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We all know someone who feels particularly impossible to shop for. They already have everything, swear they don’t want anything, and are very vocal when they don’t like something (looking at you, grandpa). So we raided our own family wish lists and pulled together a curation of gifts they’d genuinely appreciate — or, at the very least, would actually use. Here’s a lineup of presents that even the hardest-to-please will enjoy.
Need more gifts? Shop all of our holiday gift guides here.

A toiletry bag to keep bathroom countertops clutter-free…
This one goes out to the friend who can’t resist scattering their toiletries on the bathroom counter, whether at home or hotel-side. This bag folds up neatly but still has ample storage. It’s made of a soft leather that makes even old toothbrushes feel chic. Bonus: You can personalize it, which makes it feel more like a keepsake than a travel necessity.

A massage roller for workout recovery…
Who needs a spa appointment when this foam roller is waiting to be used during yet another Law & Order rewatch? Designed with long-lasting cushioned EVA foam, this roller delivers a deep tissue massage without the hefty price tag. Perfect for post-gym recovery, pre-bedtime stretches, or pretending they’re on a wellness retreat in their own living room.

An acupressure cushion to help that permanent knot in their shoulder…
Tech neck and stress knots are about to meet their maker. This compact cushion slips under the neck or shoulder blades and targets acupressure points to release tension throughout the body. It’s a shortcut to relief they didn’t know they needed.

Adult-designed putty that won’t ruin furniture…
An homage to slime mania (without the ruined kitchen table). Crags Putty from Speks offers a more grown-up twist thanks to magnetic design that sticks to itself instead of furniture. Perfect for fidgeting during meetings that should’ve been emails, zoning out, or indulging in a little tactile stress relief.

A smartwatch for a (mini) phone-free period…
Everyone talks about a digital detox, but no one really wants to go fully off the grid. This Pixel smartwatch is like the 2025 version of a beeper: you’ll see alerts, track your heart rate, and log fitness stats without the overwhelming urge to dive into your phone. Perfect for hands-free walks, errands, or grocery runs when you want to stay connected without doomscrolling.

A game of Spikeball for some healthy competition…
For the friends and family who think a barbecue isn’t complete without at least one friendly rivalry. This set includes the net, three balls, and a carrying case, so it’s ready for the backyard, the park, or the beach. The rules are simple: serve the ball onto the net and rally back and forth until one team can’t return it. Things may get heated; don’t say we didn’t warn you.

A hook-and-ring battle for bragging rights…
This game looks easy. Swing the ring, land it on the hook, win the round. In reality, it’s fast-paced, endlessly competitive, and far more fun than you’d think. The best part? You get to knock your opponent’s peg back a notch every time you score, which means we will (gleefully) be playing this with our siblings this holiday season.

A New York City-approved cup of Joe…
Mornings are better when good coffee is brewing, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying pour than this Flatiron blend. With notes of dark chocolate, pralines, and dates, it rivals the best barista in town. No subway ride required.

Slide sandals if they’re looking to retire their flip-flops…
A subtle way to slide in some fashion advice. These practical sandals take the house slipper-meets-pool shoe and give it an upgrade. They’re perfect for indoor lounging, morning coffee runs, or trips to the pool. They’re also outrageously comfortable.

A bento box full of sweet treats…
Sugarfina is synonymous with luxury candy, and this bento box is basically a grown-up’s version of pick ’n’ mix. Build them a candy buffet by choosing from a variety of mouthwatering options: sour strawberries, birthday cake cookie bites, martini olive almonds, cold brew dark chocolates, and prosecco gummies. Consider it a sweeter choose-your-own-adventure story.

Splurge-worthy headphones they’ll use for years to come…
You can’t go wrong with the gift of good headphones that get the job done. These over-the-ear Bose QuietComforts are the gold standard. They have up to 24 hours of battery life, a wear so comfortable you forget they’re on, and customizable listening modes that’ll make even your neighbor’s lawnmower disappear. Need we say more?

An 18-in-one tool they can keep in their pocket…
Toolboxes are bulky, garages aren’t universal, and some people just like having every gadget within arm’s reach. Enter: the Leatherman Wave multi-tool. It shockingly has 18 functions packed into one sleek package. We won’t bore you with the entire list, but highlights include spring-action scissors, wire cutters, pliers, and, of course, a bottle opener.

A charging mount to keep Apple Maps in view…
If their car predates built-in navigation (no shame), this powerful charging mount is the fix. It locks their phone in place so Apple Maps stays in sight, charges while in use, and doesn’t nosedive to the floor at every sharp turn. Bonus points for its easy repositioning and adaptability in most cars. Perfect for road trips and carpools, “did we miss the exit?” panic will no longer feel as dire.

A gramophone speaker for vintage aficionado…
This handcrafted walnut gramophone takes your everyday Spotify playlist and makes it feel less “algorithm shuffle” and more “live jazz band at a smoky speakeasy.” No cords, no batteries, no Bluetooth headaches. All you have to do is set the phone down and let the acoustics do their thing. Suddenly, TikTok earworms sound nostalgic, and Top 40 hits feel timeless.

A magnetic wristband if they have never (not once) hired help…
Picture it: a screw falls from their hand and suddenly they’re on the floor, flashlight in mouth, swearing under their breath. This magnetic wristband saves them (and you) the trouble. It keeps screws, bolts, washers, and other tiny essentials right where they need them. Think of it as the extra set of hands they usually refuse to hire

A leather wallet specifically designed for their front pocket…
Most wallets are designed for the back pocket: square and bulky. This one is smarter. Rounded at the top and slim enough to tuck neatly in the front pocket, it still holds up to 12 cards and cash. Made from durable leather that feels broken-in, it’s form, function, and comfort in one place.

A three-in-one to charge multiple devices at once…
Phone on 3%, earbuds dead, smartwatch gasping for life. Sound familiar? Then this Belkin Charging Stand is the nightly fix they didn’t know they needed. It powers all three devices at once from a single hub, keeping the bedside table tidy and their morning free from the dreaded “everything died overnight” panic.

Cocktail stirrers that will become the life of the par-tee…
These cheeky cocktail stirrers are shaped like golf clubs, adding a little backswing to negronis, mocktails, or whatever’s being mixed. The ultimate stocking stuffer for the family member whose idea of quality time always involves a caddy and an expansive lawn.

An internet-inspired virtual reality slime…
For a digital detox that still tips its hat to the online world, this slime is perfect. It has a cloud-like texture, rock candy scent, and tiny charms that nod to the internet’s greatest hits. We’re here for this tween-friendly distraction (and let’s be real, an adult one too) that satisfies the urge to fidget without the screen time.

A compact pool table that’ll do the trick…
We’ve all been sold the fantasy that everyone has a basement stocked with arcade games, foosball, and a full pool table. When in reality, most of us don’t have room for that. This 20-inch version brings game night energy without requiring a large space. It comes with everything he’ll need like cues, balls, a rack, and chalk.
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