Unique Gift Ideas for the Most Difficult-to-Shop-for Woman
If you're struggling to find the perfect gift for someone who seems to have everything, you're not alone. Whether she's a minimalist, a flower lover, or a skincare enthusiast, there are unique and thoughtful gifts that can make her feel appreciated. Here are some ideas that cater to various interests and lifestyles.
For the Flower Lover
A fresh bouquet of flowers is always a lovely and thoughtful gift, but it’s an ephemeral one: The blooms will be wilted and gone in a few weeks, max. That’s why we love the Bouqs Co.’s collaboration with Lego. Choose from the Petite Sunny Bouquet Gift Set or the Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet Gift Set and your gift will include not only farm-fresh flowers, but also a matching Lego flower set that will last, reminding her of the gift.
For the Scent Seeker
Aera’s Mini Diffuser plugs directly into an outlet, offering an unobtrusive way to add fragrance to small spaces. It can be manually controlled with buttons on the device or through the Aera app, where you can set schedules to automatically turn it on and off. If you’re shopping for a pet parent, consider Aera’s line of pet-safe fragrances, such as the garden mint and basil scented Green Gardens, designed to specifically target animal odors. The brand also offers a large standalone diffuser, which is one of our favorite housewarming gifts.
For the Stylish Over-Packer
Cuyana’s Forma Satchel can be used as a traditional tote when she needs every bit of space possible. When she doesn’t, just collapse its magnetic sides to create a unique angular shape. Fully expanded, the bag is spacious enough to hold a 16-inch laptop and other work essentials, such as a planner and a pair of flats to slip on after her commute. This satchel is compatible with some of the brand’s organizational accessories, including the Forma zippered pouch that attaches using the bag’s internal snaps.
For the Skincare Aficionado
Hanacure’s All-In-One Facial Set provides professional results from an at-home mask. This kit includes an application brush and enough serums and solutions for four masks—before applying, mix the serum ampoule into the solution to create a gel. Your giftee can get professional results from an at-home mask with Hanacure’s All-In-One Facial Set. I’ve tried a lot of skincare products and this produced some of the best instant results. Even my super sensitive skin looked noticeably smoother and brighter after just one use.
For the Occasional DIY-er
Tinkr’s Home Essential Kit includes a ratchet screwdriver with six bits, a hammer, wrench, seven Allen keys and a tape measure that all fit in the included canvas roll-up bag. We don’t all need a full toolbox, but everyone should have a few essential tools at home for occasional projects and repairs.
For the Whimsical One
Porch geese, usually in an ever-changing wardrobe, are a long-running midwestern tradition that has made its way to the rest of the country in recent years. It’s hard not to smile each time you pass one. Who couldn’t use a little extra whimsy in their life? I regularly plan and occasionally make outfits for my porch goose, Lucy. Give your giftee a jump start with a seasonally-appropriate snowman costume or raincoat for spring.
For the Homebody
This Turkish cotton robe is a solid choice for people who want to step out of the shower and into a soft, absorbent robe.
Lake Pajamas’ Pima Pajama Shorts Set is made from Pima cotton, which is known for being smoother, softer and silkier than standard cotton. It also helps regulate body temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in the summer. One Buy Side staffer calls them the best pajamas she owns.
For the Purse Collector
Carrie Bag Hook is a high-end option for keeping her beloved bag from touching the ground, whether she’s at a restaurant, bar or using a public restroom. It even comes with a suede dust bag for when they’re not using it.
For the Martini Maven
Big Night’s Filthy Martini Duo includes an 8-ounce pouch of savory olive brine (enough for up to 15 drinks) and a jar of Wisconsin blue-cheese stuffed olives for garnishing. It’s great on its own, but it pairs well with a bottle of her favorite gin or vodka.
For the Decor-Minded
Flamingo Estate’s “The Guide to Becoming Alive” is inspiring, a little indulgent and one of those pieces you’ll want to flip through over and over again. Photography fans will appreciate Gray Malin’s stunning coffee table books. If you’re shopping for a dog lover, one Buy Side staffer recently gifted Malin’s “Dogs” book, which features glamorous pooches taking in lavish locations, such as the Beverly Hills Hotel, Paris and Aspen.
For the Minimalist
Dagne Dover’s Mara Phone Sling keeps her essentials organized in style. The neoprene bag has three card slots, an elastic loop for lip balm, an internal slip pocket and enough room to fit most smartphones. The back features a D-ring for attaching keys to and another slip pocket if she wants her phone accessible without unzipping.
For the Bookworm
Amazon’s Reading Journal helped Lincoln “make reading a well-rounded self-care ritual,” she says, adding that she uses it to process her thoughts on books that are particularly moving. It can accommodate notes on up to 75 books, with space for ratings, thoughts and favorite quotes.
For the High-Tech Beauty Fan
Shark’s CryoGlow LED Mask helps relax while rejuvenating the skin. Red, blue and infrared LEDs target wrinkles and blemishes and cooling pads help tighten the under-eye area. The forehead and eye padding makes it more comfortable to wear than other masks and its remote is a nice touch for effortlessly choosing and tracking treatments.
For the Curly Haired One
Delta’s VersaCurl Shower Head is ideal for those with curly hair. Interchangeable silicone brush inserts massage the scalp and detangle curls, while water jets thoroughly rinse product away. It brings the best part of going to the hair salon—having someone else thoroughly massage and wash your head—right to her home.
For the Aspiring Gardener
Amazon’s Hydroponics Growing System is perfect for starting an herb garden or growing vegetables. The LED grow lights simulate sunlight and induce photosynthesis, leading to rapid plant growth, and the system has 12 planting stations so she can cultivate a variety of herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers.
For the Wanderer
Amazon’s Plush Velvet Travel Box Jewelry Organizer is great for stashing a few very favorite items or to take along with her on her travels. As Carmen Ordonez, Surfside, Fla.-based creator of the Viva Fashion blog, notes: “It fits all of the essentials and comes in a bunch of cool colors.”
For the Pizza Lover
Ooni’s Koda 2 Pro pizza oven is sure to be the new star of her backyard bashes. Last year, Chef Laurent Tourondel, executive chef of his eponymous hospitality brand that includes L’Amico in New York City, recommended the Koda 16, the brand’s first generation oven, touting its ability to “make a quality, great-tasting pizza in under a minute.” The Koda 2 Pro has a larger cooking area, can get hotter at 950 degrees Fahrenheit and its tapered flame gas burner system delivers 420% better heat distribution over the 16, according to Ooni. It can also sear steaks, roast veggies and bake pies or flatbreads.
For the Seasoned Chef
Schoolhouse’s Købenstyle Butter Warmer can be used for butter, syrups, soups, sauces and more, and it’s available in six colors to match her kitchen’s decor. For keeping butter spreadable and at-the-ready, this classic crock from Le Creuset is another great option. Bonus points if you match the color of her Dutch oven.
For the Selfcare Seeker
Kate McLeod’s Daily Stone Deep Moisturizing Lotion Bar Starter Kit is a solid moisturizer made with an impressively short ingredient list that includes cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and no water, alcohols or fillers. To use, simply glide the stone across warm skin and it’ll melt right in—each stone is made to last between four to six weeks. The starter kit comes with a wooden case that feels extra-giftable and worthy of sitting on her bathroom counter. Four holiday scents, which we tried and enjoyed (particularly the Lavender Cocoa), are also available in mini sizes and make great stocking stuffers.
