend or relative, or giving a faraway relative a digital picture frame like Skylight, so you can regularly upload more pictures from afar.
And of course, you know I love digital photo book gifts!
4. A Subscription
From a clutter-free standpoint, I’m a big fan of subscriptions (especially digital subscriptions like Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, Netflix, etc.)
Magazines and newspapers are good too (our kids love these) and also things like a membership to the local zoo, a trampoline park, a theater, a sports team, or even Costco.
You could also gift a subscription to a Bible reading program (like She Reads Truth or the Dwell App), a photo editing program (like PicMonkey), a fitness program (like Every Mother), a food-of-the-month club, a membership to a nail polish club, or even a Craft club!
There are hundreds of subscription and membership-type gifts that are SO simple to sign up for and a really great gift option for people who already have everything.
5. A hand-written note.
Our kids enjoy making cards and pictures for many elderly people in our life — we mail them out regularly, and more often than not, the kids get another letter or a phone call from the recipient!
I’m confident most adults (and even college students) would appreciate this simple gift idea… you could even pair your letter with custom stationery or a cute pack of note cards.
Here are a few prompts if you’re not sure what to write about:
- something you appreciate about the other person
- a few reasons you are thankful for them in your life
- a memorable event or fun story from your shared past
- something you look forward to doing with this person the next time you’re together
- a few of your favorite things about this person
- a story of how they have impacted your life (possibly even without knowing it).
With a little bit of thought, I’m confident you can come up with a fantastic gift for all the hard-to-buy-for people on your list.
Still looking for MORE gift ideas? Try some of these clutter-free gifts for all ages and all budgets.
What are YOUR favorite simple gift ideas for the people who already have everything?
Jessica says
I love these ideas! I like giving food gifts, and I have a long list of options, thanks to your blog!
Cindy Stephens says
I’m looking for a gift for my sewing class teacher and you have some great ideas! Thank you!
Gina Antonicello says
I love the Bend soap and lotion. They have made such a difference in my complexion. Thanks for recommending them!
Andrea says
I’m so glad to hear this! we’ve noticed many benefits from Bend Soap products too!
Rhonda High says
These are great suggestions Andrea. I struggle with the “have to’s” this time of year. It’s hard to go against the tide of what seems to be expected of a person. But creating a more simple home and schedule is so freeing it’s worth it! Happy birthday Dave! I turn 40 next week.
Andrea says
go against the tide — you’ll be better off for it! 🙂
And happy birthday to you next week!
Sarah says
Always nice to have fresh inspiration–thanks for the help!
REBECCA says
I started using bend soap when you first wrote a post end mentioned them. It’s all we use now. I haven’t given any as gifts but it would be the perfect gift for anyone. I asked my parents to give my daughters magazine subscriptions years ago (when they asked for gift ideas) and they still are giving them subscriptions. They’re their favorite and most used gifts every year. Love all your ideas.
Andrea says
yes, give the soap/lotion/salt scrubs as gifts — we do it for our kids’ teachers (the salt scrub) and they all rave about it!
Rachael Trant says
Experience gifts or consumables are always our favourite to gift and receive! We’ve started to gift our kids a “special time” with one parent/grandparent each month. We have 3 kids so they get a mom, dad or grandma special time once a month (all on same day at the same time). It’s their favourite thing!
Andrea says
this is a great idea too — and our kids are all old enough to make this work now… maybe we’ll need to put some thought into this!
Laura Miller says
My parents are on the list of “don’t buy me anything”, so the food gift is a perfect option. Thanks!
Andrea says
haha — are they the type that say “don’t buy me anything” but still totally expect you to get them something!?! I have a few of those on my list too 🙂
Laura Miller says
Ha! My mom always says she doesn’t want anything, but she is just like a little kid at Christmas, and it’s so fun to watch her open gifts.
Renee Kooiker says
I have also given myself freedom to simplify this year!! I had surgery at the beginning of November and physically can not do some of the things I’ve always done! We did the favorites and left the rest! It’s actually a very freeing feeling!!
Andrea says
congrats to you — enjoy the freedom of a simpler season (seriously, it’s not worth all the stress!)
Best wishes as you continue your recovery!
Meghan Merritt says
Love all these ideas! One of the best things I ever did was create a Family Emergency Binder with the template Andrea created! It’s such peace of mind that if anything happens to anyone in my family, we have everyone’s emergency info and documents all in one place. It also encouraged me to finally create a last will & testament using Trust & Will.com. A binder with a gift certificate to create or update a will would be a nice gift, especially for young families who may not have thought about it yet. Thanks Andrea!!
Andrea says
thanks Meghan! I’m thrilled the binder has been helpful for you over the years. I guess I’ve never considered gifting it to others… but I love that idea!
Amy Owen says
Would love to win the Amazon card!
Mary says
Great ideas – we love to do food gifts and/or special soaps and toiletries from our local makers market.
stephanie tucker says
My kids make cards and write little poems.
Linda Jean says
I love to give candles. This year I gave some people who are hard to buy for a Christmas scented candle in early December with a note that burning a scented candle helps me get into the holiday spirit and I hoped it helped them, too. I’ve tied two bay berry tapers together with raffia – makes a pretty presentation. I also like to give homemade cookies which I package with store bought chocolate dipped pretzels – it makes the cookies go further.
Sonja says
Thank you for these ideas, they are helpful and sound like gifts that anyone would appreciate receiving.
Beth Nesseth says
My Christmas shopping was done until I read the blog this morning and got some great ideas for our neighbors! I love your unique food ideas! My sister in Alabama now it’s reading your blog regularly and I’m visiting her this week and she said I need to show you what I thought of one of Andrea‘s favorite things. So I’m trying out one of them! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Beth
Andrea says
oh no — I don’t want to add more to your list!
Have fun with your sister (and a bunch of my favorite things!)
Amy says
I love the food idea and have been using this for my older relatives for the past few years. I sent a Butcher Box to my 80 year old Uncle who loves to cook and he really enjoyed it! This year we adopted an olive oil tree for him in Italy and I cannot wait for him to open it Christmas Day!
Andrea says
these are such fun ideas!
Susanne says
Love these ideas! This year I ordered monogrammed stationery for my nieces and I think I’ll do a Consumer Reports subscription for my husband. We got the magazine years ago and really liked it.
Jennifer says
I make fudge and caramel every year for family to go along with bought gifts, a s you know what they remember and ask for? Not the other gifts! I know I would love getting cleaning supplies that are different or more special as a gift.
Andrea says
yes, I make LOTS of fudge every year too! people love it and it’s SO easy 🙂
Red2Red says
Hi Andrea,
I’ve used so many of your ideas over the years – and I’m thankful for them!
Bend Soap was a hit, I tried it and liked it – and then shared it as gifts with others (who also became purchasers)!
So special for your children to make cards for the elderly – it is such an important ‘act of love’. We do this in Sunday School with our youth and know the importance of these cards… for the maker/sender and the receiver. A win – win for sure!
Blessings to you and your family this Christmas and always … T
Andrea says
yay — I’m thrilled some of my favorite and tips have been helpful for you!
Jennifer says
Thanks for all your posts over the last year! They are helpful for me.
Lee Fouks says
Great ideas!
Nancy says
I’m still thinking about what to give my sister, who has been so generous to my kids but doesn’t need anything. Thanks for these good ideas.
Heidi Cole says
Oh my goodness, The Best Christmas Pagent Ever was my favorite movie growing up!
Andrea says
haha — it was funny and the kids loved it. Dave and I mostly enjoyed how outdated and old the movie looked (and then realized we’re just as old at the movie!)
Margaret says
Cliche though it is, it’s hard to go wrong with a contribution to a charity you BOTH support.
Heifer International and Doctors Without Borders are two most people can get behind, and there are plenty of others.
Nessa Bixler says
Thanks for the ideas! Grandparents are so tough. Going to be using some of these for sure.
Anna says
These are great ideas! I love your blog!
Christi says
Love reading your emails each week. We utilize all of these gifts regularly…. and this is my first year to try out plain wrapping paper. We have been decorating brown paper for birthdays and using a burgundy with pretty decorations for Christmas.
Donna G says
My cousin’s birthday is in early February, and except for last year, I usually buy tickets to a show at our local arts center for both of us as a fun night out. We both get to anticipate it for months, and no extra “stuff “ to manage!
Karen says
These are great ideas! I like to give “consumable” gifts, too.
Bailey says
Hi Andrea!
I’ve never commented but I’ve been a loyal reader for years. Our children are similar ages, and we too enjoy a simple (but not boring!) life filled with family, good food, friends, and church.
Bailey
Andrea says
well hello Bailey! Glad to “meet” you today 🙂
Cheers to our very simple-but-not-boring lives! That’s the way to go, if you ask me!
Catherine Neal says
Love these gift ideas!
Jen Fitzpatrick says
So many great options for me to consider, as I am finishing up my Christmas shopping this year! Thanks for helping us make life much simpler!
Pascale Forest says
So glad you recommended Bend Soap. I’ve been using them for over a year now and I really like their products. i cannot even tolerate essential oils during the winter because of eczema flare ups and I really like their unscented goat milk soap and lotion as well as the oatmeal & honey goat milk soap. It’s so nice to have natural products that don’t contain essential oils.l
Andrea says
glad to hear these products work for you and that you like the unscented!
Kathy says
I ordered some of the paint pens that you had recommended recently for my 2 granddaughters (aka GrandGems). The pens were intended to be Christmas gifts. However, today was a snow day for them, and I got to babysit. I broke out the new paint pens and a roll of white art paper and we created some beautiful Christmas art, without creating a giant mess! The girls loved the pens and I must say I am a fan, too. Thank you for your recommendation and your inspiring ideas for living simply.
Andrea says
yay — so glad you liked the paint pens/markers! I have 3 in-real-life friends who recently ordered them too (and they all love them too!)
Becky says
I gave my daughter a subscription to Instacart as a baby shower gift. She loves it!
Andrea says
sweet — what a great gift!
JJ says
Andrea, my husband needed a gift for a white elephant present. I had gotten a selfie stick tripod(one of your posts inspired me). He “won” it by stealing it(an item can only be stolen once at his party), so now I get it for Christmas. ♀️ I’m so excited!!!
Andrea says
cool — a gift you actually need (and want!)
Audrey says
One year our 2 daughters went on a hike and took pictures of branches of trees forming the letters of the word “family”. They printed the pictures and put them in a long wall frame with 6 openings. And gave it to my husband and me to use on our family gallery wall. It was perfect!
Andrea says
my sister has something like this at her house too — such a neat idea!
Mary says
Last year I needed a very small gift for a game at bookclub. I took a couple bars of soap that I’d brought home from New Zealand. Turned out to be the most “stolen” gift in what we call dirty bingo. I’ll definitely do that again.
Andrea says
that’s so funny! Looks like everyone wanted the practical gift!
Emily says
Great gift ideas! Thank you for continuing to inspire simple living!
red2red says
Thanks for your list of great gift ideas!
I would like to take advantage of the Bend Soap deals this week, checking the site out to see the best basket deals…
Are there any particular items or scents that you would recommend? And, have you tried any of the unscented items?
Thanks!
Andrea says
You’re welcome 🙂
For the Bend Soap products, all their lip balms are amazing, but I do really love the peppermint.
I tend to use more lavender scented things as it’s calming for me — but the almond lotion is really yummy and the coconut smells like a tropical oasis!
I don’t use the unscented — but in my opinion, you can’t really go wrong with unscented (especially if you have sensitive skin)
If you’re just getting started, I would recommend one of the gift sets as they are the best bargain right now and will give you a chance to try a few different products!
red2red says
Just ordered 2 of the essential baskets – thanks for the info!
Andrea says
awesome — I got a couple of those myself. It’s such a great way to try lots of product for a reduced price!