We all know someone who seems impossible to shop for—they already have everything they need, can buy whatever they want, and always respond to gift questions with "nothing, really."
But here's the truth: no one truly has everything. The secret is shifting your perspective from "things" to experiences, personalization, and thoughtfulness.
Why Traditional Gifts Fall Flat
Before diving into solutions, let's understand the problem:
The Accumulation Issue
People who "have everything" often have too much. Adding more stuff to their life isn't a gift—it's a burden.
The Quality Gap
They likely already own high-quality versions of everyday items. Your budget can't compete with what they'd buy themselves.
The Interest Mismatch
Without deep knowledge of their hobbies, you risk buying something generic they'll never use.
The Mindset Shift
Instead of asking "What do they need?" ask:
- What experiences would they enjoy?
- What would save them time?
- What memories could we create together?
- What would feel indulgent?
- What speaks to their values?
Experience Gifts
People who have everything often crave experiences over possessions.
Adventure Experiences
- Hot air balloon ride
- Helicopter tour
- Race car driving experience
- Skydiving lesson
- Sailing excursion
Learning Experiences
- Cooking class with a renowned chef
- Photography workshop
- Language lessons
- Art class
- Musical instrument lessons
Relaxation Experiences
- Spa day at a luxury resort
- Float therapy session
- Meditation retreat
- Yoga retreat weekend
- Wellness getaway
Culinary Experiences
- Private chef dinner at home
- Wine or whiskey tasting
- Truffle hunting experience
- Food tour in their city
- Reservation at an exclusive restaurant
Pro Tip: Experience gifts often mean more when you participate too. Offer to join them for the cooking class or adventure activity.
Time-Saving Services
For busy people who have everything, time is the ultimate luxury.
Home Services
- Professional organizing session
- Deep cleaning service
- Meal prep delivery for a month
- Laundry service subscription
- Garden design consultation
Personal Services
- Personal shopping appointment
- Wardrobe consultation
- Professional photo session
- Car detailing service
- Concierge service membership
Convenience Services
- Grocery delivery subscription
- Dry cleaning pickup service
- Personal assistant for a day
- Errand running service
Consumable Gifts
Items that get used up don't add clutter—they provide enjoyment without accumulation.
Food and Drink
- Artisan chocolate collection
- Single-origin coffee subscription
- Rare wine or spirits
- Gourmet food basket
- Specialty olive oil and vinegar set
Beauty and Wellness
- Luxury skincare set
- Aromatherapy collection
- Bath bomb assortment
- Premium candle set
- Essential oil collection
Hobby Consumables
- High-quality art supplies
- Premium yarn or fabric
- Specialty gardening seeds
- Rare book editions
- Craft beer or wine club membership
Highly Personalized Gifts
Customization transforms ordinary items into meaningful keepsakes.
Custom Artwork
- Commissioned portrait
- Custom illustration of their home
- Personalized map of meaningful places
- Custom song or poem
Personalized Keepsakes
- Custom star map from a special date
- Engraved jewelry with meaning
- Personalized leather goods
- Custom-bound book of memories
Memory-Based Gifts
- Photo book of shared memories
- Scrapbook of your relationship
- Video compilation from friends and family
- Framed collection of meaningful tickets/receipts
Charitable Gifts
For those who truly have everything, giving back can be more meaningful than receiving.
Donations in Their Name
- Donation to their favorite charity
- Sponsorship of a child or animal
- Environmental conservation contribution
- Educational scholarship funding
Charitable Experiences
- Volunteer trip together
- Charity event tickets
- Auction item benefiting a cause they care about
Impact Investments
- Microloan in their name
- Tree planting service
- Clean water well funding
- Wildlife protection sponsorship
Subscription Services
Gifts that keep giving throughout the year.
Entertainment Subscriptions
- Premium streaming services
- Audiobook membership
- Podcast premium subscription
- Online course platform access
Specialty Subscriptions
- Book club membership
- Wine or spirit of the month
- Artisan food subscription
- Magazine subscription they'd never buy themselves
Wellness Subscriptions
- Meditation app premium
- Fitness app subscription
- Healthy snack delivery
- Supplement subscription
Quality Over Quantity
Sometimes the answer is upgrading something they already have.
Everyday Upgrades
- Premium version of their daily coffee
- Luxury notebook for someone who journals
- High-end headphones upgrade
- Premium pet accessories
Hobby Upgrades
- Better equipment for their hobby
- Masterclass in their area of interest
- Premium supplies or materials
- Access to exclusive communities
Gifts of Your Time
Often the most valuable gift is your presence.
Activity Gifts
- Planned day out together
- Monthly friend date commitment
- Teaching them something you know
- Learning something together
Service Gifts
- Babysitting so parents can date
- Pet sitting for their vacation
- Airport pickup guarantee
- Emergency availability promise
Important: When giving time as a gift, follow through. A broken promise is worse than no gift at all.
Gift Ideas by Personality Type
The Foodie
- Rare ingredient they can't find locally
- Reservation at an impossible-to-book restaurant
- Cooking equipment upgrade
- Private chef experience
The Traveler
- Upgraded luggage or travel accessories
- Airport lounge membership
- Custom travel photography book
- Language learning subscription
The Homebody
- Luxury bedding upgrade
- Premium streaming subscriptions
- Cozy high-quality loungewear
- At-home spa equipment
The Minimalist
- Experience over things
- Consumable items
- Charitable donations
- Quality time together
The Tech Enthusiast
- Early access to new technology
- Smart home upgrades
- Premium app subscriptions
- Tech learning courses
Tips for Success
Do Your Research
- Pay attention to casual mentions throughout the year
- Note things they admire but won't buy themselves
- Listen for frustrations you could solve
Ask Differently
Instead of "What do you want?" try:
- "What's something you've been wanting to try?"
- "If you had a free day, what would you do?"
- "What's something that always runs out?"
Consider Presentation
For hard-to-shop-for people, presentation matters:
- Beautiful packaging
- Handwritten note explaining your choice
- Thoughtful timing of the gift
Accept Imperfection
Even the perfect gift might not elicit the reaction you expect. Give for the joy of giving, not for the response.
What to Avoid
Generic Luxury Items
- Designer items they'd buy themselves
- Expensive but impersonal gifts
- Trendy items that don't match their style
More Stuff
- Home decor they didn't choose
- Clothing without knowing their exact preferences
- Collections they didn't ask for
Obligations
- Gifts that require significant time or effort on their part
- Subscriptions they need to manage
- Items that need special care or maintenance
Conclusion
The person who has everything doesn't need another thing—they need thoughtfulness, experiences, time savings, or contributions to causes they care about.
The best gift for someone who has everything is proof that you know them, you pay attention, and you care enough to think creatively about what would truly enrich their life.
Track gift ideas year-round so you're always prepared. Gifterly helps you note gift inspirations when they happen and reminds you before every important occasion.