Here are a few ideas for some special gifts for people who have everything or are hard to buy for. Good news – you can choose your price range.
One of the most difficult things about holidays, birthdays and special occasions is selecting the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person or couple. These circumstances should generate a plethora of unique ideas, but that isn’t always the case. To get that process started, here are a few thoughts on spawning great ideas and implementing them to perfection.
Generating Creative Gift Categories
Before getting into some specific gift choices, it can be helpful to think categorically about what the prospective gift recipients enjoy, do or discuss. For example, they enjoy history, genealogy, art, geocaching, museums, hiking or cooking. They attend sporting events, wine dinners, the theater, or some sort of classes. They discuss politics, pets, personal growth, religion or antiques. Perhaps they enjoy humor or travel, old cars or boats.
A Different Way to Think About Gifts
Keep in mind that gift items do not have to be expensive to be highly valued. And, the best part is that the gift giver gets to choose what level of gift to give. Sometimes the thought that goes into the gift is of much greater value to the recipient than any tangible gift money can buy. Often a gift can be extra special if it includes the gift giver or other important people. Or, it can involve a combination of quality time and a few token items.
Identifying Specialty Gifts
Some of the most treasured gifts are those that have a unique twist or flavor. As an example, a gift of specialty spices and a gift certificate for a cooking class would be a wonderful present. Attending the class with the recipient might be even better. Unique books will also make great gifts, especially if there is an added touch of a rare or unusual item. Both my husband and I love conversation books (or”Coffee Table” books); so a book about one of our favorite cities would be an awesome gift we could share! There are hundreds of ways to formulate a wonderful gift.
Make Yourselves or Others Part of the Gift
Sometimes the easiest gifts to give to those who are hard to buy for are adventure gifts. There are plenty of these to choose from, depending on the locality. As an example, older children might take the parents to Sunday brunch and a local museum. How about a casual bistro lunch and a matinee play? Perhaps they would enjoy a dinner cruise or wine pairing event. What about tickets to dinner at a comedy club or dinner theater? The possibilities are endless, but for those who already have almost everything, the gift of time together can be truly appreciated.
Packaging Your Gift
In some cases, it can seem awkward to give someone a unique gift of a specific adventure together, such as a Segway tour and cocktails afterward. But packaging can be a great part of giving the gift. There are plenty of websites that offer free stationery borders that can be used to create a special invitation or notice of the gift. A warm and heartfelt invitation will certainly be well received.
As an example, say something like, “As our gift to you, we would like you to join us on an adventure to Palm Springs for a ride on the Aerial Tramway and lunch at Mount San Jacinto State Park.” This invitation can include a simple notation that details will be determined once the date is set, or contain all of the particulars. Then place the invitation in an artistically decorated envelope and wrap it in a gift box with a decorative bow. These types of gifts are sure to be highly appreciated.
