AD: Some items in this guide have been provided in exchange for inclusion in the guide.
When it comes to buying gifts, whether for the upcoming festive season, for a birthday or special occasion or simply as a kind gesture, some people are much easier to buy than others. If you’ve been tasked with buying for someone that can be tricky, find some inspiration from our alternative gift guide for that person who has it all.
Something Practical
If the person you are buying for isn’t keen on trinkets and mementoes, taking your budget into account, consider the gift of something practical. This might be a between-seasons coat, Moscow mule mugs, paying off a bill for the year, covering a car insurance payment or simply offering to come to help out around the house for a few days. It’s a bit of a different present to the usual fall-back of gift cards and vouchers but is a bit more thoughtful and useful.
Something Charitable
Charity is a wonderful gesture, and when you do your part to help someone in need, it offers all sorts of nice feelings and emotions. Make a donation in someone’s name to a cause that is close to their heart or, if your budget allows, several contributions to some good causes or charities. There are plenty of options available, from hafiz sponsors, animal adoptions and orphan sponsorship to food pantry donations and Christmas toy drives.
Something Edible
Edible gifts are great for the person who has everything they want or needs in life and putting together a hamper or gift box of treats is a fun experience for everyone involved. Spend time finding some of their favourite treats, include these in the box and then include a variety of other sweet or savoury snacks that are similar or offer a completely different taste experience. Pre-filled hampers are available if you know roughly what they like but not the specifics or if they are the kind of person who likes to try something new likes a Japanese snack subscription box.
Something Exclusive
Everyone wants something exclusive or to be a part of something exclusive, which is why purchasing memberships or access to exclusive events can be a gratefully received gift. Memberships can be something like a specialist museum, a network of outdoor centres, a one-of-a-kind activity or event, or even just a piece of limited-edition merchandise from a personal interest.
Something Subscribed
Subscription boxes are all the rage at the moment and have expanded to include a ton of options from coffee samples to arts and crafts to secrets and puzzles to even full outfits. Subscriptions don’t need to be long lasting, they can last for a month, a quarter, half a year, or if you are feeling generous (or the box is a great value!), you could even sign them up for an entire year.
Something Active
Experience days are a fantastic gift idea and can expose people to things they would never have dreamed of doing in the past, whether that’s something exciting like a hot air balloon ride or skydiving or something useful such as a cooking class or a photography learning session. There are plenty of fun activities to choose from, including wine tastings, jewellery crafting, tickets to a local event or even exclusive behind the scenes sessions at a local zoo. There is bound to be an experience or activity that aligns with their interest to choose from!
Gift-giving should be a fun experience, not stressful so if you truly get stuck, get someone on your side to get some gift inspiration from your intended receiver. To make events like office secret Santa easier, consider getting each attendee or staff member to complete a slip with their name, interests and a few things they hope to receive this year (within the allotted budget). Most importantly, enjoy the process of finding that perfect or interesting gift and seeing their reaction when you finally get to hand it over!
More gift guides to explore
- Top 5 Ideas To Give Perfect Corporate Gifts
- 6 Gift Ideas for Mums Who Have Everything
- 5 Gifts for a Pet Lover
