Christmas on the horizon can mean only one thing, we’ve got to find gifts for our loved ones. While some people love to shop, others find it extremely difficult to find the right gift, especially for those people who are hard to buy for. If you’ve got someone on your list who is always difficult, here’s a guide to give you some inspiration.
Play it safe with classic gifts
The important thing when buying for someone awkward is to keep it simple and not try to get too creative. It’s better to visit a candle shop and get them a high-quality candle, than go for something that’s hit or miss. There are certain gifts that pretty much everyone loves, such as:
- Toiletries – as long as you know what they like
- Leather goods
- Jewellery
- Kitchen gadgets
You don’t need to know much about the person to buy the gifts above, so they’re handy for things like a secret Santa. But do try and find out a little about what they like, for example, if you’re buying a scented candle, think about whether they like feminine or earthy fragrances.
Consider experience gifts
Experience gifts can be great for those who already have everything and would prefer some fun days out rather than more stuff. For example, you could buy them tickets to one of the best places to visit this winter, breaking up the monotony of the cold months. Things like spa vouchers or driving experiences can go down well, although you should make sure it’s not going to cost them a lot of money or be inconvenient for them.
Gift vouchers can be a good option
A lot of people are horrified at the thought of buying gift vouchers, perhaps thinking it looks thoughtless, but some people actually really like getting vouchers or cash. It means they can use them to buy things they want or need and take their time choosing. Don’t forget, the post-Christmas sales bring lots of bargains, so people can use their vouchers and get more for their money.
Take postage costs into account
An important part of buying for difficult people is forward planning. If you’re going to buy something unusual or unique, it may need to come from overseas, which means you need to take postage costs and time into account. Also, importing by post can come with fees, so make sure you know whether you’ll have to pay duties. That way, you can ensure your recipient gets their gift in time and you’re not hugely out of pocket.
Buying for some people can be difficult, usually because they’ve already got a lot of stuff, or they’re simply very picky and fussy. Buying for them may seem like a daunting task, but there are lots of strategies you can use. For example, sticking to classics, or looking more towards experience gifts than stuff. Pretty much everyone in the world has something that they want, so all you need to be able to do is find it.
