Christmas Gifts for the Impossible-to-Buy-for Person

Everyone has at least one person on their Christmas gift list that has said, "I don't want you to get me anything this Christmas." Do they really mean that or are they telling you something else? It has been my experience that they are saying something else but don't know how to express it. They often have everything they want and can't think of anything they would really like, but they don't want to feel left out either. Those types of people often say to others not to bother getting them a gift because they think they are doing the gift giver a favor but in reality they do want something. So what types of gifts can you get people like that?

Gifts for people that seem to have everything are really easy to buy for it just takes a little forethought on your part. Does the person have a favorite hobby or food? Do they need help or live alone? Those simple questions can give you some insight into what to get them.

I have a brother-in-law that use to be impossible to buy a gift for, that was until I found out his expensive tastes for foods. One year I bought him about 8 cans of smoked oysters and put them in a gift basket along with cheeses and crackers. For years after that he would tell the rest of the family how much he enjoyed that gift. Another family member loves cashews and those Lindt chocolates. Needless to say she got enough of both to last more than a month. Just finding out what foods they like you can put together a unique and appreciated gift. The true secret of the food gift is in the presentation. By putting it in a fancy basket with colored plastic and lots of ribbon lets the gift receiver know they are special. That same type of presentation can be adapted for all of you hard to buy for people.

What about people that have food allergies or you just are not sure about their food preferences? Do they have a hobby? If they do, have they expressed a need or desire for an item? How about tickets to a convention that is devoted to their hobby? If you dig deep enough you can find out what they really want for their hobby.

Another gift that is very much appreciated is the gift of time. Print up some fancy gift certificates that entitle the holder to:
> A trip to the doctors' office
> A day out
> Lunch and a walk in the park
> Running errands for a day
> An exercise buddy
> Redo their resume'
> Scan in their old photos and make a digital slide show or movie from them.
> Yard work for a month, day or week

If you know how to play the piano, draw, knit, sew, swim or anything you can teach then offer some of your time to teach the gift receiver. You are giving something of yourself, your time and your company to the person.

Lastly if the person is facing a hard time with their bills, offer to pay a month of their electric bill or fill up their gas tank in their car. A gift card from the local grocery store will be used faster than a gift card from a high end clothing store or book store.

Shopping for the hard to buy for person is not a hard as you think you just need to put more thought into it.