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Lady holding several shopping bags in both of her hands
Lady holding several shopping bags in both of her hands
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VCU | Life > Experiences

A Special Gift Guide For People Who Are Hard To Shop For

Ariana Mannino Student Contributor, Virginia Commonwealth University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The holiday season can be stressful, especially when you are shopping for people who fit any of the following categories. This list can be a useful guide to help navigate purchasing thoughtful, non-expensive gifts. Students, remember your discount resources like Unidays and StudentBeans!

Situationship

Situationships may be about a special someone that you are both mutually into but have not put a label on it or even with someone during the “talking” stage. Everything is awkward and the boundaries just depend on how personable or generous that person is. Either way, it is good to have some sort of idea of a gift to have ready.

  • An experience to do together (a spa day, a movie ticket, a future concert, whatever you both enjoy)
  • Your favorite book (great topic to have deep talks about)
  • Snack sampler set (who doesn’t like food?)
The person who has everything

When you come across a person who has everything it can feel impossible to think of the perfect gift. Worry no more. Here are a few examples of gifts everyone will be surprised to receive. 

  • Magazine subscription (I remember being gifted an American Girl Magazine subscription for my birthday as a kid and I was the happiest girl that year! I looked forward to checking the mailbox each month)
  • Along with the magazine subscription, there are tons of monthly boxes that can fit anyone’s interest (Ipsy, Etsy has unique ones, Harry and David, Book of the Month, BloomsyBox, etc)
  • Cozy set (everyone appreciates a cozy pair of pajamas, robe or slippers and the ranges vary to fit everyone’s budget)
Generic gifts to have on hand

What does this list have in common: Secret Santa, partner’s parents, surprise guests… a headache! You never know when you will need a generic gift and having a backup option is essential to get through the holiday season.

  • Diffuser (give them the gift of luxury… at home!)
  • Chocolates (do I need to caption this one?)
  • A teacup (whatever their drink of choice in the morning, it will be elevated with a fancy teacup such as this artsy one from the MET.)
The person who says they don’t want anything

*Sigh.* We all have this person in our lives. The family member or friend who claims they don’t want anything. When you know you still are going to gift them something, here are some unique gifts that they might not expect and will thoroughly enjoy. 

  • An adorable lamp. Urban Outfitters has the cutest Smoko soft glowing lamps in different characters. Who wouldn’t use this?
  • If they like coffee, I’ve gotten gifts from this website because of their one-of-a-kind flavors. There are tons of different infused coffees offered from ground, the whole bean, or Keurig pods. The bonus is that it supports active and retired firefighters!
    • Interactive class (art class, cooking class, etc)
        Other gift ideas for people on your nice list
        • Literally anything from Colourpop, the prices are amazing and the quality is long-lasting. Here is a neutral eyeshadow palette that even your “no makeup” friends can use.
        • This poly gel set is so much fun to do. I got this last year for Christmas and I still use it!

        Happy Holidays,

        Ari

        Ariana Mannino

        VCU '25

        Ariana is a fashion merchandising major and theater minor at Virginia Commonwealth University with interests in costume design and film. She is a member of the editorial team and is enthusiastic about sustainability, fashion, beauty, mental health, and current events. She loves supporting women through HC.