Gifts for Anyone and Everyone - Even if They are Hard to Shop For
by 19 people |
Ranked #315 in Shopping, #2,337 overall
What to Give When You Don't Know What to Give
The Old Standbys
By the way, I steer away from bottles of wine and lottery tickets, the wine because you never know who either has a problem with liquor (they don't drink or can't drink) and the lottery tickets because how would you feel if they won $300,000?
Either way, the key with this type of gift is to include the gift receipt . . . just in case.
Giftscriptions Magazine Gift Certificate: 50 Choice Magazine Collection
This is probably my favorite new item to come out - a gift that lets the person who gets it pick a specific magazine subscription. You get credit for buying a good gift, he (or she) gets something that is wanted.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) 
What Einstein Told His Barber: More Scientific Answers to Everyday Questions
Most small sized books with a quirky title fit the bill for this type of gift.
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 12/18/2009)
For Those Who Like Quirky, Fun, Superfluous, or Just Plain Stupid Gifts
- Fitzsu Society
- This link takes you to Fitzu Society's specials page, but take some time to check out their whole site - it's a lot of fun. It's more unusual than wacky; more upscale than the other stores listed here. If you are in the L.A. area, you can go to their brick-and-mortar store.
- Exit9 Gift Emporium (in NYC)
- I wandered into Exit9 Gift Emporium about two years ago while roaming around Alphabet City and immediately fell in love. I can't categorize them except to say that their selection is varied and just cool. They say that their mission is to provide creative and inspirational gifts to a world that is quickly becoming a department store; that they comb the streets of faraway cities and dusty villages to bring you fantastic and exciting products. I can verify that.
- Gardens-in-a-Bag from WishingFish.com
- Choose from lavendar, parsley, basil, tomatoes, strawberries, pansies, and more. You really can grow them right from a bag.
- Moon Shine Trading Company.
- I know I may be the only person who thinks that honey makes a great gift, but I don't care. MSTC are makers of gourmet honey and honey products including fine varietal honeys, select nut butters, fabulous honey fruit spreads and honey in the straw. I think they're great.
For Someone Who Doesn't Have a Lot of Time
or for someone who doesn't have a lot of money
Spa-In-A-Basket With Honey Vanilla Scent, Comfy Slippers, And Massage Tool
At home spa gifts are nice, but to really make someone's day, go to SpaWish.com or SpaFinder.com and get him or her a gift certificate that is good for spas all over the country. And yes, this really is a good gift for a man as well as a woman.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House
This is by far the best book on housekeeping that I have ever come across and it makes a good gift in and of itself, but it is in this list to represent you going out and buying a Spring Cleaning at your local Merry Maids (or other comparable service) for someone. Make sure that the business you hire is bonded.
Amazon Price: $14.36 (as of 12/18/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
For Someone Who Likes Games
but not someone who loves them
Taboo
This is my weakness - word games that can be used at parties. I love Taboo. I also love Balderdash and Scattegories and Pictionary (which is not exactly a word game).
Amazon Price: $31.98 (as of 12/19/2009)
Mille Bornes Collectors Edition
Don't be fooled by the fancy French title. This game is a little complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun. You can play with 2, 3, 4 or 6 players, but I'd recommend four. This is the fancy collectors edition and it's pretty inexpensive, but you can also get just the card part for a little less money.
Amazon Price: $14.02 (as of 12/19/2009)
Apples to Apples Party Box - The Game of Hilarious Comparisons
I have never played Apples to Apples, but I used to work at a toy store, and we had a lot of people come in and request it. Also, my (adult) sister loves it. There is a kid's version as well.
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Guess Who? Board Game
This is a kids game, but it's not torturous for adults to play - it's pretty fun. It's also a game for two players, which has is sometimes necessary. Another good game for two players is Connect Four.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
For Someone Who Likes to Cook
MIU Stainless-Steel Professional Mandoline Slicer
My mom highly recommends this kitchen gadget with the funny name of mandoline. It makes slicing everything from carrots to potatoes a snap.
Amazon Price: $109.20 (as of 12/19/2009)
Metrokane Rabbit Wine Opener Tool Kit, Silver
I know this isn't really a kitchen gadget, but everyone I know who has a rabbit wine opener swears by it.
Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, Silver
Apparently, recipes come out twice as good if you weigh the ingredients instead of measuring them by volume - it's simply more accurate. This is especially true for baking.
There are a bunch of scales on Amazon. This one had hundreds of ratings, almost all at 5 stars and it comes in three different colors. Two AAA batteries are included.
Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Mix and Match
- For the disorganized, try a filing cabinet.
- For the really disorganized, hire a professional organizer to come in and do the grunt work.
- For the t.v.-aholic, get a book with information about what happens behind the scenes of one of his/her favorite shows. Better yet, see if you can arrange a visit to the studio.
- To be continued . . . .
For Someone Who Likes to (or Has to) Travel
- Airplane Chair Covers
- What they say: Add style, comfort and value to airline travel! PlaneSheetsTM are an innovative and practical way to personalize your travel space. These cozy, machine-washable fabric seat covers fit securely over the headrest, allowing easy seat belt access. Great designer prints and plush fabrics to choose from. For the traveler wishing to simplify, PlaneSheetsTM also offers an inexpensive, recyclable product that may either be disposed of after the flight or washed and reused, if desired. Add flair to flying with PlaneSheets
What I say: You may look geeky, but at least you won't have to worry about plane cooties. - Magellen's Travel Supplies
- There are all sorts of traveling goodies here, separated into two dozen categories, including a section just for gifts. I especially like the "First Class Sleeper" which is an inflatable half bed to make flying coach comfortable (I may have to get that for myself because if it works, it would be well worth the $30).
- Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones
- C-NET, which for my money is probably the best reviewing site online, gave the QC2 headphones an 8/10 - the best out of any of the noice cancelling headphones. You are looking at a hefty price tag, but travelers swear by them.
- FLIGHT 001
- They have a page that helps you pick out gifts at this just-for-travelers shop, but in general, they have a lot of fun and functional items with neat and spare designs.
For Someone who Likes to Watch Birds
Bushnell Powerview 10x32 Compact Folding Binocular
This is a great small binocular that you can just toss in a bag and go.
Amazon Price: $21.90 (as of 12/18/2009)
Used Price: $13.83
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
100 Birds to See Before You Die
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 12/18/2009)
Used Price: $7.90
Usually ships in 24 hours
Bushnell Natureview 8x40 Porro Prism Birding Binocular
Amazon Price: $51.99 (as of 12/18/2009)
Used Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
M-51 Engineers Field & Laptop Bag - Olive Drab
Amazon Price: $26.76 (as of 12/18/2009)
Used Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Late for the Sky Bird -Opoly
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/18/2009)
Used Price:
Usually ships in 24 hours
For Someone Who Likes to Write
My favorite gift to give a writer is a glass blown pen that can be dipped in ink and written with. It is beautiful and very elegant. These pens are nice to write with or good just for displaying. You may also want to pick up a matching ink well.
Another good gift (credit to Kristine in New York for suggesting it) is a magazine subscription to a literary magazine. There are too many magazines to mention and it is going to depend on what kind of writing your gift receiver likes and what you think he or she is going to do with the gift (wants to know what is out there in order to publish, etc.). Try googling "literary magazine" and one other word that describes your person and you have something to go on.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
For People Getting Married
or engaged
- The best thing to give newlyweds is cash to use for their honeymoon - just make sure they are going to open the envelopes before they go away. For fun, give them small bills to use as tips when they are away. For extra flair, get all the ones made into a pad, like a pad of paper so that they can actually peel off money as they go along.
- As uncreative as you might find it, the other good thing to give people who are getting married is something off of their registry. Yes it won't be a big surprise, but it will definitely be something they want because they are the ones who put it there.
Most places with registries will allow the couple to buy things that have not been purchased on their registry at a discount after their event has passed, so you might want to think about getting a gift certificate instead of an actual item to make your gift "go further."
. . . and Baby Makes Three
or more
The problem with shopping for babies is that everything for them is so cute I want to buy everything. Since that is not practical, I have made a few rules for myself.
Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Brown/ White
I just got this for my newest niece and I didn't even know that apparently, this is the big thing among the teething set. The best part about it (I think) is that it's handmade from all natural flexible rubber and non-toxic paint. There are no chemicals softener; parabens, PVC, phtalates, BPA (bisphenol-A) and nitrosamines. I can't believe that Amazon doesn't put that anywhere.
Amazon Price: $18.39 (as of 12/19/2009)
Miracle Blanket – Baby Swaddling Blanket – Beige
I first heard about this swaddling blanket by chance several years ago, but apparently it's made a big hit since then. I wish I had known about it when my nephew was colicky. Maybe my sister would have gotten more sleep!
I know it doesn't look like much, because I got the most neutral one there, but there are a variety of colors and it can be a lifesaver.
Amazon Price: $29.90 (as of 12/19/2009)
Trumpette Peewee Argyle 0-12 Months
Actually, there is no need to go for these specific socks, they're just super cute. I've found that parents can never have too many socks or too many onesies.
Amazon Price: $24.00 (as of 12/19/2009)
From Head to Toe Board Book
My favorite Eric Carle book is A Very Hungry Caterpillar, but the only baby I know prefers this book, so I am going with From Head to Toe. When buying books for a baby, unless you are buying for a permanent collection, I suggest buying board books; they're made for sucking on, which is a favorite past time of the under one set.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Country Oak Finish Wood Glider Rocker Rocking Chair w/Ottoman
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Music for Your Teenager
Two Suggestions
I just came up with this the other day, so it isn't a tried and true method, but give it a shot and let me know how it goes:
- Find the MySpace page of the teenager in question. (If you don't know it, click on the MySpace link above, click on the "Search" tab that is in between the browse and invite tabs on the bar directly under the MySpace logo. Go to "Find a Friend" and try to find your teen. You can use a name or an email address.)
- Each MySpace page has the option for a song to play when anyone accesses the page. Take note of the artist and song.
- Buy an album from that same artist. Make sure to get a gift receipt in case the giftee already has the CD.
- If all goes as planned, expect a stunned teenager with a newfound idea of how cool you are.
- Go to www.Pandora.com, an offshoot of the Music Genome Project.
- Type in the song you have found, or if they don't have a record of that, try the artist. Pandora will analyze it and come up with other artists and songs like the one you have entered.
- Pick an album from an artist that they subsequently play.
- If all goes well, prepared to have a shocked teenager who will have no idea how you were able to come up with something he or she actually likes.
Suggestion Two
Jessica in California wrote in to suggest buying a gift certificate at iTunes so that the music lover can download songs directly to his or her iPod. Before you do this, though, make sure that said person has an iPod.
The (High School) Graduate
who is off to college
- Roll of quarters for laundry and/or vending machines.
- Coffee warmer for when the cafeteria is closed and all you have is soup mix. Also for coffee.
- A digital camera.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
- Sweatshirt and other paraphernalia from new school. Extra points if you contact the school store and have it delivered to the student the first week of school.
Three's a Crowd . . . So Is Four
and five
Keep in mind that some people are very particular about others not touching their food, especially with the flu going around. I recently discovered Cheryl & Company. They have very yummy cookies, and they are individually wrapped. I just ordered some for the office.
Or just order one of the things below.
Popcorn Trio - Wisconsin Cheeseman
You'll get the most bang for your buck with any kind of popcorn tin. The traditional assortment is butter, chedder, and caramel popcorns, but some tins have up to seven compartments with different snack foods in them. Best of all, it lasts a long time with enough for a bunch of people.
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Very Special Liquor Filled Chocolate Bottles 48 Piece Holiday Gift Box
These are just very cute and very cool. Also, I got these for my grandparents last year for their New Year's party and they LOVED them. I couldn't believe it. I'm not even sure that they actually served them at the party.
Amazon Price: $28.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Good News
of a sort
Sometimes, all you really need to do is show up.
For a White Elephant Gift Exchange
or a Yankee Swap
For those of you who don't know, a "white elephant gift exchange is a popular party game played during the winter holiday season in the United States. The objective of the game is for guests of a party to each contribute one gift to the game, and ultimately each guest walks away with one gift from the game. Along the way is a random drawing to determine the order in which players get to unwrap gifts or 'steal' previously opened gifts." (from Wikipedia.com)
Gifts are generally capped in the $10-$15 range.
What you give is going to depend on what type of party you are going to. Is this a gathering of friends, who would appreciate an Action Figure Jesus doll (something I once received) or are you better off getting a $10 gift card to Blockbuster's paired with some microwave popcorn? Your call.
GrumpyOldLady wrote in to remind me that most people use "gifts" that are already at home that they don't want for a White Elephant gift exchange. (See comment in guest book below.) This is true in many cases, but it is not necessarily true for a Yankee Swap, which is almost exactly the same thing.
SET Game
I used to work in a toy store and was surprised at how well liked this Mensa-winning game is with both children and adults. Everyone I know who has played it has ended up buying it for someone else as a gift.
Amazon Price: $9.58 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Natural Knitter: How to Choose, Use, and Knit Natural Fibers from Alpaca to Yak
Amazon Price: $24.70 (as of 12/19/2009)
ALBERT EINSTEIN ACTION FIGURE
How could I resist? Accoutrements has a whole assortment of action figures that range from Edgar Allen Poe to Jane Austen to Crazy Cat Lady and beyond. It's a fun little gift that makes people laugh.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
For the (Invisible) Men in Your Life
and Women
Don't confuse this with year-end tips for the doorman or nanny. They should get a lot more because they do a lot more and are serving far fewer people. Go with cash for these indispensable people in your life. Rates vary with location; ask around. A good article on cnn.com talks about this.
Try a box of specialty chocolates. Perhaps no one in his right mind would spend that much money for candy for himself, but it makes for a very classy gift. (Thanks to Michelle Slatalla of The New York Times for the suggestion.)
or
Showtime Gift Basket & Blockbuster Card
This is less sophisticated than the Popcorn for a Movie Gift Box above, but it comes with a Blockbuster card already included and the popcorn already popped.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
For Teachers
I can't believe no one reminded me to give something to the teachers!
Teachers are underappreciated and are happy to receive anything, but all of the teachers I know have enough mugs and aren't making what they are worth. It doesn't have to be anything listed here, but why not give them something that isn't going to collect dust?
And don't forget religious school teachers. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive, but a little something would be nice for them as well.
Amazon.com $50 Gift Card (0109)
Actually, you can get any amount between $5 and $5,000 and you can pick your own card design.
Amazon Price: $50.00 (as of 12/19/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Dining Gift Certificate 3-Course Dinner for Two
Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
A Word on ReGifting
If you get a gift that you don't want and can't return, what are you supposed to do with it? There aren't that many options, but regifting is one of them.
I am very much in favor of regifting when done with panache. Some people feel slighted when they receive a gift that you didn't shop for. I feel that if you see something you think someone would like, even if it is something that someone else gave to you.
Things for My 6-year-old Nephew
Straight From the Horse's Mouth (so to speak)
John, Paul, George & Ben (Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards (Awards))
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 12/19/2009)
Little Einsteins: Musical Missions
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Brain Quest Grade 1
Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 12/19/2009)
Leapster Arcade: Number Raiders
This is one of about eight Leapster things he would like. Leapster has educational toys, so you can't go too wrong.
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Legos for Girls (ages 5ish to 10ish)
Legos Your Brother Won't "Borrow"
LEGO Pink Brick Box Large (5560)
Amazon Price: $37.49 (as of 12/19/2009)
List Price: $29.99
Of course, legos are an old standby, but I didn't find out about these new pink legos until my seven year old niece asked for them as a gift.
Random Amazon Gifts that I am Thinking of Buying
and I will tell you for whom
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
I want to get this for my boss when it comes out in paperback because she is a runner. Part of the appeal is that it basically says that all those fancy running shoes might be quite bad for you - certainly wore than running barefoot.
Amazon Price: $12.46 (as of 12/19/2009)
Bucky Balls
I saw these on scientificsonline.com and am thinking of getting them for my nephew. I know he wants games for his DS, but I don't want to give him those. I must be a the mean aunt.
Amazon Price: $30.85 (as of 12/19/2009)
ChipsAndGames Premium Set of 500 3-Tone Diamond Suited Poker Chips with 6 dealer buttons & More
For poker play. Yee haw!
Amazon Price: $179.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Tell Me What You Want
What You Really, Really Want
or just drop a line
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Reply
- pinkpig pinkpig Dec 4, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
- Great lens! thanks for link to really cool funky gifts.
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Reply
- Ashley Ashley Apr 14, 2009 @ 8:25 pm
- I really want an iPod!
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Reply
- jaktraks jaktraks Jul 27, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
- I like your suggestions and had fun browsing. I'm going to lensroll this to my Gifts That Feed the Soul lens!
- Load More
Other Good Gift Lenses on Squidoo
I don't want this lens to get too long and there is some good work being done elsewhere. Look below for other ideas. The "Really Cool Funky Gifts" lens if for my Squidoo friends in the UK.-
Unique Giraffe Gifts
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I love giraffes! Don't ask me why. I love animals, so surrounding myself with them in my home is comforting. The giraffe is not an animal you would think of as a pet, but I would love to have a pet giraffe!
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Really cool funky gifts
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Pink Pig has been rooting round the internet for really cool gifts, and has found great tshirts, fun bookends, cool jewellery, and other goodies on the web. I've tried to save you hours trawling the web to find great gift ideas by bypassing the m...
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Gifts for Guys
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We have managed to find a few unique "manly gifts" for that impossible guy in your life.
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Great Gift Ideas for Gardeners
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Searching for the perfect unique gift for that picky gardener in your life can be a challenge. That's why as a fellow gardener, I would like to give you a hand at finding that perfect gift. I have come up with ideas for all types of gardeners. Those...
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Top 10 Best Green Gift Ideas 2009
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Looking for Eco-friendly gift ideas? You've come to the right place! The desire to "go green" has impacted the way people shop for everything from clothing, to food, to cars, to pet products. We have scoured the green scene, to roundup...
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