The "hard-to-buy-for-person" gift idea thread

[Jennasis]

We all have that one (or two...) person in our family who is impossibly hard to buy for. They have no discernible likes, but also never seem to use anything you get them. For me, it's my mom, so that means impersonal things like gift cards and cash are out.

Next year, I am going to WDW/USF with DH and my parents for my mom's birthday. What do you think about us buying mom and dad those Universal Studios/IoA passes they have at Sam's/Costco? The main reason mom wants to go to Florida for her birthday is to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at USF.

Thoughts?

So who is hard to buy for on YOUR list? Maybe we can brainstorm and help each other out! Of course, when all else fails, there is always:

 

[Frantasmic]

How long has it been since you and your family have had a professional portrait made?

Your ticket idea is good, but you may have to "explain" it to them. Otherwise, you might just get a quizzical look and a "that's nice" response.

My father's girlfriend is difficult to buy for. They should have married and consolidated households eons ago, but haven't for whatever reason. We've bought centerpieces and thought that was nice, but it turns out she's been saving them, even though they are meant to be used and thrown out (evergreen stuff from LL Bean). My dad said "You can only use so many of those." We bought her fruit from a nice place; she didn't like it. GC to stores: she doesn't shop "there." He's no help because he doesn't know what to buy her either.

 

[NAB]

My Mom is the hardest to buy for too. There are six kids in the family so she gets a lot "stuff"

Last year I went practicial ....she got six jars of coffee ( she goes though a small jar in two weeks I got her the biggest her brand came in) and six boxes of her hair dye( she has me colour her hair when we go visit, actually just used the last box this month) She doesn't mind going a bit gray until I get there.

She loved and used my present, it is not sitting in a closet still in boxes or lotions that have not even been opened.

She doesn't have a lot of extra money so this leaves her to buy other stuff when food shopping etc.

Everything was wrapped up really nice!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I think the park passes are a great idea. It's something you know she'll use, and I don't think you'll have to explain them to her. It doesn't sound like the trip is a surprise, is it?

Also, I don't think you have to entirely rule out gift cards just because it's your mom. My IL's are hard to buy for, too, but we get them gift cards for bookstores because they like to read, and restaurants because they like to eat out. They get us gift cards, too, so I guess they are fine with receiving them!

 

[Jennasis]

Yeah, Mom knows we're going to WDW/USF. It's a HUGE to-do for the fam. My father is footing the bill for the hotel/park tix/dining plan pkg for Disney so I thought it'd be a nice gift if we did the USF tix for them?

 

[nutterbutter2010]

We don't know what to get the grandparents ever, they never need anything!! So were thinking of getting our girls professional pics taken at Sears or somewhere like that and putting them in a nice frame. Better get going on it though or else time will run out!!!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

My husband. No interests, no hobbies. Ask him and he can't tell you either.

One of my bosses. I know nothing about her other than she runs marathons. Every year the poor girl gets a Starbucks gift card. (I do know she drinks coffee, but I'd love to get her something different.) I do know what perfume she wears but it's more than I'm willing to spend.

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

Yeah, Mom knows we're going to WDW/USF. It's a HUGE to-do for the fam. My father is footing the bill for the hotel/park tix/dining plan pkg for Disney so I thought it'd be a nice gift if we did the USF tix for them?

I think that's a perfect gift idea.

I'm having the hardest time coming up with something for my boyfriend's sister. I know she loves Vera Bradley, but I really don't know her taste as far as styles go. She loves Bath and Body Works, so I may choose a fragrance she likes and go with that. My boyfriend and I are also buying her something Christmas-themed from Disney on our upcoming trip. We'll see how I can make this all fit together.

 

[DWGal210]

For my grandma this year, her present is going to be that I'm helping her with her Christmas shopping. There are 20 grandchildren and sometimes she has a hard time getting out (my grandpa has bad dementia) AND deciding what to get each child, so this year my gift to her is going out, doing the leg work and wrapping them for her.

I would help her anyway, but I decided not to get her a physical gift this year. I love her dearly but she hangs onto things FOREVER (she's not a hoarder yet, but going there). I was helping my aunts clean out her drawers a few months ago and found the hand towels that I got her last year; unused (I knew they were unused since the tags weren't off).

It honestly didn't hurt my feelings, but now I know that any "stuff" I get her is just going to clutter her house. I would rather give her my time instead.

 

[HM]

A friend pointed out a really neat thing to me at LLBean.com. There is a puzzle is called Hometown Puzzle. It is individualized to the person you want to give it to. The map is centered on an address of your choice. I think the price was $39.00.

For someone that you can spend more on...a "Light" Fruit of the Month membership from Harry and David. The siblings have been giving this to my inlaws for the last two years and they love it. This year they have free shipping so the cost was about $240.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

My aunt and Uncle NOOOOO ideas what to get them

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Wine makes a great gift.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Wine makes a great gift.

Unless you're an alcoholic.

 

[NAB]

Wine makes a great gift.

Only if they drink wine....

We don't drink much at all. Can't tell you how many bottles we have in the basement or tried to give away. Even poured out!

 

[Crystal0608]

I think the tickets would be a great idea and you would know they would be used.

Myself, I am stuck on SFIL's gift, around him rarely, so don't know too much about him, been with MIL 8 years. He has or can buy about anything he wants. One year I bought him a nice writing pen & a coffee travel mug, MIL didn't think it was "enough" and wrapped slippers from us (hello, I've been the only income for 5 years...anyways) My budget is $10, need it to look like $20. I've thought of the Jupiter Jack since he's in his car a lot for work, Wags has them for $10 this week. Does this sound ok? Its so much easier with my family.

 

[Crystal0608]

Only if they drink wine....

We don't drink much at all. Can't tell you how many bottles we have in the basement or tried to give away. Even poured out!

I don't like wine at all either, much prefer coconut rum. If someone drinks it though, it would come in handy for New Years!

 

[Jennasis]

DH and I don't drink wine eihter (or any alcohol).

I actually thought I was hard to buy for, but my students have come up with some terrific ideas in the past for me...GC's for the local movie theatre, GC's to my favorite restaurant (Chilli's, Red Robin and Cold Stone Creamery).

Dh has gotten Netflix GC's for Christmas and they were terrific.

MIL is usually VERY hard to buy for, but this year our gift to her is the adoption fee for a dog from a local rescue. She wants a dog badly and I found one that we all think is perfect. Fingers crossed that they accept her application and we should get to meet the little guyon Saturday!

 

[golfgal]

Same thread, different day

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2331858

 

[Jennasis]

Same thread, different day

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2331858

Great minds, my friend...great minds.

I actually opened your thread and was all confused wondering what happened to my posts, before I realized it wasn't my thread!

 

[Ephany]

My mom asked for a membership to Sam's Club; she wouldn't buy it for herself but I know it'll get used. I did learn that Sam's won't sell you a gift membership if you're not a member, but you can buy a pre-paid membership at Walmart.

Otherwise, I like to give movie theater passes, gift cards to bookstores, gas cards, and grocery store gift cards. Not very original I know, but they always seem to be appreciated, especially the gas and grocery ones.