The hard to buy for person thread

[golfgal]

Ok, everyone has a person or more that is hard to buy for. Post here with what ever details are important-age, gender, hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc. and we can try to help each other out.

I will start:

My Dad-age 70 (going on 50)-likes to garden, woodworking, writing books and cooking. They can pretty much buy whatever they want so finding something unique is good. We got him a laptop desk from IKEA as a suggestion from my Stepmom (it was $17.99 so that will be from the Grandkids). What fun, unique things with the above hobbies do you suggest?

 

[tink_lover]

a subscription to Northern Gardener magazine - (I want one for Christmas too!) - put out by the MN Horticulture Society

 

[paintnolish]

How about cooking lessons or a gift certificate one of those places (Dinner by Design is one) where you go and make a couple of gourmet meals to freeze? How about a custom garden sculpture or bench with inscribed plaque?

 

[luvflorida]

Ok, everyone has a person or more that is hard to buy for. Post here with what ever details are important-age, gender, hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc. and we can try to help each other out.

I will start:

My Dad-age 70 (going on 50)-likes to garden, woodworking, writing books and cooking. They can pretty much buy whatever they want so finding something unique is good. We got him a laptop desk from IKEA as a suggestion from my Stepmom (it was $17.99 so that will be from the Grandkids). What fun, unique things with the above hobbies do you suggest?

OP- Great thread idea! Only a couple of responses and you already have some good suggestions. With so many people reading, there are bound to be lots of really good, creative ideas tossed out.

Not that I have any at the moment. However, I can see this being a very useful thread for everyone!

 

[alexandria674]

My dad is the hardest to shop for, I am just going to give him a nice card and one of those Visa Gift Cards, he can use them for whatever.

 

[barkley]

get him an aero garden.

dh got me one a couple of years ago and it is facinating to watch that sucker produce plants. as someone who likes to cook it was also great to have a fresh source of herbs during the long cold winter months. you can get a variety of different types of seed packets, and now they have a package that assists in starting plants for outside gardening.

if he likes to cook and does'nt have one already-a ceramic knife. they are amazing and once you've tried one there's no going back. another item if he does'nt have one-a clay pot and a clay pot cookbook. an interesting and delicious way to cook.

 

[minkydog]

My SIL and her husband are hard for me to shop for. It may be because I don't really like them all that much. My SIL is silly and foolish and is about as deep as lilypad. Her husband isn't much better. He's germophobic, intense, and obsessed with complete cleanliness. SIL is diabetic and BIL is just fanatical about his healthy diet.

So no candy or other food. No scents, soaps or lotions(too germy for BIL). They drink wine, but they are incredibly picky. They don't like gift cards. They rarely eat out or go to movies. They have no hobbies. They make about 4 times the money we make and they expect nice gifts. I'm just at a loss.

See, in my extended family we don't give gifts to each other. We do charitable works, either giving cash or volunteering. Half the fun of Christmas is finding out what my siblings did for other people in my name. I don't need any more junk. I don't need another popcorn tin, box of chocolate turtles, scented candle, paperweight, or cutesy angel with inane saying inscribed on its feet. I just want to scream "Please! let's stop buying junk for each other!" We have talked with them about giving to charity and they were horrified. They want gifts!

 

[crz4mm2]

Making DM a "star" with pictures on it.
The same metal stars that people put on the outside of their houses.
I covered this one with different scrapbooking papers (family related) and am putting different family pics on it. She will LOVE it

 

[sms]

My SIL and her husband are hard for me to shop for. It may be because I don't really like them all that much. My SIL is silly and foolish and is about as deep as lilypad. Her husband isn't much better. He's germophobic, intense, and obsessed with complete cleanliness. SIL is diabetic and BIL is just fanatical about his healthy diet.

So no candy or other food. No scents, soaps or lotions(too germy for BIL). They drink wine, but they are incredibly picky. They don't like gift cards. They rarely eat out or go to movies. They have no hobbies. They make about 4 times the money we make and they expect nice gifts. I'm just at a loss.

See, in my extended family we don't give gifts to each other. We do charitable works, either giving cash or volunteering. Half the fun of Christmas is finding out what my siblings did for other people in my name. I don't need any more junk. I don't need another popcorn tin, box of chocolate turtles, scented candle, paperweight, or cutesy angel with inane saying inscribed on its feet. I just want to scream "Please! let's stop buying junk for each other!" We have talked with them about giving to charity and they were horrified. They want gifts!

How about a set of monogrammed wine glasses. Nice and personal!

 

[luvflorida]

My SIL and her husband are hard for me to shop for. It may be because I don't really like them all that much. My SIL is silly and foolish and is about as deep as lilypad. Her husband isn't much better. He's germophobic, intense, and obsessed with complete cleanliness. SIL is diabetic and BIL is just fanatical about his healthy diet.

So no candy or other food. No scents, soaps or lotions(too germy for BIL). They drink wine, but they are incredibly picky. They don't like gift cards. They rarely eat out or go to movies. They have no hobbies. They make about 4 times the money we make and they expect nice gifts. I'm just at a loss.

I'm thinking Snuggies and Purell.

 

[etoiles]

My SIL and her husband are hard for me to shop for. It may be because I don't really like them all that much. My SIL is silly and foolish and is about as deep as lilypad. Her husband isn't much better. He's germophobic, intense, and obsessed with complete cleanliness. SIL is diabetic and BIL is just fanatical about his healthy diet.

How about a diabetic cookbook? It is easy to find nice looking books on sale. Or, since they don't go out to eat much they must cook you could get a spice giftbox like one from Penzey's or your local spice shop.

 

[Planogirl]

My aunt/godmother is impossible! She's elderly and contemplating moving into a retirement place. She will have limited space so she's giving most things away. We can't get her flowers because her cat eats them. She's a picky eater with a ton of allergies. She mostly reads, watches some tapes on TV and music wise only likes one singer (can't think of his name- young, good looking and sings easy listening/jazz) but has all of his stuff. She doesn't like gift cards either.

That's the one I'm completely stuck on.

 

[etoiles]

I need serious help on what to get for my two cousins. They live across the country and I only see them once or twice a year so I do not know much about either of them. Both will be flying to and from our Christmas location so it has to be something they can easily bring with them.

1. Male age 27. Likes computers and bicycles to work. Works for Google. Vegetarian. Rents a house, likes to read, progressive thinker.

2. Female, age 23. Soft spoken English major. Lives in NYC in rental. Likes to read, vegetarian, wants to become a writer one day.

We do not exchange gift cards and I like to look for deals on things and deals can never be gotten on gift cards so if you have any ideas I would greatly appreciate it!!!

 

[3boymthr]

How about a diabetic cookbook? It is easy to find nice looking books on sale. Or, since they don't go out to eat much they must cook you could get a spice giftbox like one from Penzey's or your local spice shop.

I second Penzey's as a gift for the person who loves to cook. The quality of these spices is AMAZING.

I'm not sure what your budget is but we had a friend, also diabetic, for whom we used to get the fruit of the month club from Harry and David. The fruit is just amazing and they replace any fruit that's bruised.

For the PP whose father is a gardener might I recommend getting some antique bulbs. The kind that you can't get at your local garden center. Old House Gardens sells some amazing varieties of lilies and tulips and and and... They are all really unique and just beautiful. I got my mother some Hyacinths a few years ago and they had the most amazing smells and some really unique colors. So much nicer than modern hybrids. Some of the bulbs date from plant stock that's over 300 years old.

 

[minkydog]

I second Penzey's as a gift for the person who loves to cook. The quality of these spices is AMAZING.

I'm not sure what your budget is but we had a friend, also diabetic, for whom we used to get the fruit of the month club from Harry and David. The fruit is just amazing and they replace any fruit that's bruised.

For the PP whose father is a gardener might I recommend getting some antique bulbs. The kind that you can't get at your local garden center. Old House Gardens sells some amazing varieties of lilies and tulips and and and... They are all really unique and just beautiful. I got my mother some Hyacinths a few years ago and they had the most amazing smells and some really unique colors. So much nicer than modern hybrids. Some of the bulbs date from plant stock that's over 300 years old.

SIL *might* possibly look at a cookbook. I got my mother the 4 Ingredient Diabetic Cookbook last year and she loves it. SIL isn't very adventurous and she doesn't bake at all. I think she owns just about 4 spices--salt, pepper, seasoned salt, and cinnamon. Lemon pepper, paprika, thyme, cilantro--she would never try them. Too foreign and weird. How can people like this live with themselves? I mean, they have internet and cable. She just retired from the Air Force, not a slacker. She's just...pleasantly satisfied with her narrow outlook.

I might sure enough get them some wine glasses. They do like a good bottle of wine and they'd probably enjoy the glasses better than any wine I come up with(I am not much for picking out wine.)

Even my MIL is easier to buy for--and she lives in a Nursing Home!

 

[suejai]

2. Female, age 23. Soft spoken English major. Lives in NYC in rental. Likes to read, vegetarian, wants to become a writer one day.

What about a nice journal or notebook and a good pen. With a nice Thesaurus or book on creative writing.

Or a vegetarian cookbook.

 

[3boymthr]

SIL *might* possibly look at a cookbook. I got my mother the 4 Ingredient Diabetic Cookbook last year and she loves it. SIL isn't very adventurous and she doesn't bake at all. I think she owns just about 4 spices--salt, pepper, seasoned salt, and cinnamon. Lemon pepper, paprika, thyme, cilantro--she would never try them. Too foreign and weird. How can people like this live with themselves? I mean, they have internet and cable. She just retired from the Air Force, not a slacker. She's just...pleasantly satisfied with her narrow outlook.
I might sure enough get them some wine glasses. They do like a good bottle of wine and they'd probably enjoy the glasses better than any wine I come up with(I am not much for picking out wine.)

Even my MIL is easier to buy for--and she lives in a Nursing Home!

Oooh that in itself is a clue to her outlook on life. I'm amazed at the number of military retirees I've met who have a narrow outlook on life (FIL, SFIL, Uncle and a couple of other relatives). They are all very rigid about what they like and don't like and what they are willing to try. My relatives at least will accept a gift card.

Perhaps she would like something related to her service in the military. Most of my relatives are very proud of their service to their country and love gifts related to that service. How about this http://www.giftsforprofessionals.com/item/us-air-force-bottle-stopper with a bottle of really nice wine chosen by the manager at your local wine seller (Find one that sells hundreds of different bottles) - Why go to the effort of choosing a good wine yourself when you can get a professional to do it for you and at no additional cost usually or from a winery - it's amazing how many local wineries there are; we have two within a half hour drive and we live in New England! Put it in a gift basket with some cheese, grapes and a few crackers. You're good to go.

 

[java]

My aunt/godmother is impossible! She's elderly and contemplating moving into a retirement place. She will have limited space so she's giving most things away. We can't get her flowers because her cat eats them. She's a picky eater with a ton of allergies. She mostly reads, watches some tapes on TV and music wise only likes one singer (can't think of his name- young, good looking and sings easy listening/jazz) but has all of his stuff. She doesn't like gift cards either.

That's the one I'm completely stuck on.

Michael Buble?

If so maybe this for a big time fan
http://www.michaelbuble.com/store/product/exclusive-fan-edition-crazy-love

My tough one is my Dad. He is a golfer. But really has everything for Golf. He likes word puzzles(but I bought him the nytimes crossword books several years ago and he "saves" them - doing only one a week.) He lives alone. I got him an ipod last year and he still hasn't used it yet. My teenager is going over to show him how to use it.
But really no ideas. Thinking of just taking him out to dinner.

 

[java]

I need serious help on what to get for my two cousins. They live across the country and I only see them once or twice a year so I do not know much about either of them. Both will be flying to and from our Christmas location so it has to be something they can easily bring with them.

1. Male age 27. Likes computers and bicycles to work. Works for Google. Vegetarian. Rents a house, likes to read, progressive thinker.

2. Female, age 23. Soft spoken English major. Lives in NYC in rental. Likes to read, vegetarian, wants to become a writer one day.

We do not exchange gift cards and I like to look for deals on things and deals can never be gotten on gift cards so if you have any ideas I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Thinking maybe Vegan Times subscription? Or for the writer a beautiful journal and pen set.

For the computer guy how about a fun USB? I bought my teenage computer person
http://www.mimoco.com/shop/star-wars
I bought from them last year(I got the Domo one) but they have all different types and my son thought it was hilarious. And he uses it!

 

[klacey1]

Oooo, I second that idea! Nice wine glass set, maybe a nice chrome wine stopper. At least you know your gift is practical...and will be used. I know a liquor store near me does gift certificates-- you could see if one near you does that, and do that too (or instead). More generic, but practical ideas-- throw blankets (cashmere or otherwise), or if they're such health/clean freaks-- a gift card to an organic store, like Whole Foods.

Here's my tough buy: DBF's younger sister. She's 17. Normally, I could go with a "girly" something (the generic perfumes, lotions, etc.), but she's a little...different. She's "punk"/"goth" and into the Nightmare Before Christmas, the Dark Knight. However, I REALLY don't care to step into Hot Topic this season! I'm looking to spend $20 or under. I could revert to the make-up/ body products in a pinch, since she cares about her looks more than she wants to admit! However, if anyone has a good idea, I'd love to hear it!! Any websites anyone knows of would be super helpful, too!