Gift Guides: A Christmas Gift Guide for Difficult People

We’ve all got that someone on our holiday list. You know the one. The person who seemingly has everything, which in turn makes it impossible to buy them something useful let alone meaningful. Lucky for you, instead of stressing out while scrolling endlessly online or wandering the mall for hours, we’ve done the hard work for you.

The gift ideas on this list will make finding that special something for that equally special someone who’s difficult to buy for easier than ever. Read on to discover 15 gifts for those difficult to-buy-for people.

A set of three custom animal pins on a marble surface

Etsy

1 / 15

Custom pet pins

Is this difficult person obsessed with their cat or dog? If so, a custom-made pin depicting their beloved pet will be a hit. All that this UK maker needs is clear photo of the animal in question and a few weeks' time.

Custom Pet Pins, $18 at Etsy

New York Times

2 / 15

New York Times custom birthday book

Ever wonder what was happening in the world on the day you were born? The New York Times offers an incredibly unique service where it creates a coffee table tome that's filled with the front pages of its paper on the date that you request. It's a cool keepsake.

New York Times Custom Birthday Book, $190 at NY Times Store.

Charlottes Web first edition in hardcover

Alibris

3 / 15

First-edition books

Another item that you don't have to feel guilty for buying new: first-edition books. Figure out what title or series is meaningful to your special someone and start scouring. Again, this requires some work, but that's part of the fun. Still, there are many spots online where you can score original paperback titles.

Charlotte's Web First Edition, $51 at Alibris.

Yellow beeswax wraps with some vegetables wrapped with it

Amazon.ca

4 / 15

Reusable beeswax wraps

The reason some people are harder than others to buy for is because usually those tricky folks don't like collecting unnecessary stuff. These beeswax wraps, however, are actually handy, especially for those conscious of their plastic consumption. Plus, the price is right.

Bees Wax Food Storage Wrap 4-Pack, $18 at Amazon.ca.

A metal handmade bottle opener on a wooden surface

Simons

5 / 15

Handmade bottle opener

Handcrafted by Quebec-based artisan Thomas Lefebvre, this metal bottle opener is a statement in itself. Pair it with a six-pack of the giftee's go-to beer or cider and enjoy cracking a cold one together.

Handmade bottle opener, $35 at Simons.

Amazon.ca

6 / 15

Smart thermostat

If it's your dad who's the trickiest to buy for and he's one of those patriarchs who is particular about the thermostat staying at a certain degree, a smart thermostat will be a winner. These devices can be used manually, of course, but also come with built-in wifi and can be spoken to the same way you'd summon Alexa.

ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, $269 at Amazon.ca.

Amazon.ca

7 / 15

Ancestry test

Does this hard-to-buy-for individual not only have everything, but think they know everything, too? A DNA test, which can be done through a company like 23andMe, can be an incredibly powerful way for someone to learn more about their ancestry, as well as overall health. Prices vary, but entry-level options start at $115.

Health + Ancestry Test, $249 at Amazon.ca.

An animated photo of a family around a laptop doing a video call

Airbnb

8 / 15

An online experience

Rather give experiences, not things? Airbnb offers a variety of exciting online experiences from across the globe — including tarot readings, meditation sessions, cooking classes, scavenger hunts and much more. Many of these experiences can accommodate larger groups. So if you can't be together in person this holiday — an online experience can be a great way to re-connect and spend time together.

Online experience prices will vary at Airbnb.

A black picture frame with custom family art

Uncommon Goods

9 / 15

Customizable family print

Let artist Shelly Klein illustrate your family or friends crew into lovable 2-D artwork. Her design aesthetic is minimal and quirky and it's a one-of-a-kind gift for that hard-to-buy-for someone surely doesn't already have.

Customizable Family Print, starting at $109 at Uncommon Goods.

Simons

10 / 15

Made-in-Canada oyster shucker

If booze isn't your person's forte, maybe oysters are. Another handcrafted, made-in-Canada item that'll be a win for the foodie who's got it all: a wooden oyster shucker. Master woodworker Stéphane Dumont, who is based in Quebec, handmakes these shuckers from maple, which are designed to help safely open shells.

Wooden Oyster Shucker, $45 at Simons.

A Cricut Maker cutting fabric on a wooden surface with material surrounded it

Amazon.ca

11 / 15

Cricut Maker

Yes, this present comes with a hefty price tag, but hardcore DIYers on your list will lose it if they unwrap a box and see the Cricut Maker branding. The high-tech device can expertly cut over 100 different material types from leather to tissue and uses a variety of tools to cut, score and decorate.

Cricut Maker Machine, $480 at Amazon.ca.

A light yellow poster with Shakespearean insults

Uncommon Goods

12 / 15

Shakespearean insults poster

For those days when modern-day swears just won't cut it, this Shakespearean insults poster, designed by a creative husband-and-wife duo, offers creative ways to verbally release the building frustrations. English or history buffs will be into this quirky art.

Shakespearean Insults Poster, $36 at Uncommon Goods.

Etsy

13 / 15

Custom coordinate bracelets

These handmade bangles are sleek, dainty and customizable. Pick a place that's special to you both — like the place you met, an apartment you shared together, your favourite bar or where one of you got married. The Texan artisan will engrave the coordinates into the yellow, white or rose gold bracelet.

Custom Metal Coordinate Bracelets, $56 and up at Etsy.

Uncommon Goods

14 / 15

Hand-embroidered city pillow

Another personalized present for that tricky gal or guy: an eclectic hand-embroidered throw pillow. Choose from different cities and pick the one where you both share fond memories.

Hand-Embroidered City Pillow, $282 at Uncommon Goods.

Unsplash

15 / 15

Pre-paid service subscription

Maybe it's not the most exciting thing for someone to unwrap, but pre-paying for a six- or twelve-month digital subscription service that you know they use on the daily (think STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels, Netflix, iCloud, Spotify) is not only useful and will be appreciated, too.

Prices Vary.

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