34 Gifts That Will Impress Your Hard-To-Shop-For Person

For the most part, we actually enjoy buying gifts. As professional shoppers, we delight in finding that one trinket that’s going to surprise our loved ones, but there are always outliers in this shopping scenario — the people that leave us hemming, hawing, and endlessly scrolling to find the just-right thing that will satisfy their highly exacting tastes. The kind-of-difficult ones.

You know the type: If you’re going to get this person a sweater, you can’t get them just any sweater; it has to be ethically sourced, top-of-the-line cashmere. A simple glassware set just won’t do, either; it has to be design snob-approved. Well, look no further, harried shopper. Because when it comes to those hard-to-please folks, we’ve got you (and them) covered. Ahead, find 34 gifts for difficult people that will actually pass muster with your pickiest pals.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Béis Carry-On Roller

This carry-on from Shay Mitchell's travel brand Béis allows you to move easily without your luggage weighing you down.

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Béis The Carry-On Roller, $, available at Béis

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Loungewear

We’re pretty evangelical about Quince’s highly competitive prices and top-notch quality — and its cashmere separates are vetted reader faves. If you know someone who deserves a treat this holiday, they’ll love a pair of luxurious joggers or a super-soft sweater.

Shop Quince


Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew, $, available at Quince

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants, $, available at Quince

Starface Big Lil Gift Set

Gifting someone a skin-care product could be taken with offense, but not so with these cutie pimple patches! After all, who wouldn't want a smattering of gold stars on their cheeks?

Shop Starface

Starface Big Lil Gift Set, $, available at Starface

Sephora Fall Perfume Sampler Set

Gifting fragrance is always a bit of a gamble since scent preference is quite personal. This mini sampler kit allows your giftee to try five popular perfumes and get a free full-size bottle of your favorite from the bunch.

Shop Sephora

Sephora Favorites Fall Perfume Sampler Set, $, available at Sephora

SublimeWare Universal Travel Adapter

International travel is back, so gift your globe-trotting person this nifty adapter for their imminent far-flung journey.

Shop SublimeWare on Amazon

SublimeWare Universal Travel Adapter International All in One Plug, $, available at Amazon

Glob Primary Morph Ripstop Bag

Speaking of schlepping — maybe your day-tripping giftee needs a roomy, useful tote made from recycled bottles (with the superhuman ability to pack itself into a pocket-size pouch when not in use). It’s even got six bottle-size exterior pockets for whatever the day trip throws at you.

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Glob Primary Morph Ripstop, $, available at Glob

Caraway Minis Duo

These nontoxic, beautifully crafted pans are guaranteed to pass the vibe check of any difficult-to-please giftee.

Shop Caraway

Caraway Minis Duo, $, available at Caraway

Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight

We would be willing to bet good money that no one has ever turned down a pair of gifted Lululemon leggings. Ever. (Plus, treat yourself to a pair while they're still on sale.)

Shop Lululemon

Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight 25", $, available at Lululemon

Skims Cozy Knit Unisex Onesie

Achieve peak cozy with this deliciously soft jumpsuit cut from bouclé fabric. (Be warned: Once your lucky recipient slips it on, they won't want to wear anything else.)

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Skims Cozy Knit Unisex Onesie, $, available at Skims

Levys Friends Wine Cat Poster

Ideal for both the cat and wine person in your life.

Shop Levy'sFriends on Etsy

LevysFriends Wine Cat Poster, $, available at Etsy

Omsom The Try 'Em All Set

Even difficult people have to eat. So, gift them the sampler pack of Asian sauces that'll take their rice or noodle bowl to the absolute next level.

Shop Omsom

Omsom The Try 'Em All Set, $, available at Omsom

OFFHOURS x West Elm Homecoat

It's a robe-meets-blanket situation with this supremely luxurious contraption called the Homecoat.

Shop West Elm

OFFHOURS x West Elm Homecoat, $, available at West Elm

Airbnb Gift Card

Take care of your picky person's lodging plans for whenever they plan their next getaway.

Airbnb Customizable Gift Card, $, available at Airbnb

Animalist Customized Poster Art For Your Pet

Even the most "difficult" people are obsessed with their pets. So, why not get them a customized poster that honors their favorite furry animal?

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Animalist Custom Pet Scandinavian Art Print, $, available at Animalist

Warby Parker Gift Card

Up the sophistication factor and let your giftee pick out a cool pair of specs to update their lewk. A Warby Parker e-gift card or IRL gift card, complete with a festive box that doubles as storage for eyeglasses, makes a fool-proof gift.

Warby Parker Gift Card, $, available at Warby Parker

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

An obvious but highly functional accessory: a mug-size warmer to keep that brew pipin’ hot all day long. (Because you know they’ll nurse cup after cup for hours.)

Shop Mr. Coffee on Amazon

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer, $, available at Amazon

Baggu Set of 3 Wine Bags

Gift a pack of these cleverly designed reusable wine bags just in time for the winter BYOB dinner parties.

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Baggu Wine Bags (Set of 3), $, available at West Elm

Bearaby Tree Napper

For the person who needs to stay calm (and carry on): a beautifully woven weighted blanket in a soothing shade of turmeric.

Shop Bearaby

Bearaby Tree Napper, $, available at Bearaby

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Not only is sleeping on a silk pillowcase very luxe, but benefits abound! It protects the hair from wear and tear, and it's naturally cooling in the summertime and insulating in the wintertime.

Shop Brooklinen

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $, available at Brooklinen

The Sill Digital Gift Card

It's true what The Sill says: Plants make people happy. But, because you can never be sure of how attentive someone is going to be, send a card so your giftee can personally pick the green friend that suits their lifestyle.

Shop The Sill

The Sill Digital Gift Card, $, available at The Sill

Ganni Structured Rib Wrist Warmers

Because even difficult people need something to keep cozy.

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Ganni Structured Rib Wrist Warmers, $, available at Revolve

Chillhouse Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Manicure Kit

A perfect stocking stuffer for the person who loves getting their nails done in a pinch.

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Chillhouse Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Manicure Kit, $, available at Free People

Fredericks and Mae Playing Cards

A deck of cards is an essential home item no one ever thinks to buy — until the urge to play cards hits. Plus, look at how beautiful this stack is!

Shop Coming Soon

Fredericks and Mae Playing Cards, $, available at Coming Soon

ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl Scented Candle

Yes, this is an actual candle that legitimately smells like cereal! And, when you're done burning it, you can even wipe the bowl and spoon clean and use them to eat...actual cereal.

Shop ILIKEPAR on Amazon

ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl with Metal Spoon Scented Candle, $, available at Amazon

Areaware Profile Wall Mirror

Gifting mirrors is fun because it's usually unexpected but always practical —  but no ordinary mirror will do for your picky giftee. We like this optical illusion-themed one that inspires a literal moment of self-reflection.

Shop Areaware

Areaware Profile Wall Mirror, $, available at Areaware

One Stripe Chai At Home Blends Collection

Coffee-lovers are easy to shop for — it's the tea drinkers that really stump us. And, this at-home DIY set is for chai babes.

Shop One Stripe Chai Co.

One Stripe Chai At Home Blends Collection - Chai + Turmeric, $, available at One Stripe Chai

Minka Textured Pot

These earthy planters come in a variety of sizes and prices, from “stocking stuffer” ($24) to “VIP giftee” ($98).

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Anthropologie Minka Textured Pot, $, available at Anthropologie

Hasegawa Lucano Stepstool

I don't know about you, but I live for a chic step ladder. Trust me — if you gift this, it will get used all the time.

Shop Pattern

Hasegawa Lucano Stepstool 1 Step, $, available at Pattern

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute

Ask anyone who has a Dyson if it's the best thing on earth, and the answer is probably a resounding yes. This (on-sale!) V12 is super-sleek yet powerful enough to absorb every tiny morsel of dust, thanks to a high-tech laser illumination feature.

Shop Dyson

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute (Gold), $, available at Dyson

HOSIGCO “Take A Bite” Socks

The nice thing about difficult people is that they usually know they're difficult — which means you can always lean into silliness and get them wearing something that'll make them laugh.

Shop HOSIGCO on Amazon

HOSIGCO “Take A Bite” Socks, $, available at Amazon

Meer Portable Mini Projector

This portable gizmo makes it easy for any movie-lover to bring the joy of cinema with them wherever they go.

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Meer Portable Mini Projector, $, available at Amazon

NEWGEM Japanese Linen Cross Back Apron

Quite possibly the chicest kitchen (or garden) apron on the market — and it's less than $20!

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NEWGEM Japanese Linen Cross Back Apron, $, available at Amazon

GrandinRoad Soft Kilim Storage Basket

This boho-chic storage basket is equipped to hold anything your giftee can throw in it — toys, linens, and magazines are all waiting to be stylishly corralled.

Shop GrandinRoad

Grandin Road Soft Kilim Storage Basket, $, available at Grandin Road

Stojo 20-Ounce Reusable Water Bottle

Even the most difficult person will need to stay hydrated. This super-light, super-squishy water bottle is especially handy for travel.

Shop Stojo

Stojo 20-Ounce Reusable Water Bottle, $, available at Madewell

Nutribullet Magic Bullet Blender

This compact single-serving smoothie/dip/baby puree maker will make food prep a breeze.

Shop Nutribullet

Nutribullet magic bullet® Blender, $, available at NutriBullet

Bormioli Rocco Stackable Wine Glasses

Help them imbibe in style (at home) with the gift of chic and easily stored wine glasses.

Shop Food52

Bormioli Rocco Stackable Wine Glasses, $, available at Food52

Chatbooks Custom Canvas Wall Tiles

A gift that always hits the nail is a framed photo of a very special moment. My tip: Find your gift recipient's best Instagram photo (no matter how off the cuff or casual it may be), upload it to the Chatbooks app, and have it turned into a piece of tangible art.

Shop Chatbooks

Chatbooks Custom Canvas Wall Tiles, $, available at Chatbooks

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The Coziest Cashmere Gifts For Every Budget

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Your Guide To The Coziest Cashmere Gifts For Every Budget

A surefire way to win any gift-exchanging scenario is to wrap up some cashmere. The fiber is seasonally appropriate, scrumptious to the touch, and forever in style. Plus, there’s no doubt that a cashmere gift will elicit some delightful reactions, whether you’ve got a granddad or an office assistant on your list.

As luck would have it, there’s no shortage of cashmere floating around in commerce cyberspace this year. The luxurious wool, once considered the crème de la crème of natural fibers for its hefty price tag, is now available at any budget — from less than $30 to over $400. Just keep in mind that the purer the cashmere, the higher the price. Cashmere blends typically aren’t as soft but are far more affordable.

We, however, love all varietals of cashmere, even if just a hint of the stuff gets woven into our winter wear. (Shoutout to all the goats who provide us with such warmth and comfort!) Ahead, peruse our selection of 18 buttery-soft sweaters, pants, outerwear, and accessories that are primed to impress any gifting situation you’re in this holiday.

Pilcro The Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater, $148

One of Anthropologie’s best-selling sweaters happens to be made of lightweight cashmere. Available in every color imaginable, this top is super-versatile with an easy-going boxy cut and cute mock neck.

Shop Anthropologie

Free People Paloma Cashmere Cardi, $158

Swap out your cotton button-down with this oxford-style cashmere top instead.

Shop Free People

Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Poncho, $499

Just throw this oversize cashmere poncho over your head for an effortless way to warm up in a pinch.

Shop Nordstrom

Autumn Cashmere Striped Rib Crew Cashmere Sweater, $275 $192.50

Cashmere often is offered in neutral and heathered shades of gray, black, white, or oatmeal — so to see this color blast of a sweater has us infatuated.

Shop Shopbop

Lululemon Cotton-Cashmere Knit Mid-Rise Jogger, $198

These Lululemon cashmere joggers are so luxurious, your gift recipient may not want to wear them for any other purpose than to be a couch potato. Which, fair enough.

Shop Lululemon

Nordstrom Rack Cashmere Slouchy Beanie, $29.97

Yes, it’s possible to find legit cashmere goods at extremely “soft” prices — at Nordstrom Rack, obviously.

Shop Nordstrom Rack

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Straight Leg Pant, $99.90

We love any opportunity to wear our cozy loungewear out in public — and these versatile straight-leg cashmere pants from Quince allow us to do just that.

Shop Quince

Alex Mill Cashmere Neckwarmer, $88

If the idea of a cashmere scarf is too cumbersome, these under-$100 cashmere neck warmers are a great alternative.

Shop Alex Mill

Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, $445

The internet’s favorite cashmere cardigan is still this cocoon style from Jenni Kayne. Pricey, sure — but certainly worth every dollar if getting toasty and warm is a high priority.

Shop Jenni Kayne

Everlane The ReCashmere Mittens, $50

Made from a blend of recycled fibers, these reworked mittens are a fun way to give the gift of traceable cashmere without breaking the bank.

Shop Everlane

Naadam Cashmere Jumpsuit, $295

This cashmere jumpsuit is made for those of us who want to feel wrapped up like an adult baby.

Shop Naadam

Theory Outlet Oversized Scarf in Cashmere, $122.40

If you’re going the distance when it comes to cashmere, you may as well opt for a super-long and chunky scarf to win the day.

Shop Theory Outlet

The Group By Babaton Luxe Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $148

Sometimes, just a simple cashmere crew-neck sweater works — and this one from Aritzia comes in many gorgeous colors with matching bottoms.

Shop Aritzia

Alo Cashmere Ribbed Staycation Bra, $178 $124
Alo Cashmere Ribbed Staycation Short, $150 $105

Feeling like royalty starts with intimates, and this (on sale!) cashmere crop and shortie set from Alo takes the cake when it comes to ridiculously cute underthings.

Shop Alo

& Other Stories Ribbed Cashmere Knit Beanie, $59

There’s nothing like a statement top-off that’s a bright and bold cashmere beanie.

Shop & Other Stories

Madewell (Re)sourced Cashmere Sweater Romper, $188 $89.99

It’s good to know that this cashmere onesie from Madewell is polished enough to be dressed up for public-facing events. Just pull up a skirt or pants for the wintertime.

Shop Madewell

Reformation Robin Cashmere Sweater Dress, $328

If dressing for comfort is the ultimate goal of this year’s holiday party season, this midi cashmere dress from Reformation is simply it.

Shop Reformation

The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, $20.49

Finally, you’ll need an appropriate cleaning solution for all your beloved wools. This detergent from The Laundress is exactly the gentle, sweet-smelling formula you need to keep those cashmere fibers looking their best.

Shop Amazon

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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