Maybe it’s your dad. (Mine usually ended up getting socks and candy for Christmas.) Maybe it’s your co-worker. (Gift card, anyone?)
We all have at least one person on our shopping list that is…well, nearly impossible to shop for. Gift ideas for them might be so challenging that we consider moving them to the naughty list just so we can get them a lump of coal and be done with it.
But…the fact is, we want to get them a present anyway. Something that says I care about you and thought of you this season. Something that makes them smile. SOMEthing…but we don’t know what.
I have good news. You can stop beating your head with a candy cane to try to come up with a good idea. Here are six.
A Universal Yum
Universal Yums is marketed as “A tasty trip – Travel to a different country each month…with your mouth!”
You can give one box or a subscription for 3-12 months. The recipient gets to try treats from a different part of the world in each box. (It’s way better than the jelly-of-the-month club!)
A Cozy (And Personalized?) Blanket
It gets cold almost everywhere, right? And even if someone already has a trunk full of blankets, they eventually wear out (or get so covered in a permanent layer of cat hair that they need to be replaced).
You could go with a neutral design or their favorite color. Or you could get really creative and give them a personalized blanket. Maybe they like Star Wars, or the ocean, or unicorns. Or…make it truly personalized and create a photo blanket through a service like Shutterfly.
A Good Read
Send them on an adventure, or help them discover new insights, or simply make them smile. Books are great for all ages! Here are some ideas for the kids and grown-ups on your list.
Grown-ups:
Friendship
- Perfect Friendships for Imperfect People
Discovering the True Meaning of Biblical Friendship – Great for personal reflection or group study.
Christian Living
- The Compass Guided Life
Feeling exhausted from trying to do it all? Instead of finding balance…get guidance. - 24 Ways Book Series
Living out the Greatest Commandment every hour of every day (Get the whole series for just $24!)
Poetry
- Random Thoughts
Collection of inspirational poetry, Scripture, and photography that offers hope for the struggling heart
Kids:
Picture books – Ages 3-7
- T-Rex In My Closet
How many dinosaurs are hiding behind that door? Filled with counting, rhyming, and illustrations that will make you giggle.
- Patch’s Igloo Adventure
Filled with fun sound words that bring the story to life. Whee! What silly, salty creatures will Patch meet as he leaves the South Pole in search of a new home?
A Nice Smell
Who doesn’t like nice smells? Candles are great for just about everyone. They come in just about every scent you can imagine. And they’re priced from economical whiffs to luxury aromas. Pick your smell. Pick your color. Pick your size. It’s hard to go wrong.
A Big Bag
Who doesn’t need a nice, sturdy tote every now and then? Just like the blanket, this gift can be plain and neutral, or you can choose to personalize. Either way, it’s useful and thoughtful. (And if they’re a cat owner, it’s a gift for their pet, too, who will love climbing inside the bag.)
A Blank Page
Yes, we’re all digital now. So, when I say “get them stationery,” I’m not suggesting the pretty paper with floral designs or monogrammed envelopes. (Although that could be a good fit for some!)
What I’m talking about is more practical, everyday paper. Fun sticky notes. Magnet note pads for the fridge. A journal or doodle pad. You could even put together a goodie bag filled with a variety of notepads and sticky notes. (Maybe fill that tote bag with fun stationery!)
Have other solutions for the hard-to-shop-for? I’d love to hear them!
Post in the comments below to share your gift ideas!



