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We all have that picky person on our gift list. Forget the gift cards and check out these thoughtful gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for!
You know that relative who has everything she needs? Or that friend who’s ultra-picky? Stop giving them gift cards and start giving them unique, thoughtful gifts they’ll actually use (and love)!
My Secret for Finding Gift Ideas for People Who Are Hard to Shop For
I have a loved one or 5 who are difficult to shop for. As a result, I learned this one little trick that ensures I always get them something they’ll use and enjoy.
I choose gifts that fulfill a universal need, or that fall into a category that almost everyone likes. Because of this trick, it’s super easy for me to come up with gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for!
Not quite sure what I mean by “universal need” or a category that everyone likes? No worries. Below, I’ve rounded up 8 awesome gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for. I also explained exactly why I chose each gift, and how my little rule applies.
8 Perfect Gift Ideas for People Who Are Hard to Shop For
These 8 universally-pleasing gifts are sure to please even the pickiest recipient.
Murchison-Hume Counter Safe All-Purpose Cleaner
Surprised to find a cleaning product on this list? Hear me out. You’d probably agree that everyone needs a clean home. You might also agree that your picky pal is a bit of a neat freak!
Murchison-Hume Counter Safe all-purpose cleaner is one of the greatest gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for. Everyone needs clean counters, and Counter Safe gets counters and more looking great. There’s that universal need I was talking about! Trust me, though, this isn’t any bottle of Windex!
Counter Safe is safe to use on any surface that isn’t harmed by water (Including wood and natural stone). The Original Fig scent is pleasant without being overbearing – it smells like an expensive skincare product. Plus, the packaging is stylish and understated enough to fit in with any décor. This product is my go-to for general cleaning, and I use it in my home every single day.
High-Quality Olive Oil
Another of my favorite gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for is a bottle of high-quality olive oil. Unless your picky person eats out 100% of the time, chances are that a bottle of olive oil will come in handy. See? Universal need! Well, almost.
I’m not talking about the $5.99 bottle you buy at the grocery store. I mean superior quality, 100% olive oil that actually tastes like olives! Did you know that olive oil fraud is a thing? That’s right – up to 80% of EVOO sold in the US does not meet legal grades for extra-virgin olive oil!
Impress that hard-to-shop-for person with a bottle of high-quality, 100% extra-virgin olive oil. This article provides some tips for buying quality olive oil. My personal favorite is Talcott Olive Oil, grown and pressed in Napa Valley, California. I love it so much that I have several bottles shipped quarterly. I use it for cooking, and, yes, as gifts for those ever-picky people.
Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Solution and Brush
What else does everyone need? Clean shoes – universal need! This premium shoe cleaning brush and solution from Jason Markk is versatile and high-quality. As a result, it will get even the most refined shoe collection looking great in no time. It’s one of the most practical gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for.
It’s safe on leather, suede, nubuck, nylon, canvas, vinyl, rubber, cloth. Plus, it’s rated 4.5 stars on Amazon, so it’s sure to please even the most particular among us!
Dritz Sweater Stone
The next item on the list of gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for addresses more of a universal annoyance than a universal need.
Anyone who owns sweaters understands the irritation of balled up sweater fibers clinging to the garment for dear life – also known as pilling. The solution? A sweater stone!
Sweater stones work by gently grabbing and removing pilling from sweaters, so they look like new again. They’re a great addition to any closet, and they make a wonderfully useful gift as a result. Give your discerning loved one the gift of great-looking sweaters all winter long!
The Laundress Fabric Fresh
Ready for something in a category that everyone loves? Great-smelling clothes!
The Laundress Fabric Fresh is like an elevated version of Febreze. The fresh, clean laundry scent is perfect for furniture, throw pillows, duvets covers, and even jeans in between washes. Even the choosiest person has to admit that the smell of clean laundry is amazing.
Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel Book
Another category that everyone loves? Looking at travel pictures! That makes Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel one of the best gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for.
This exciting hard-bound book lists the world’s top 500 must-see sights. It’s full of beautiful photos and interesting facts about world-famous monuments, plus hidden gems. Whether the recipient is a jet setter or stays close to home, she’ll be mesmerized by the wonders this book documents.
Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salt
Another category that almost everyone loves? Bath salts. Even if your picky person is a guy, this is one of the best gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for.
Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salt in eucalyptus are perfect for both men and women. They soothe aching joints and muscles. The eucalyptus scent is also soft and relaxing. Way beyond your average Epsom salt!
I’ve used Ahava bath salts on and off for a long time, and they’re one of my favorites. I’ve given them as gifts also, and they always go over well. They’re definitely a favorite in my household!
Mario Badescu Facial Spray Duo
A cool mist of refreshing facial spray is a lovely micro-luxury. This duo of Mario Badescu’s best-selling facial sprays is the most affordably luxurious of my gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for. They work for all skin types, providing a refreshing, hydrating mist. Perfect for that 2 p.m. lull when both skin and mood need a pick-me-up.
The best part? When you gift the duo, your picky person can be extra picky and use whichever she likes best! Both the Rosewater and Cucumber Green Tea are top sellers at premium beauty retailers. They’re so popular that stores like Sephora and Ulta keep them up by the register! I was just in Ulta yesterday, saw them at the front of the store, and decided they needed to be on this list.
Gift Ideas For People Who Are Hard to Shop For: Conclusion
We all know someone who is hard to shop for. My favorite trick is to find gifts that either fill a universal need, or fall into a category or style of products that most everyone loves, and the gifts above all fit the bill! I hope my list of 8 gift ideas for people who are hard to shop for has helped you find the perfect gift for your discerning loved one. To recap, here’s a quick list of my 8 picks:
- Murchison-Hume Counter Safe all-purpose cleaner
- High-quality olive oil
- Jason Markk premium shoe cleaning solution and brush
- Dritz sweater stone
- The Laundress Fabric Fresh
- Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel
- Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salt in eucalyptus
- Duo of Mario Badescu’s best-selling facial sprays
Be sure to check out all of the gifts above!
If you liked this gift guide, you should check out my others as well!
Well a guess you made it! Me myself am a very picky person and I have to tell I’d love to get one of these things from anyone. 😂 What I usually do I give some hints for the relatives for any occasion but I usually get something boring from them so definately would need the world more articles like this 👍🏻😄 Great job! 😉 I think quality is also a key. No matter what you buy if it is multy purpose, useful and great quality you can’t go wrong.