When it comes to great gift ideas, I always struggle.
At my house we draw names each year for the annual Christmas gift exchange.
The drawing is usually done each Christmas, long after all the presents from the current holiday have been opened and everybody has stuffed themselves on the traditional “chickadel” dinner – actually a homemade doughy Italian pasta, better known as cavatelli.
Everybody’s names are put into a Santa hat and then we all take turns to see who we’re going to buy presents for on the following Christmas.
This Christmas I drew Uncle Paul’s name – which really put me in a bit of a spot.
I get intimidated when I draw somebody’s name like Uncle Paul out of the hat.
What do you get an octogenarian who has all the money he’ll ever need, and already has everything he’d ever want? Let’s face it, when the guy wants something he’s going to buy it.
I asked for some great gift ideas from his wife, but according to Aunt Mary Jane, “Paul’s had everything he’s ever wanted since 1979.”
See what I mean? The guy already has everything. Yes, I realize I could make some homemade Christmas gifts, but that’s just not me.
Then again, after a bit more thinking, I realized Uncle Paul really couldn’t have everything. That’s impossible.
So to prove it, I recently came up with nine great gift ideas that I am certain Uncle Paul can’t say he already has.
In fact, upon further reflection, I think this list is so good that it basically applies to anybody else who seemingly has everything too. See if you don’t agree…
1. Car Washes or Detailing
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Almost everybody has a car, but how many people have their own car wash? No matter what the season or occasion, what could be a nicer present for the guy or gal that has everything than a nice shiny clean vehicle? Get a gift certificate to a specific car wash. If you want to spend a little more, contact a mobile auto detailer that will come to the gift recipient’s home or place of employment.
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: That depends. The cheapest hand-dry car washes will usually run you at least $10 a pop. Car detailing prices will run from between $60 and $180, depending on the size of the vehicle, interior style, type of services selected, and even geographical location.
2. Car Repairs
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Those who have everything may have a butler, but it is very doubtful they have their own car mechanic. Most car dealerships and many other auto repair houses offer gift certificates that can be used when it’s time to bring the car in for repairs or routine maintenance like oil changes.
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: That depends on what needs to be repaired, of course. A gift certificate for $100 will certainly cover the cost of a couple of routine oil changes – or at least defray the cost of larger repair expenses.
3. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: If you are looking to give a gift that offers a truly beautiful and unforgettable experience, then this is it! I have gone on two hot air balloon rides in my lifetime – a sunrise trip over southern California’s Temecula wine country, and a sunset journey that started on the San Diego coastline. Both trips were absolutely magnificent and ended with post-flight champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Everybody should do this at least once in their lifetime! You can check out the Web for a list of companies in your area with FAA-licensed balloon pilots.
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: As a point of reference, for balloon rides in southern California, one-hour rides on a weekday in a shared basket can be found for as low as $125 per person; weekend ride prices are about 15% higher. Private two-person rides usually start in the neighborhood of $400 per person.
4. Art, Cooking, or Dance Lessons
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Dad might have everything, but he certainly can’t do everything. If he can’t make a piece of toast without burning it, try buying him a few cooking lessons. If he has two left feet, then dancing lessons would be a good bet. Art lessons are another idea. The possibilities are endless.
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: As an example, a four-hour in-house private cooking lesson for two from Chef Professor begins at $400. The tuition cost includes all food products needed for the class. Private dance lessons usually start around $50 per hour; group lessons are considerably cheaper. Private art lessons usually start at around $20 per hour.
5. The Gift of Charity
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Perhaps Aunt Edna feels passionately about a particular cause – or several. If so, give them the gift of charity. For example, by giving them a TisBest Charity Gift Card for a predetermined amount, they can choose from over 200 charities to contribute to!
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: TisBest gift cards come in increments of $10, $20, $30, $50, $75, $100, and $200. You can also set your own amount.
6. Membership in a Gift of the Month Club
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Gift of the month clubs are a great gift for folks who have everything. Wine clubs such as the original Wine of the Month Club offer a great way for wine connoisseurs and newbies alike to sample and learn about new wines and offer a fun and interesting way to build wine collections. But for those who prefer something other than wine, Amazing Clubs offers – get this – 32 different monthly clubs to choose from. In order, Amazing Clubs’ top five Clubs of the Month are: Wine, Beer, Chocolate, Flower and Hot Sauce – but they also offer monthly clubs as varied as cheese, neckties, tea, salsa, cigars, pasta, and even dog treats. There are also companies that offer great gift baskets and online flowers specials every month.
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: Again, it depends. Amazing Clubs offers options for three-, four-, six- and twelve-month memberships. The cost varies depending on which club you choose. Obviously the cheese club is going to run more than, say, the doggie treats. To give you an idea, here is a partial list of Amazing Clubs’ three-month membership prices as of the date this article was written (there is a slight per-month discount for longer memberships): Beer ($102); Chocolate ($90); Hot Sauce ($57); Cheese ($135); Necktie ($72); Pasta ($87); Salsa ($60); Dog Treats ($60); Cigars ($90).
7. Spa Services
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Very few people take the time to indulge themselves in luxurious activities, so why not offer that hard-to-buy-for person a weekend at the spa or maybe even a series of monthly spa treatments? Almost all day spas now offer specials and package deals – such as a massage and facial – that can be mixed and matched to customize your gift for the recipient. Longer spa treatments may also include lunch.
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: Generally speaking, prices at luxury day resorts and hotels will cost more than other day spas. A one-hour Swedish massage in smaller markets will typically run you between $80 and $130. The same massage at a luxury resort can run upwards of $200. If you are on a tighter budget, spa manicures – which the Honeybee tells me are more thorough than strip-mall manicures – typically start around $40. Spa pedicures usually run in the neighborhood of $50. Again, these prices will usually run higher at a luxury resort.
8. Something Personal
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Everybody has their talents, so put them to good use! For example, if you are a skilled painter, why not utilize your skills and create a special painting the person would love. If you are in to scrap booking, put together a great collage. The more personalized you make it, the bigger the “wow” factor, so don’t hold back and really let those creative juices flow!
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: Material prices will vary depending on the project, but the labor is free. 
9. Groceries
Why It’s A Great Gift Idea: Grandparents on a very tight budget will always appreciate a gift certificate for groceries. You can give them a gift certificate to their local grocery store, or you can arrange for them to have groceries delivered direct to their home through services such as Amazon or WeGoShop.
Okay, So What’s It Gonna Cost Me: That’s up to you. How much do good old Grandma and Grandpa wolf down in groceries each week? Keep in mind the home delivery option will be a little less cost efficient, but hey – aren’t Nana and Papa worth it?
What ideas do you have for the guy or gal who has everything?
As for me, I just hope Uncle Paul enjoys his pedicure this year.
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I’m glad you put this list together, because I know several people in my own life, too, that have pretty much whatever they could ever want.
Car repairs were a surprising addition (didn’t know you could gift certificate those), and hot air balloon rides sound wonderful. I also like the idea of classes–most older folks are always looking for things to do, so that’s perfect.
Finally, I think the gift of charity can be absolutely amazing and very personal when given to the right person. It can give someone an enormous sense of gratitude, even though you didn’t actually get THEM anything.
.-= Wojciech Kulicki´s last blog ..Alternatives to Traditional Christmas Gifts =-.
baseball txs!
LOL!
I think books and music work well as gifts because new ones are coming out all of the time–he can’t possibly already have all the books and recordings he’d enjoy having. Ditto for movies.
.-= Susan Tiner´s last blog ..Expected Return of Income Property =-.
That is a good idea, Susan.
I bet a lot of people would enjoy reading the Steve Jobs biography this year.
A gift certificate to their favorite restaurant is good too.
Pretty much everyone reading this already has more than they will ever need, so buying a traditional gift is pointless. For Uncle Paul, I suggest a song. Yes, compose a song in his honor (It does not have to be about him, specifically), and sing it for him on Christmas Day. If you sing like my wife, everybody will be thrilled (not just Uncle Paul). If you sing like me, well, they’ll all recognize that it’s the thought that counts.
Another great idea, David! There’s nothing wrong with tossing in a couple of ear plugs if your voice is less than, um, on-pitch.
I am always looking for clutter free and well thought out gifts. Generic gift certificates seem like a cop-out to me. Thanks for this list!
I’ll add a few of my favorites to your list. Being a consummate knitter and yarn snob one of my favorite gifts ever was a membership in a sock club. Every other month for a year I received an unique pattern and an exquisite skein of yarn from a designer I admired. Perfect! One year, at a loss for what to get my mother I took her shopping. Not only did we enjoy the time together and a nice lunch but she picked out a sweater pattern and bought the yarn with the intent for me to knit it for her. She got exactly what she wanted/needed and I got to put love in every stitch of something I *knew* would be appreciated. Magazine subscriptions are another winner. I just got a gift card with a 2 year subscription to a knit design magazine from the SO. And as a kid I remember the monthly deliveries of National Geographic and fighting with my siblings over who got to read it first. This year I had my mother in tears over a gift I made for her. I gave her a hand printed and designed coupon book for a monthly mother/daughter lunch sans grandkids and SOs.
Yakira
.-= Yakira´s last blog ..Must. Keep. Shopping. =-.
Fabulous ideas, Yakira. Thanks for sharing them with us!
I had a subscription to NatGeo when I was a kid too. I learned a lot from that excellent magazine.
Love it! here is another fun idea Search TickleMe Plant Greenhouse
In it you can grow a real pet like plant that moves and closes its leaves when you Tickle It!
Here is the website to see this crazy fun TickleMe Plant in action and to get the Gift Set to grow your own.
http://www.ticklemeplant.com
I have the same problem with my parents that you have with your Uncle Paul. They have everything they need.
Gifts I’ve given them include prepaid hair appointments, gift cards to their favorite restaurants and onboard credit for their cruise vacation.
Thanks for the additional ideas!
.-= Bucksome´s last blog ..It’s One of Those Months =-.
You’re welcome! I think your idea about prepaid hair appointments is a good one! I also like the on-board credit idea!
What about the person who doesn’t WANT anything? Having that issue with my husband, who is perfectly content with his TV and his Netflix subscription. Doesn’t care about music, lessons, hot-air balloons. Still pondering this one!
.-= RainyDaySaver´s last blog ..6 Fun and Cheap Snow Day Activities =-.
You have to be careful here. There are some people out there who say they really DON’T want anything and actually MEAN it. If that is the case, then I would give them a Christmas card and a hug.
HOWEVER… I find there are MANY MANY people who SAY they don’t want anything, but they really do. You have to do your due diligence here and make sure hubby isn’t playing coy with you. Tell him that playing coy is not such a good idea, because if he is he may get what he asked for!
Good list, I don’t know about the Hot Air Balloon Rides, though. I’m a bit scared of heights, lol. I would recommend something like a canoe trip at a State/Nat’l park. A lot of them have rentals for around $15~ a day.
The first time I took a ride, and the balloon was first rising into the air, it had me a bit nervous. But before I knew it I was completely carefree and enjoying the beautiful views. It is so tranquil up there that I found it hard not to be relaxed. I think the idea of a canoe ride is a great idea too. Thanks the tip, Derek!
My 96yo grandfather is one of those guys who have everything. I noticed he was complaining about his rough skin and not getting a close shave and I bought him one of those little battery-powered skin buffers by Nivea (in pink!) and he LOVED it! I think he enjoyed the sensation and us fussing over him doing it at the Christmas table(!) but he uses it every day. Soon he’ll look like a 20yo…
That’s a great idea! I think your story also goes to show that if we all spent just a little more time listening carefully to our “hard-to-shop-for” loved ones, maybe finding a gift for them wouldn’t be quite as hard as we make it out to be.
I certainly appreciate the list since the year is already starting with birthdays that go all through the year. I never thought about groceries for the grandparents (or other elderly persons), but you are right, that’s an excellent choice and so timely and needed. I am going to put your list up and have it especially for my Christmas shopping.
.-= Lillie´s last blog ..I See Deals and You Can Too! =-.
Groceries are great for college kids too! (Younger people in general.)
This list is perfect! Thanks for the great ideas.
My pleasure, Mary Ellen.
I think it would be great if you could share other ideas you may have. Assuming you have a few more.
I do, but I was saving them for a follow-up post. I hope you can hold out a while. If you can’t, drop me an e-mail and I’ll dish a few more for you.
Those are some nice ideas for gifts that they will never forget. Most gifts I’ve ever received fall into the fog of memory, but one year my wife got me a 1-hour helicopter training ride for Christmas. Man oh man was that ever awesome.
Wow! That is a GREAT gift, Chet! Although to be honest, I would never get inside a helicopter unless it was as a Medivac passenger.
Some great ideas here. Ever since I was given a track day driving amazing supercars I have bought experiences for friends and family who are hard to buy for.
Another great idea, Glen! I had a neighbor who used to work at a race track and she used to tell me that they would let people use the track for a fee. How expensive is a gift like that?
My favorite gift to give during Christmas day is a fruit basket with toys and gift certificates. they can really put a smile on someone’s face.
I love your blog, and this article is no exception. Thank you for the great gift ideas.
WineClubGuide.com is your guide to finding the best wine clubs online, whether you are looking to expand your wine collection or are sending your friend a wine club gift. We believe there is no better way to experience the world of wine than with a wisely chosen wine club.
Great post! I myself think that finding the right gift can sometimes be difficult. What I think is that people tend to like unique gifts that are hard to find and not sold in stores. People like the gifts more this way since they cannot be replaced. I have been buying a few items from http://www.thinkfuntoys.com and giving it away to friends and family. They all love it. The stuff there are pretty cheap and unique and they deliver fast.
My kids used to ask me what I wanted for my birthday, Christmas, etc. I am one who is totally happy to get the card and a hug, and I don’t really need the card — and they know this. But my daughters love to give gifts. So I went on Amazon and created a Wish List. Now they just go check my wish list. My wife gave me two great gifts that fed my need for speed: 10 laps in a genuine NASCAR at 160 mph and an hour ride in a North American T-6 Texan (I was a passenger but got to control the stick for almost 45 minutes). These were a little pricey for us, but gifts I will never forget.
I’m with you. I tell my family all I need is a hug and — maybe — a cake baked by my daughter for my birthday. I bet my dad would love the ride in a T-6.
These are great ideas for those who we feel have everything. I love this list and will most likely borrow one or two ideas. If it helps anyone I gifted my dad a platinum cheese club and it was the perfect gift for him (http://www.igourmet.com/shoppe/buy_adventurous.aspx). I also gave a luxury candle of the month club as a gift to my Mom and she loved it (http://www.raincollection.com/categories/candle_of_the_month_club/366.php?page_id=727). Both of these clubs are a little more expensive than what is listed in the post, but the products were exceptional. Great list of gift ideas, thanks for the post!
This is a great list! I found some great ideas that I am going to be using for this upcoming holiday season…no more last minute shopping for me. I also found some great ideas and info on http://blog.pickypresents.com. It is always good to have a bank of sites to get information on when Christmas shopping! Good luck to you all
A great place for some unique gifts is http://AncientMagicToys.com They have 19th century animation devices that are fun and magical for anyone!
This is an awesome list of gift ideas for people whom we thought to have “everything” that they need. We especially like point number 8, on something personal, in particular, scrap booking. Put in the photos of the happy times we have, and it sure would bring back fond memories, and some tears. A good way to strengthen the relationship.
Thanks for the greats ideas, the car wash is the best
Experience gifts, like you mention here, are so good for people who have everything. Some of my favorite gifts to give: spa gift certificates, cooking classes, yoga classes, concert tickets and theater tickets. For kids, a pass to their nearest zoo or children’s museum.
I came across this article when I was looking for wine club gift ideas. I mainly wonder if people tend to give them more as personal gifts or business gifts. Maybe both? They are not cheap! I guess if you didn’t want to spend the money for an actual wine club, you could put together your own “wine club gift basket” of sorts. Buy a couple of bottles of wine and then research the wineries to create a cute little “tasting notes” newsletter and throw it all in a basket with some cheese or chocolate (depending upon the type of wine). I would not complain if someone gave that to me!!
Gift certificates for movies. Fandango gift certificates are great. you can order them online, personalize them, and have them send to you or the recipient immediately.
message2space.com is a great gift for the person who has everything. You can send a birthday greeting into space and they send you a commemorative certificate of transmission. It’s a very unique gift that people really like (you can also just do it for yourself!)
Interesting stuff for sure-as Tricia said this article is coming for wine club gift ideas. It would be great to get a few ideas about smaller clubs next time!
Amazing gift ideas, I like most Art, Cooking, or Dance Lessons. Last month I gifted wine club membership to my sister on her birthday. She like wine so much. It made her so much happy.
I named a custom drink after my dad on drinkmydrink.com, its pretty cool, I told them what he likes and they came up with a unique drink, they sent me the certificate and posted it online. So it ended up being like one of the most personalized gifts I have ever given…kind of like a work of art if you think about it…
I agree. Experience gifts, like the ones you describe in this article, are the best gift ideas for people who have everything, plus they take up no space and won’t add to anyone’s clutter. I love to give movie tickets, along with dining certificates to a restaurant near the theater. Present it in a gift basket with some popcorn, BluRays of old movies and, for a more extravagant gift, a Whirlypop old fashioned popcorn maker.
MOVIE NIGHT A gift for a family or a couple or kid who is recovering from an illness like mono or a broken leg is to buy some DVD movies (for those who are not yet streaming everything ) and put them in a gift bag with microwave popcorn and movie candy like Junior mints and Mike and Ike’s and Raisinets, etc. Target stores sell the movie candy. The idea is for the family’s to watch something together. Hitchcock films or Christmas classics like miracle on 34th St. You can get lots of great films for a good price this time of year.
You can always try giving them a whole night of fun. Have a mafia movie marathon! Start off with a great dinner at a local Italian restaurant, then follow it up with the classic (the Godfather, Goodfellas, Scarface, etc.). End the night with a few good quality cigars and they’ll feel like Al Pacino
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