Finding the perfect gift for someone who appears to have everything can feel like an impossible task. You look around their home and they seem to possess an abundance of possessions, or they always have exactly what they need to hand. Yet, these well-prepared individuals still deserve a memorable present during the holiday season. After all, nobody should be penalised for being resourceful or well-stocked.
Thoughtful and Personalised Gift Ideas
The most cherished presents often carry deep personal significance. For the person who has everything, a gift that celebrates your unique relationship or a shared memory can be far more meaningful than any generic item.
Custom Apparel from VistaPrint, starting from £8.50, offers a wonderfully personal touch. Imagine gifting a t-shirt featuring an inside joke or a beloved quote. Josh, a gymnastics instructor, shares: 'My friends got me a custom shirt with a funny quote from Cardi B that we always say. It's something I'd never buy myself but absolutely love.'
For a truly creative present, consider a Personalised Paint by Number Kit from Etsy from £12. This unique gift transforms a special photograph into a custom artwork project. Alexandra Hutz, an associate creative director, received one depicting her, her husband, and his late grandmother. 'It was both personalised and deeply sentimental,' Hutz remarked.
One of the most touching gift ideas comes from Emily Hartry, who created a custom cookbook for her husband Robert using Mixbook's service from £12. During pandemic isolation, Robert had developed what he calls a 'mid-Covid obsession with Bon Appétit'. Emily secretly gathered recipes and memories from dozens of friends and family, compiling them into 'Bob Appétit'. Robert, an architectural designer, says: 'These are the gifts I love – things I can keep and look back on. Trinkets with meaning.'
Luxurious Personalised Jewellery and Keepsakes
For those seeking something more luxurious, personalised jewellery makes an exceptional gift. Photographer Jennifer Weitzman received a custom pendant from her husband for her 35th birthday featuring a tiny clock with the French text: 'Le temps file à vive allure avec toi,' meaning 'Time speeds up with you.' 'Ever since our first date, it's felt like time speeds up when we're together,' Weitzman explains.
Another beautiful jewellery option comes from writer Ayana Lage, whose husband gifted her a Classic Silhouette Charm Necklace from Vana Chupp Studio from £515 featuring their daughter's profile. 'It's one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received,' says Lage. 'It feels so unique, and I always get compliments when I wear it.'
For couples, Matthew, an e-commerce manager, recommends the My Favorite Things Four-Across Game from Uncommon Goods at £69. His sister-in-law gifted this personalised Connect Four-style game featuring the couple's favourite things as an engagement present. 'It's a cool custom piece that's fun to play,' Matthew says. 'It also makes for interesting decor when not in use.'
Practical Yet Thoughtful Gift Solutions
Sometimes the best gifts are those that elevate everyday experiences. The MiiR 360 Traveler Stainless Steel Tumbler at £22.50 makes an excellent present for the caffeine-dependent person in your life. This leak-proof, vacuum-insulated tumbler allows drinking from any side and fits standard cupholders. 'This is my go-to for to-go coffee,' says model Chantal Stafford-Abbott. 'It's chic, elevated, and useful. It keeps coffee hot for hours.'
For the friend who appreciates quiet moments, consider the Cavallini Papers & Co. Butterflies 1,000-Piece Puzzle available from £18. Photographer Jennifer Weitzman gifted this to a friend, noting: 'I saw it and thought it was a cool-looking item she would never buy for herself. It could look nice on display or provide entertainment on a cold winter night.'
Upgrading everyday essentials can also make for wonderful gifts. Peggy Babalis's daughter buys her premium makeup like the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara (from £18) because 'she knows I won't spend £25 on a mascara myself.' The customer service representative adds: 'My lashes are thinning, but a few swipes of this mascara and wow! I receive so many compliments.'
During colder months, Bombas Men's Fair Isle Socks at £22.50 make a cosy and practical present. Josh, the gymnastics instructor, received a pair from his mother. 'The socks are really good for winter, keeping my feet warm. I wear them at home to sleep or for hiking and skiing,' he says.
Smart Gadgets and Lifestyle Upgrades
For the organised individual, the Secrid Wallets Card Protector at £40 offers both style and functionality. Its durable aluminium casing protects cards from bending and wireless signals. 'I've convinced so many people to get this wallet,' says Stafford-Abbott. 'It's super thin, fits in my purse, and has everything I need.'
Entertaining becomes more elegant with the Rosette Rectangular Marble Serve Board from Crate & Barrel at £56.95. Marketing specialist Sydney Davloor, who received one from her mother-in-law, says: 'I use it all the time when I'm entertaining. When not in use, it doubles as beautiful decor.'
Home cooks will appreciate the Cuisinart VS-200C One-Touch Vacuum Food Sealer at £81, which locks in flavour and prevents food spoilage. Entrepreneur Claude Richard received one from her future son-in-law. 'No more freezer-burned meats,' she says. 'As someone who loves cooking, this scored big points for me.'
For quality fashion jewellery that travels well, Jaclyn Hoffman, an engagement manager, recommends Jenny Bird's Small Staple Hoop Earrings from £60. 'I love getting Jenny Bird jewellery for people who have everything,' Hoffman explains. 'It's fashion-forward but elevated, and you don't have to worry about travelling with real diamonds.'
Finally, the Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock at £109 offers a gentle alternative to jarring morning alarms. Brand ambassador manager Brittany Climan describes it as waking her up 'like an old man getting into a bath – nice and slow. The alarm is far less aggressive than traditional alarms,' making it particularly valuable during darker winter months.
