Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.
Whether it’s your father-in-law who insists he just wants “quality time” with the family—and who also seems to already have literally everything imaginable—or a new coworker you suspect might be gifting you with something but insists they’re not going to anyway, we’ve all experienced the pain and agony of trying to find gifts for people who don’t want anything.
Sure, you can honor their wishes and show up empty-handed to your holiday gathering (after all, it’s technically what they wanted, right?), but the fact of the matter is that most of us don’t feel comfortable arriving at a celebration or holiday party without at least something tangible in tow—even if it’s a generic greeting card and some random chocolates you picked up last-minute on the way there.
I’m all too familiar with the struggle of finding gifts for people who don’t want anything. Each year, my father—bless his heart—staunchly insists he will not be accepting a gift for the holidays, his birthday, or any other event that warrants gifting. Usually, I arrive at these gatherings with a mid-tier bottle of Sauv Blanc, knowing that he’ll at least drink it (and maybe even enjoy doing so?), thereby dodging the investigative guesswork it would require to unveil what he actually wants.
But you certainly don’t have to resort to generic go-tos like wine, candy, flowers, and gift cards to soothe your anxiety over gifting someone who “doesn’t want anything” or who seemingly already has everything. There are plenty of other universally appealing gift ideas that will dazzle and delight even the most stubborn (or spoiled) giftees on your list. From personalized gifts from small businesses on Amazon to luxury candles that literally no one wouldn’t like, there are plenty of under-the-radar gift options to choose from, so you really don’t have to stress.
Now, it goes without saying that many of the gift ideas I’ve come up with below will also be suitable for people you don’t know super well, like your boss and coworkers, a distant cousin you haven’t seen in over a decade, or a new sister-in-law. We know it’s frustrating trying to figure out what to get people who claim they don’t want a gift, but these foolproof gift ideas below have got you covered.
If you know me at all, you know how obsessed I am with my Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Napper Blanket (I own three). Naturally, I've gifted them to a slew of different people—my mom, ex-boyfriends, and a former boss. This chic and cozy blanket is a true crowd-pleaser that the giftee in question won't know how much they needed until you gift them with one of their own.
Whether they’re into cooking (or want to be into cooking), sports, writing, film... and the list goes on... MasterClass’s catalog of industry expert and celebrity-led courses makes the perfect gift for just about anyone. Plus, it’s also a great last-minute option you can send instantly online.
Not only are Truff’s truffle-infused hot sauces the tastiest on the market, but their packages are so chic that they honestly look more like designer perfume bottles than a condiment. I gifted one of these to each of my favorite neighbors last year for the holidays, and it’s safe to say they’re all addicted to Truff now. You honestly can’t go wrong with this holiday set.
Luxury fragrance meets performance laundry detergent in this trio. There’s no better gift than elevating your recipient’s household chores, and this fine-fragrance detergent turns laundry day into a sensory experience.
Level up their oral care routine with Suri’s premium (and super sleek) electric toothbrush. This award-winning electric toothbrush is engineered with a bevy of advanced features, including a pressure sensor to protect gums, two sonic cleaning modes, and quadrant timers.
If they’re a coffee drinker (especially if they’re into Turkish coffee), treat them to a delicious cup and a fortune reading from Dr. Honeybrew (check out his Instagram!). Each box comes with ten grams of Turkish coffee and a four-minute personalized video of Dr. Honeybrew’s fortune reading. Skip the Cameo videos this year and opt for this unique and experiential gift instead.
This game-changing smart water bottle is the definition of an ideal gift—something that instantly elevates daily life, yet feels indulgent enough that some people probably wouldn’t splurge on it for themselves. The Larq PureVis 2 Water Bottle cleans itself using UV-C technology, filters water on the go, and tracks hydration through its companion app. It's the perfect, unexpected gift for the wellness lover on your list who has it all.
This next-level multi-functional skincare device harnesses the power of bacteria-resistant cleansing, anti-aging LED therapy, and contouring microcurrent technology. This is the kind of beauty device that the giftee in question would never buy for themselves, but would be unable to live without after a few uses.
For the friend whose closet is already bursting with designer bags, Ossa New York’s phone accessories are an unexpected yet style-forward gift. The brand’s sleek wristlets and cords turn a smartphone into a bona fide fashion accessory. After all, if you’re carrying it everywhere anyway, it might as well be cute.
I could wax poetic about sauna blankets all day long if I had to—it’s the single best investment I’ve ever made in the wellness category. If your giftee is a self-care advocate—or just chronically stressed—get them Higherdose’s endorphin-boosting and calorie-burning infrared sauna blanket. They’ll be eternally grateful.
A silk pillowcase and matching sleep mask aren't usually things one would buy for themselves, but trust us, they will never go back. Casper's ultra-giftable silk pillowcase and mask set is the perfect introduction to the luxury of sleeping on silk. Plus, it's better for your skin and hair. They're also available as separates, too.
While a standard air purifier might not scream “giftable,” Mila’s sleek, award-winning designs are the exception. The Mila Air Mini is compact, whisper-quiet, and quietly life-changing, working behind the scenes to improve air quality, sleep, and overall well-being. With smart sensors that monitor air quality in real time and an intuitive app that delivers air quality reports, it’s a thoughtful, design-forward gift that elevates everyday living without feeling overly utilitarian.
Any old candle as a gift may feel like you didn't really think about it, but a Diptyque candle is a major exception. I've never met anyone who doesn't love a luxe scented candle by Diptyque. I also love them because when the candle has burned, you can stick it in the freezer and reuse the glass jar as an extra-chic drinking glass.
While they probably already have a pair of wireless headphones or AirPods, they probably don't have cool sunglasses equipped with Bluetooth and audio functionality. Bose's unisex audio frames are actually universally flattering, and they allow you to take business calls and listen to music when you're on the go.
You've probably already heard of the Internet-famous (and impossibly chic) Always Pan by Our Place, but you may not be familiar with their newer (and equally as pretty) Perfect Pot. Either of these luxe kitchen sidekicks make a perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook—and an even better gift for those who ~don't~ love to cook. Plus, the Always Pan is actually on sale right now for just $99.95.
If you know the giftee’s birthday information, this is one of the best gift ideas I can think of. This Birthdate Co. bundle includes a personalized birthday book detailing the person’s birth chart (crafted for the day they were born), a candle with their birthdate on the front, and their accompanying traits.
Let Scouted guide you to the best gifts to give this year. Shop Here >
