What do you give someone who seems to have everything? It’s not easy to come up with the perfect gift, especially when they say they want nothing. That’s why we’ve put together a list of unique gift ideas. You’ll find everything from experience gifts to one-of-a-kind items.
There’s something for everyone below. So, keep reading to find a suitable gift for the occasion!
CONTENTS – In this gift guide, you’ll find the most unique gift ideas for someone who has everything, including:
- Why is It So Hard to Find the Perfect Gift?
- 7 Unique Gift Ideas
- Final Thoughts on Finding Unique Gifts
- Next Steps in Shopping Inspiration
Note: This article contains affiliate links, so I may earn a commission if you buy something (at no extra cost to you). Rest assured, I only recommend products I love and use! You can read my full disclosure here.
Why Is It So Hard to Find the Right Gift?
If you have a friend or family member who seems to have everything it can be tough to know what to get them. It’s even harder when they insist they don’t want anything for their birthday or Christmas.
Of course, you could skip the gift altogether…
But that may not be the best decision.
Instead, you’ll want to look for a gift that is unique. That can put a lot of pressure on your gift-giving.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – especially if you’re hunting for unique 30th birthday gift ideas for him. Consider options that cater to his interests yet offer something he wouldn’t buy for himself.
This could range from an experience day, like skydiving or a gourmet cooking class, to high-tech gadgets or custom-made accessories that match his style.
This article has some great unique gift ideas for the person who says they want nothing. From subscription boxes to personalized gifts, there’s something here for everyone.
So take a look and see what catches your eye.
Your gift recipient is sure to love it!
1. Gift Card to a New Restaurant or Store
If the person you’re shopping for is the type who already has everything, then consider a gift card.
One perfect option might be to a new restaurant in town, or an exclusive store.
It’s a great way to encourage them to try something new, too. It shows that you are thinking about their time and interests. They’ll appreciate being able to explore a new place.
And, you’ll be giving them the gift of an experience rather than another material item, according to Gift Rabbit.
With this type of gift, the recipient can choose to go to the new spot on their own or take a friend or family member with them.
Either way, they’ll be able to enjoy a new experience, thanks to your thoughtful gift.
Related: Buy a Gift Driving Experience: Best Superhero Muscle Cars!
2. Subscription to a New and Interesting Magazine
If you know someone difficult to shop for, a subscription to a new and interesting magazine is the perfect gift!
It’s a gift that keeps on giving, every month.
And, it’s a great way to introduce your friend or loved one to something they may be interested in but wouldn’t necessarily think to buy for themselves.
There are all sorts of magazines out there. So, you’re sure to find one that matches your friend or loved one’s interests.
For the foodie in your life, try a food magazine like Bon Appetit or Saveur.
For the fashion-savvy friend, go for a glossy like Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar.
Or for the friend who loves to be outdoors, try National Geographic or Outside.
These 15 travel magazines are ideal for someone with a bit of wanderlust.
A subscription to a new and interesting magazine is a unique gift that’s sure to please.
So, next time you’re stumped on what to get that special someone, think outside the box and give the gift of a subscription!
3. Personalized Mug with a Funny or Inside Joke
A personalized mug with a funny or inside joke is a great way to show the person you’re shopping for that you know them well.
They’ll get a kick out of the joke, and they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift.
Plus, it’s a practical item that they can use daily.
Here are some tips for finding the perfect funny or inside joke mug:
- Think about their sense of humor. What kind of jokes do they like? What kind of things make them laugh?
- Do some digging and see if you can find an inside joke between the two of you. Something that only the two of you would understand.
- Get creative with the design. You can find mugs with all sorts of funny sayings or pictures on them. Or you can even design your own mug with a personal message.
- If you’re really stuck, you can always go with a classic mug that has a funny saying on it. Something like “World’s Best Boss” or “I’m not a morning person.”
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will make them smile.
Because that’s what the best gifts are all about.
4. Basket Filled with Their Favorite Things
Giving the gift of a basket filled with the recipient’s favorite things is always a winning move.
This basket can be filled with anything and everything that they love.
You can fill a basket with their favorite:
- Candy
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Movies
- Books
- Themed gifts
You can get especially creative when it comes to themed gift baskets.
For instance, for the busy parents, how about a bottle of wine, wine glasses, a corkscrew, and a “coupon” for a babysitting?
A “basket” for the beach-lover might feature a sand pail filled with colorful flip flops, sunglasses, a beach towel, chips, and a water bottle.
If the person is environmentally conscious, you can gift him/her eco-friendly products from sustainable lifestyle brands.
The basket doesn’t need to be huge to be a great gift, either.
For instance, how about a small Nantucket basket with the classic paperback, Moby Dick, tucked inside. Or a lunch pail filled to the brim with penny candy for the sweet tooth?
Whatever you think would make them happy, go for it!
Fill up the basket with thoughtful surprises and they will be sure to love it.
This is the perfect gift for anyone who seems to already have everything they could ever want.
It’ll put a smile on their face for sure, because they’ll be delighted with a personalized gift basket.
5. Coupon Book Filled with Things Like “One Free Hug” or “One Free Day of Pampering”
A custom coupon book is always a great gift.
You can even find thoughtful coupon books on Amazon!
When you buy or create one that is filled with things like “one free hug” or “one free day of pampering,” it’s an extra special way to show your loved one how much you care.
They’ll be able to use the coupons whenever they need a little pick-me-up.
And, they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift.
This type of coupon book is perfect for that special someone who seems to have everything because it is filled with things that money can’t buy.
It’s an endearing way to show your loved ones that you are thinking of them and that you want to make their life a little bit better.
If you decide to make your own, It’s very quick and easy. Just using paper and markers or your computer.
But we especially love these “Love Coupons”! They’re a perfect, thoughtful gift for someone special who has it all!
6. A Book That Speaks to Their Interests
For the reader who has everything, a book can be the perfect gift.
But what kind of book?
If you know your reader well, you can find a book that speaks to their interests.
Do they love history?
For the reader who can’t get enough of the past, try a book like The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt and the Lost History of the Environment by Andrea Wulf.
This book tells the story of Alexander von Humboldt, a 19th-century German explorer, and scientist, who had a profound impact on our understanding of the natural world.
It’s fascinating!
Is your reader a foodie?
For the reader who loves to cook and eat, try a book like Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat.
This book is part cookbook, part memoir, and part love letter to the joys of cooking.
Anyone who loves food and cooking will love it!
Is your reader a traveler?
For the reader who loves to explore, try a book like Martha’s Vineyard — Isle of Dreams by Susan Branch.
This book is part travelogue and part memoir, and it tells the story of Susan’s journey during a New England winter.
I loved this book and in fact, wrote a full review here, if you’d like to know more.
No matter what your reader’s interests are, there’s a book out there that will speak to them.
So do your research and give the gift of a good book.
7. The Gift of Learning Something New
One option is to get them a subscription to an online learning platform like Shareskill, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy.
This way, they can choose from a range of courses on topics they’re interested in and learn at their own pace.
If you know what specific skill or subject they’d like to learn, you can also buy them a book on the topic.
Travel-lover? How about an annual subscription to a language learning platform, like Babel?
Even better, find a how-to guide that they can refer to again and again.
For the more hands-on learner, consider signing them up for a workshop or class on something they’ve always wanted to try.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that you know they’ll be excited about learning.
A gift that helps them learn something new is sure to be a hit.
It might just be the thing that helps them cross that one item off their bucket list.
Final Thoughts on Unique Gift Ideas
Picking out gifts for someone who has everything can be a daunting task.
But it doesn’t have to be!
With a little creativity, you can find the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.
Whether you opt for a personalized gift, something sentimental, or something completely unique, your thoughtfulness will be sure to shine through.
Our list of unique gifts is sure to please even the pickiest of people. From experiences to one-of-a-kind items, we’ve got something for everyone.
Related: Flying Experience Gift and Other Unique Gifts for Travelers!
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About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
Next Steps
If you still haven’t found exactly the right gift for the occasion, have a look at these other gift guides for inspiration.
- 16 Best Luxury Travel Gifts You’ll Love To Give or Get for 2022
- 26 Best Pampering Gifts for Mom To Make Her Feel Special in 2022
- 6 Useful Gifts for Travelers Who Love Photography
- 25 Excellent Gifts for RVers That Will Make Happy Campers
- Gift Guide: Best Gifts for College Boys
- Gift Guide: Best Gifts for College Girls
- Best Gifts for College-Bound Students
We know you’ll find the perfect gift for the person who has it all!