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10 People That Are Notoriously Hard to Shop For – And the Gifts That Save the Day

Geraldine Orentas
ByGeraldine OrentasNov 7, 2023

Let's face it, we all have those people in our lives who are notoriously hard to shop for. Whether it's the friend who seems to have it all or the family member with a peculiar taste, finding the perfect gift gives me severe anxiety! But fear not, I've done some homework for you and found foolproof gift ideas to make everyone on your list happy. So, here's to kissing gift-giving anxiety goodbye and hello to being the ultimate gift-giver!

1. The Green Thumb Mother-in-Law

The Gift That Saves the Day: My Garden Box 🪴

We all know the type: the mother-in-law who has a magical touch when it comes to plants. Get a subscription that delivers a unique, seasonally-themed garden box to her doorstep! Each box comes with plants, tools, and a step-by-step planting guide. I love this because it's not just a gift; it's an experience.

2. The Dorm-Dweller

box filled with snacks

The Gift That Saves the Day: SnackSack 🍫

While you can go the usual route of gifting some generic dorm decor, that's not really as fun! The SnackSack subscription box sends them a curation of unique, healthy snacks delivered right to their dorm. It's the perfect blend of convenience and variety and much more delicious than some cheeky dorm decor piece!

3. The New Age Aunt

woman holding tarot card

The Gift That Saves the Day: Goddess Provisions 🔮

We all have that one aunt who's a free spirit and always up-to-date with all things mystical. Trust me, she doesn't want another funky kaftan or whimsical scarf. The Goddess Provisions box is a monthly subscription curated to nurture the soul. Each box includes crystals, aromatherapy, vegan beauty, and spiritual tools. You'll be instantly upgraded to favorite niece or nephew when she sees this.

4. The Friend Who's More Into Experiences Than Things

escape box

The Gift That Saves the Day: Escape the Crate 🧩

These are the most demanding people to give to, in my opinion. They'd rather go on a hike, visit a museum, or try some crazy adventure I'm usually not a part of! A traditional gift just doesn't cut it for them. The Escape the Crate subscription delivers an escape room adventure to their home. Each box has unique, interactive storylines with puzzles, clues, and codes to track. It's a fun gift option that they'll enjoy – and doesn't involve you waking up at 4 a.m. to go hike somewhere.

5. The Dad Who Doesn't Know What He Wants

bbq rubs and sauces next to a box

The Gift That Saves the Day: Grill Masters Club 🥩

Gifting my dad or my father-in-law is one of my biggest nightmares. Even when you've asked them a million times, they either claim they don't want anything or give you the ever-so-helpful, "I don't know, surprise me." But the Grill Masters Club subscription box is guaranteed to make them happy. They'll get premium grilling and BBQ goods like spice blends, delicious sauces, and grilling accessories each month. They'll be happy, and let's face it, the whole family benefits when dad's grilling skills are on point.

6. The Mom Who Insists She Doesn't Need Anything

seen from above, a woman holds a box that says TheraBox

The Gift That Saves the Day: TheraBox

Like all moms, my mom is the first to say, "Oh, I don't need anything." But deep down, she knows she deserves a little pampering. The TheraBox subscription is perfect for her. Each box comes with 6-8 wellness goodies to reduce stress and promote self-care. From organic skincare to motivational books and more, this box is a cute and gentle reminder for moms that it's OK to take some me-time and indulge in self-love.

7. The Geeky Uncle

seen from above, a man holding comic books

The Gift That Saves the Day: Comic Garage Box 🤓

To the one who introduced you to the world of comics, superheroes, and all things geek. He already has the whole t-shirt collection, so why even bother? The Comic Garage subscription box is a gift that will surprise them. Each box delivers 10 premium comic books curated for their interests. Whether he's into Marvel, DC, or indie publishers, this box has got him covered.

8. The Picky Toddler

little learners items

The Gift That Saves the Day: Little Learners Busy Box 👶

Gifting toddlers is so, darn, difficult. They're usually more interested in the box the toy comes in than the toy itself. The Little Learners Busy Box is great because it includes fun and educational activities. Each box is designed to help them improve fine motor skills and encourage creative play, from sorting and stacking to coloring and counting. The best part? All the materials are included, and no prep work is needed from busy parents. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

9. The TikTok Obsessed Niece

makeup next to a card that says slay glam box

The Gift that Saves the Day: Slay Glam Box 💄

As a beauty editor, my nieces are always stopping by to get some free makeup and skincare. But they're seriously obsessed with TikTok trends, and I can barely keep up! If you have nieces that fit that description, the Slay Glam Box is the ultimate gift. Each month, they'll get 5-7 full-sized beauty products. Whether she's into bold eyeshadows or is on the hunt for the perfect lip gloss, this box has it all.

10. The Hipster Uncle

man puttin on a vinyl record with a box that says vinyl moon

The Gift That Saves the Day: Vinyl Moon 💿

Raise your hand if you have that one uncle who introduced you to the best bands in music history. Sure, you can give them another CD, but I'm 99.99% sure they'll have it. The Vinyl Moon Membership is the perfect gift for the uncle who thinks he's seen (and heard) it all. This subscription service delivers a curated, limited-edition vinyl record to his door every month. Each record features 10 songs from up-and-coming musicians and is pressed on color vinyl with custom-designed jackets, how cool is that?!

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Geraldine Orentas
Geraldine Orentas

I'm a Miami-based copywriter and content creator who is healthily obsessed with skincare and wellness. I share my acne-healing journey and brand reviews without filters and let you in on my vibrant life in the city. When I'm not testing a new sunscreen or lost in another K-drama, I'm cuddling with my senior German Shepherd or cooking something with my husband.