For the most part, we actually enjoy picking gifts. As professional shoppers, we delight in finding that one trinket that’s going to surprise our loved ones, but there are always outliers in this shopping scenario — the people that leave us hemming, hawing, and scrolling to find the just-right thing that will satisfy their highly exacting, unique gift preferences. The hard-to-shop-for ones.
You know the type: If you’re going to get this person a sweater, you can’t get them just any sweater; it has to be ethically sourced, top-of-the-line cashmere. A simple glassware set just won’t do, either; it has to be design snob-approved. Well, look no further, harried shopper. Because when it comes to those difficult-to-please folks, we’ve got you (and them) covered. Ahead, find 31 holiday gifts for difficult people that will actually pass muster with even the pickiest people on your shopping list.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Maude Burn
Your most stressed-out friend deserves something special this holiday season. You’ll already be extra cool for picking something from Maude, one of our favorite indie sexual wellness brands, but you’ll take gifting to the next level with massage candle, Burn, which melts into a smooth, skin-hydrating oil. It’ll last way longer than a spa massage certificate and clock in at about an eighth of the price.
Shop Maude
Maude Burn Massage Candle, $, available at Maude
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Fleece
This versatile Lululemon belt bag is already a beloved way to transport your daily essentials (phone, keys, wallet, hand sani all fit easily) — but this fleece edition is the epitome of cozy, perfect for warming up even the coolest of friends.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Fleece Belt Bag, $, available at Lululemon
Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V Palette
We’d bet anything that your makeup curious- or loving-friend has had their eye on this new palette release from Danessa Myricks Beauty. The celeb MUA turned makeup mogul has perfected inclusive, easy-to-use formulas, and Lightwork’s shimmering/glittering/glowing options are guaranteed to make anyone look like a superstar.
Shop Sephora
Sephora Favorites Fall Perfume Sampler Set, $, available at Sephora
Crown & Paw Modern Pet Portrait
Every pet parent out there is crying out for a portrait to be added to their gallery wall. Crown & Paw offers a wide range of styles, as well as elegant frames.
Shop Crown & Paw
Crown & Paw Modern Pet Portrait, $, available at Crown & Paw
Bombas Cable Knit Gripper Slipper
Who doesn’t love receiving a pair of cozy socks — or better yet, sock slippers? These Bombas Gripper Slippers are sure to put a smile on even the most Scrooge-like recipient.
Shop Bombas
Bombas Cable Knit Gripper Slipper, $, available at Bombas
Béis Carry-On Roller
This carry-on from Shay Mitchell’s travel brand Béis allows you to move easily without your luggage weighing you down in unique colors — because black luggage is so passé.
Shop Béis
Béis The Carry-On Roller, $, available at Béis
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants
We’re pretty evangelical about Quince’s highly competitive prices and top-notch quality — and its cashmere separates are vetted reader faves. If you know someone who deserves a treat this holiday, they’ll love a pair of luxurious joggers.
Shop Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants, $, available at Quince
Baggu Puffy Water Bottle Sling
Nothing says “cool” like staying hydrated, and this water bottle sling from Baggu makes it easy. Not only will it protect anyone’s fingers from a cold bottle, but it’s made from 100% recyclable materials (in 11 adorable colorways) to maximize their sustainability efforts.
Shop Baggu
Baggu Puffy Water Bottle Sling, $, available at Baggu
Dyson Air Wrap Special Edition Blue
Ask anyone who has a Dyson if it’s the best thing on Earth, and the answer is probably a resounding “yes.” The air wrap is famous for giving salon-quality blowouts in your own home. We recommend grabbing it ASAP from Sephora’s Savings Event (depending on your membership, it could be up to a 20% off!).
Shop Sephora
Dyson Air Wrap Set Special Edition Blue, $, available at Sephora
Fujifilm INSTAX MINI 12 Instant Camera
With the accessibility of the camera phone, everyone and their mom is an amateur photographer these days, which is why physical cameras are making such a comeback. Load up this mini with film for a holiday gift that even the hippest person on your shopping list will love.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera, $, available at Urban Outffiters
Birthdate Co. Tarot Candle
Your witchiest friend already has seven tarot packs and a terrine full of crystals, so give them something they haven’t seen before. This unique candle melts down to reveal a gold-plated tarot card charm. It’s so cool it feels like it was divined from the universe to impress even the biggest skeptic.
Shop Birthdate Co.
Birthdate Co. Tarot Candle, $, available at Birthdate Co.
Fenmzee 3-Way Dimmable Touch Lamp With USB Charging Ports
We love the idea of gifting home decor, especially something ultra-functional like this bedside table lamp with multiple charging ports for a friend with too many electronics.
Shop Amazon
Fenmzee 3 Way Dimmable Touch Lamp With USB Charging Ports, $, available at Amazon
Airbnb Gift Card
Most gift cards can feel impersonal, but contributing to your (picky) travel-obsessed friends’ lodging for their next vacation is helpful and specific.
Shop Airbnb
Airbnb Customizable Gift Card, $, available at Airbnb
Levys Friends Birthday Cat Calendar
Help both the cat and wine person in your life stay purrrpetually purrrpared.
Shop Etsy
LevysFriends Birthday Cat Calendar, $, available at Etsy
Starface Big Lil Gift Set
Gifting a skin-care product could be taken with offense, but not so with these cutie pimple patches! After all, if it’s cool enough for the Biebers, it’s surely cool enough for your toughest beauty critic.
Shop Starface
Starface Big Lil Gift Set, $, available at Starface
SublimeWare Universal Travel Adapter
International travel is back and booming, so gift your globe-trotting person this nifty adapter for their imminent far-flung journey.
Shop Amazon
SublimeWare Power Plug Adapter – International Travel, $, available at Amazon
Caraway Minis Duo
These nontoxic, beautifully crafted pans are guaranteed to pass the vibe check of any difficult-to-please giftee. The ceramic coating makes them so easy to use, and the wide range of finishes matches anyone’s aesthetic.
Shop Caraway
Caraway Minis Duo, $, available at Caraway
Omsom The Try ‘Em All Set
Even difficult people have to eat. So, gift them the sampler pack of Asian sauces that’ll take their rice or noodle bowl to the absolute next level.
Shop Omsom
Omsom The Try ‘Em All Set, $, available at Omsom
Warby Parker Gift Card
Up the sophistication factor and let your giftee pick out a cool pair of specs to update their lewk. A Warby Parker e-gift card or IRL gift card, complete with a festive box that doubles as storage for eyeglasses, makes a fool-proof gift.
Warby Parker Gift Card, $, available at Warby Parker
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
An obvious but highly functional accessory: a mug warmer to keep that brew hot all day long. (Because you know they’ll nurse cup after cup for hours.)
Shop Amazon
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer, $, available at Amazon
Baggu Set of 3 Wine Bags
Gift a pack of these cleverly designed reusable wine bags just in time for the winter BYOB dinner parties.
Shop Baggu
Baggu Wine Bags (Set of 3), $, available at West Elm
Bearaby Tree Napper
For the person who needs to stay calm (and carry on), get this beautifully woven weighted blanket in a soothing shade.
Shop Bearaby
Bearaby Tree Napper, $, available at Bearaby
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Not only is sleeping on a silk pillowcase very luxe, but benefits abound! It protects the hair from wear and tear, and it’s naturally cooling in the summertime and insulating in the wintertime.
Shop Brooklinen
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $, available at Brooklinen
The Sill Digital Gift Card
It’s true what The Sill says: Plants make people happy. But you never know how green someone’s thumb is, so send a card that lets your giftee personally pick the plant that best suits their lifestyle.
Shop The Sill
The Sill Digital Gift Card, $, available at The Sill
Ganni Structured Rib Wrist Warmers
Because even difficult people need something to keep cozy.
Shop Ganni
Ganni Structured Rib Wrist Warmers, $, available at Revolve
Chillhouse Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Manicure Kit
A perfect stocking stuffer for the person who loves getting their nails done in a pinch.
Shop Free People
Chillhouse Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Manicure Kit, $, available at Free People
Fredericks and Mae Playing Cards
A deck of cards is an essential home item no one ever thinks to buy — until the urge to play cards hits. Plus, look at how beautiful this stack is!
Shop Coming Soon
Fredericks and Mae Playing Cards, $, available at Coming Soon
ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl Scented Candle
Yes, this is an actual candle that legitimately smells like cereal! And, when you’re done burning it, you can even wipe the bowl and spoon clean and use them to eat…actual cereal.
Shop Amazon
ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl Scented Soy Candle, $, available at Amazon
Areaware Profile Wall Mirror
Gifting mirrors is fun because it’s usually unexpected but always practical — but no ordinary mirror will do for your picky giftee. We like this optical illusion-themed one that inspires a literal moment of self-reflection.
Shop Areaware
Areaware Profile Wall Mirror, $, available at Areaware
One Stripe Chai Lovers Bundle
Coffee lovers are easy to shop for — it’s the tea drinkers that really stump us. And, this at-home DIY set is for chai babes.
Shop One Stripe Chai Co.
One Stripe Chai Chai Lovers Bundle, $, available at One Stripe Chai
Minka Textured Pot
These earthy planters come in a variety of sizes and prices, from “stocking stuffer” ($34) to “VIP giftee” ($128).
Shop Anthropologie
Anthropologie Minka Textured Pot, $, available at Anthropologie
Hasegawa Lucano Stepstool
I don’t know about you, but I live for a chic step ladder. Trust me — if you gift this, it will get used all the time.
Shop Pattern
Hasegawa Lucano Stepstool 1 Step, $, available at Pattern
Meer Portable Mini Projector
This portable gizmo makes it easy for any movie lover to bring the joy of cinema with them wherever they go.
Shop Amazon
Meer Portable Mini Projector, $, available at Amazon
NEWGEM Japanese Linen Cross Back Apron
Quite possibly the chicest kitchen (or garden) apron on the market — and it’s less than $20!
Shop NewGem on Amazon
NEWGEM Japanese Linen Cross Back Apron, $, available at Amazon
GrandinRoad Soft Kilim Storage Basket
This boho-chic storage basket is equipped to hold anything your giftee throws in it — toys, linens, and magazines are all waiting to be stylishly corralled.
Shop GrandinRoad
Grandin Road Soft Kilim Storage Basket, $, available at Grandin Road
Stojo 20 Oz. Reusable Water Bottle
Even the most difficult person will need to stay hydrated. This super-light, super-squishy water bottle is especially handy for travel.
Shop Amazon
Stojo Collapsible Water Bottle, $, available at Amazon
Nutribullet Magic Bullet Blender
This compact single-serving smoothie/dip/baby puree maker will make food prep a breeze.
Shop Nutribullet
Nutribullet magic bullet® Blender, $, available at NutriBullet
Bormioli Rocco Stackable Wine Glasses
Help them imbibe in style (at home) with the gift of chic and easily stored wine glasses.
Shop Food52
Bormioli Rocco Stackable Wine Glasses, $, available at Food52
Chatbooks Custom Canvas Wall Tiles
A gift that always hits the nail is a framed photo of a very special moment. My tip: Find your gift recipient’s best Instagram photo (no matter how off the cuff or casual it may be), upload it to the Chatbooks app, and have it turned into a piece of tangible art.
Shop Chatbooks
Chatbooks Custom Canvas Wall Tiles, $, available at Chatbooks
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