There’s a few traits that make a person “impossible” to buy for: maybe they don’t like receiving presents or are a little Grinch-y; maybe they don’t need anything; or maybe they are straight up picky.
The harder the person to shop for is, the more strained the gift suggestions seem to get. (How many electronic photo frames does one really need?)
Instead of a random gift, wow them with your thoughtfulness and creativity by tapping into how well you know them.
Tap into something they already love
Gift giving doesn’t always have to be about breaking the mould: do they love ? Do you know what brand of they use? Do they keep their home spotless? Top them up with multiples of their favourite things; beverages (like or ), go-to grooming products (like ) or a starter pack of from North Vancouver company Sapadilla.
Think about what they do every day
If part of the reason they don’t like gifts is they don’t need anything, find them something to enhance what they do daily. For those with long commutes, this is handy on cold mornings (as is an ).
Everyone brushes their teeth, so an electric toothbrush like this will immediately become part of their routine (and to make it a little more luxurious, there are designer toothpaste options like , and ).
A super practical kitchen accessory (like this remarkably smart and ) help cut down on waste and save counter space. For the bathroom, fluffy fresh towels are always needed and this from comes in a pale grey in a full set or individual sizes. Kitchen products available on .
In every age and stage of life, a T-shirt will be worn. For every type of style and price point, there's an option, like a sturdy set of white , organic cotton from Everlane (, pictured, and available in sets of three), or a luxury designer label from Nordstrom (like this .
This can be used for laundry, extra blankets and pillows or as a catch-all for toys. It's collapsible for easy storage when not in use. Available at .
For something entertaining, top up their subscriptions to , , , or or for 2022.
Find them something uniquely charming
Wrap up something so unexpectedly delightful that they can’t but smile when they open it. These are so cute; even the resident family curmudgeon might crack a smile. (Check shipping time to see if it can be delivered to your address by Christmas.) Available on .
A little out of left field, this filled with funky socks (including a graphic Hawaiian pair) is a present no one will be expecting. Available on .
Liven up their living space with something they will immediately put to use, like from Anthropologie, from Parliament Interiors, and from Crate and Barrel, a very welcoming (pictured) from , or a stunning from Paris available on Etsy. (When cared for correctly, dried flowers can last a year or more.)
Local, DIY and edible gifts
has two holiday boxes filled with a curated selection of products from Indigenous businesses. The includes Spirit Bear Coffee sampler pack, St. Jean’s Canned Wild Sockeye Salmon, a donation to The Moose Hide Campaign and more. The (Nlaka’pamux, Syilx Okanagan, and Secwepemc territories) includes Elaine Alec’s “Calling My Spirit Back,” Up The Hill At Loakin’s Chocolate and Roses Lotion Bar, Okanagan Select's Smoked Salmon (113g) and more gifts. Available at .
An assortment of grass-fed B.C. beef from includes burgers, sausages and steak; pair it with a (pictured) from . BBQ Share box available from .
Find a (like this one) and fill it with nostalgic childhood snacks, like this from Japan, premium (and sometimes spicy) , , (with TimTams and Vegemite) or a set. Available on .
Not so into the DIY option? This sweet includes B.C.-made ginger chocolate cookies, salted caramel popcorn and an illustrated map of Vancouver. Available at .
