For the most part, we actually enjoy buying 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 endlessly scrolling to find the just-right thing that will satisfy their highly exacting tastes. The kind-of-difficult 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 hard-to-please folks, we’ve got you (and them) covered. Ahead, find 34 gifts for difficult people that will actually pass muster with your pickiest pals.
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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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.
Shop Béis
Béis The Carry-On Roller, $, available at Béis
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Loungewear
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 or a super-soft sweater.
Shop Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew, $, available at Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants, $, available at Quince
Starface Big Lil Gift Set
Gifting someone a skin-care product could be taken with offense, but not so with these cutie pimple patches! After all, who wouldn’t want a smattering of gold stars on their cheeks?
Shop Starface
Starface Big Lil Gift Set, $, available at Starface
Sephora Fall Perfume Sampler Set
Gifting fragrance is always a bit of a gamble since scent preference is quite personal. This mini sampler kit allows your giftee to try five popular perfumes and get a free full-size bottle of your favorite from the bunch.
Shop Sephora
Sephora Favorites Fall Perfume Sampler Set, $, available at Sephora
SublimeWare Universal Travel Adapter
International travel is back, so gift your globe-trotting person this nifty adapter for their imminent far-flung journey.
SublimeWare Universal Travel Adapter International All in One Plug, $, available at Amazon
Glob Primary Morph Ripstop Bag
Speaking of schlepping — maybe your day-tripping giftee needs a roomy, useful tote made from recycled bottles (with the superhuman ability to pack itself into a pocket-size pouch when not in use). It’s even got six bottle-size exterior pockets for whatever the day trip throws at you.
Shop Glob
Glob Primary Morph Ripstop, $, available at Glob
Caraway Minis Duo
These nontoxic, beautifully crafted pans are guaranteed to pass the vibe check of any difficult-to-please giftee.
Shop Caraway
Caraway Minis Duo, $, available at Caraway
Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight
We would be willing to bet good money that no one has ever turned down a pair of gifted Lululemon leggings. Ever. (Plus, treat yourself to a pair while they’re still on sale.)
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight 25″, $, available at Lululemon
Skims Cozy Knit Unisex Onesie
Achieve peak cozy with this deliciously soft jumpsuit cut from bouclé fabric. (Be warned: Once your lucky recipient slips it on, they won’t want to wear anything else.)
Shop Skims
Skims Cozy Knit Unisex Onesie, $, available at Skims
Levys Friends Wine Cat Poster
Ideal for both the cat and wine person in your life.
LevysFriends Wine Cat Poster, $, available at Etsy
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
OFFHOURS x West Elm Homecoat
It’s a robe-meets-blanket situation with this supremely luxurious contraption called the Homecoat.
Shop West Elm
OFFHOURS x West Elm Homecoat, $, available at West Elm
Airbnb Gift Card
Take care of your picky person’s lodging plans for whenever they plan their next getaway.
Airbnb Customizable Gift Card, $, available at Airbnb
Animalist Customized Poster Art For Your Pet
Even the most “difficult” people are obsessed with their pets. So, why not get them a customized poster that honors their favorite furry animal?
Shop Animalist
Animalist Custom Pet Scandinavian Art Print, $, available at Animalist
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-size warmer to keep that brew pipin’ hot all day long. (Because you know they’ll nurse cup after cup for hours.)
Shop Mr. Coffee on 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): a beautifully woven weighted blanket in a soothing shade of turmeric.
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, because you can never be sure of how attentive someone is going to be, send a card so your giftee can personally pick the green friend that 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 ILIKEPAR on Amazon
ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl with Metal Spoon Scented 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 At Home Blends Collection
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 At Home Blends Collection – Chai + Turmeric, $, available at One Stripe Chai
Minka Textured Pot
These earthy planters come in a variety of sizes and prices, from “stocking stuffer” ($24) to “VIP giftee” ($98).
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
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute
Ask anyone who has a Dyson if it’s the best thing on earth, and the answer is probably a resounding yes. This (on-sale!) V12 is super-sleek yet powerful enough to absorb every tiny morsel of dust, thanks to a high-tech laser illumination feature.
Shop Dyson
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute (Gold), $, available at Dyson
HOSIGCO “Take A Bite” Socks
The nice thing about difficult people is that they usually know they’re difficult — which means you can always lean into silliness and get them wearing something that’ll make them laugh.
Shop HOSIGCO on Amazon
HOSIGCO “Take A Bite” Socks, $, available at Amazon
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 Meer on 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 can throw 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-Ounce 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 Stojo
Stojo 20-Ounce Reusable Water Bottle, $, available at Madewell
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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