gift guide: people who are hard to shop for

YOU KNOW those people who you just dread gift shopping for? The ones who are always scratched dead last off the list [or not at all] because you just don’t know what to get them? Well, get out your pencils because I totally have your back. This guide has you covered for the Minimalists who don’t want more stuff, the people who already Have EVERYTHING, the Teachers and ‘Life Savers’ who boost you up everyday and the always-tough Support and Sympathy gifts that you wish you didn’t have to give. Lots of the ideas span several categories, so keep an open mind as you browse. You might find everything you need right here or you might just be inspired and come up with your own brilliant idea. Either way, this is a great starting point and a dynamic ‘living’ list, so keep it bookmarked and check back. You got this. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Gifts for Minimalists [aka. the one hit wonder gift]

CLUTTER. Chotchkes. Trinkets. Junk. Call it what you want. For the people on your list who just don’t want a bunch of extra stuff in their house, but would still appreciate being acknowledged, The ‘One Hit Wonder’ gift is your answer. It’s just as beautiful and thoughtful as any other gift, but is intended to have either a single or limited use so nobody has to find a place to put it. Sustainable, waste-free gifts that are super useful can also fall into this category. Think special food + drinks, wellness + beauty gifts that can be used up and awesome experiences. A membership to their favorite museum or botanic garden would be a lasting and sweet gift. And take heart in knowing that the fact that you’re acknowledging and respecting that your special person doesn’t want a bunch more ‘stuff’ is a beautiful gift in itself.

+ Ditch the giant rolls of paper towels that are impossible to store and trade them in for gorgeous Geometry Not Paper Towels. They're totally reusable, washable, absorbent and take up zero space. There are a ton of really fabulous prints to choose from and there's even a pretty Bamboo Tray to keep them all organized. +
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+ Your minimalist will love to wrangle their chaotic tech with sleek, super useful chargers from Twelve South. Their Powerbug is a wireless wall charger that takes up zero space and eliminates messy cords on your countertop or desk. You just magnet your phone or AirPods to the little disc and go. The handsome Valet keeps all of your essentials centralized. And they have SO many more truly useful products that won’t take up space. +

+ If your Minimalist is also a foodie, send them super delicious Fishwife Tinned Seafood. They have all sorts of unique, yummy flavor options and GORGEOUS packaging and when it's all been devoured, there's nothing left to find a home for. It’s basically perfect. +

+ Everyone can appreciate a bit of a spa moment once in a while. Use Kate McLeod’s Lotion Bars after the shower to nourish your skin and leave it so silky smooth. Or try Shower Pebbles, wee little discs of concentrated cocoa butter, plant oils and exfoliants that melt onto your skin with hot water, turning your bath or shower into a full spa. They literally melt away as you use them, so no need to stash anything away. +

+ Kosterina’s gorgeous Greek oils, vinegars and olives are a beautiful gift for anyone who loves to cook or eat. Made from Koroneiki Olives harvested early in southern Greece, Kosterina’s cold-pressed oils are pure and clean and delicious. +

+ Send your special person the gift of their absolute favorite food. Goldbelly partners with a HUGE variety of small restaurants and bakeries around the country to ship nostalgic [or new] favorites to your door. They’ll send pretty much anything your heart desires from samosas to lasagna to kolaches. +

+ Give the gift of a few quiet minutes with an analog version of everyone’s favorite NYT games. Puzzle Mania! includes Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee and some other really fun games that aren’t online. My husband loves this thing. It’s a perfect way to ignore your phone for a sec and put your mind to something else. +
BUY FROM Barnes & Noble or Amazon

+ A Kindle Paperwhite is basically ALL the books without the giant stacks of dusty covers. You can gift it with or without a Kindle Unlimited subscription that provides access to a million books, audiobooks and magazines so your person will never run out of options. It’s also amazing for travel and is now waterproof. +

Gifts for people who have ‘everything’

OK I TOTALLY get the blood pressure rise for this one. I mean, it can be stressful trying to come up with something brilliant for a person who buys themselves anything they want or who has super extravagant taste that you can’t afford. But, take heart, we’ve got this. For starters, ignore the part where you feel like you need to buy them something expensive because that’s what they’re used to. And then it’s just a matter of getting a bit creative. Think LOCAL and/or handmade. Local artists and makers, special local shops or bookstores or restaurants have unique items that can’t be duplicated. Or seek out custom made or personalized gifts [Etsy is amazing for these]. And if all else fails, make a donation in their name to an organization near and dear to them and lift up two hearts with one gift.

+ Make your special people the heroes of their own story and ensure that special memories are preserved with a Storyworth Memoir. Each week, your loved one[s] will receive question prompts that inspire them to share their memories, either in writing or through voice recordings. At the end of a year, Storyworth assembles their precious memories into a book with unlimited color photos as a priceless keepsake. LOVE this. +

+ I think these ‘Ugly Portraits’ are super adorable. So if your dog-lover has a bit of a sense of humor, this would be a rad gift. The artist will make a custom line drawing from your photo and give you the digital file for $15. Yep. I love it. +

+ This is so fun. Universal Yums sends snack boxes with regional goodies from countries all over the world from Scandinavia to Pakistan to Colombia. You can gift one box [by basically choosing a 1-month subscription] or a full subscription that sends them a new box each month for your chosen duration or on a month-to-month basis. This is such a fun gift for foodies and adventures. +

+ Local Boulder artist Liz Quan makes stunning sculptural necklaces out of porcelain. They are each completely unique, gorgeous and totally one-of-a-kind. Promise they won’t already have one of these beauties. +

+ Puzzles can be super meditative and relaxing. Jiggy Puzzles are extra gorgeous because they’re all designed by emerging female artists around the world. The also come with special glue so you can frame your hard-earned piece of beautiful artwork. They'll also make a Personalized Puzzle from your photo or artwork, which is so special and such a sweet surprise. + from $40

+ Local artist, Alexa Allen, hand-forms beautiful leather bowls and then adds ink + stitching to really take them over the top. They’re a perfect catch-all for keys or jewelry. +

+ Well this is genius. The Ember Smart Mug allows you to control the temp on your favorite drink all day long so you never have a tepid cup of tea or coffee. Use the app to change the temp depending on your drink’s ideal or just set it once to the temp you like best and forget it. It lasts up to 90 minutes on its own or all day on the charger. I gifted one for my dad a few years ago and he still uses it everyday, he loves it. +

+ A Custom Portrait is a super special and thoughtful gift. MyMiniFam on Etsy has a bunch of incredibly creative options that will brighten up any space and bring a smile each day. +

+ Part gorgeous architecture and part adorable dogs, Resident Dog is a compilation of stunning houses and the dogs that live in them. Perfect for your lovers of design and pups. +

+ Gift a subscription to the New York Times Cooking App and you’ll open the door to an amazing world of diverse and delicious recipes that aren’t available to just anyone . It’s one of those things that your special person might not think to do for themselves, but is such a great resource. + from $2.50

Gifts for Teachers and other ‘Life Savers’

YOU KNOW those people in your life that just make everything better? The teachers, therapists, yoga instructors, housekeepers, soccer coaches, home nurses and everyone else who works tirelessly to support you and your special people? Yeah. Those amazing people deserve to be spoiled hard. Like with most things, a little kindness goes a long way. If you know what they’re interested in, great, tap into it. If you don’t, you can’t go wrong with a little treasure that makes their day easier or more beautiful, just like they do for you.

+ Your hero will feel extra special with a Striped Take It Away Custom Storage Pouch from BaubleBar. They are SO cute, come in a zillion [yes that’s the real number] color combos and are fully personalized to honor your special person. And let’s be honest, you can never have too many pouches for wrangling all the loose stuff you carry around. +

+ Jot Ultra Coffee is a concentrate that can be added to water, milk, ice cream or cocktails. Just one tablespoon provides a fully-realized cup of coffee, easy peasy. It comes in a bunch of yummy flavors, so you can get creative. And the bottles are really pretty, perfect for gifting. They also have an Instant Cold Brew Coffee in a jar that’s so perfect for travel. +

+ Spoil your deserving person with Nécessaire Body Exfoliator. It’s part gentle cleanser, part micro bead-feeling scrub and I love it. It foams up when you use it, isn’t at all greasy and leaves your skin feeling so smooth. I love the Eucalyptus scent, but there’s a Fragrance-Free version, too, if you prefer it. Add a Lip Balm for a perfect gift. +

+ Nothing feels better after a long day on your feet than kicking off your shoes and pulling on a cozy, soft, luxe pair of Barefoot Dreams’ CozyChic Socks. They’re just a snuggly dream and the perfect gift for pretty much anyone [they make them for men, kids and babies, too]. +

+ I LOVE Geometry Tea Towels and they are an absolutely perfect gift for almost anyone. BUT, did you know Geometry also makes awesome Dish Towels, Fitness Towels, Yoga Towels, Bar Towels and more? And they’re ALL awesome, so pretty, super absorbent, not stinky and made from post-consumer recycled materials. So, yeah, you really can’t go wrong. + from $16
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+ Poorly Explained Movies [or Misunderstood Songs] is a funny game for parties, the dinner table, road trips or hangouts where your guests have to figure out what you're talking about when you read from a card that very poorly describes the plot. It’s good for a much-needed laugh. +

+ Help your ‘life savers’ stay super organized with Topo Designs Accessory Bags. They come in 3 different sizes and a bunch of colors and will keep all the chargers ,gum and other loose stuff together. Pick a few or stash a gift card into one. +

+ Your foodie and hot pizza lover will be obsessed with Brightland’s Pizza Oil. It’s a hot, herbaceous blend of spices and their awesome California olive oil ready to give your pizza the smackdown. You can also put it on eggs, veggies, pasta… anything that needs a little extra extra..My husband loves it. They also have other gorgeous oils and vinegars that make fabulous gifts. +

+ Baggu Reusable Bags are hands-down the cutest AND most durable reusable bags you’ll find. They hold a ton of stuff, are machine washable, fold down into nothing and come in a million [ok. 66] print and color combinations to suit just about anyone. They also make fantastic zero-waste wrapping for other gifts. + $16

+ Cookbooks can make beautiful gifts and there are SO many to choose from depening on what your special person is into. Try Greek Out: Sunny Vibes, High-Energy Mediterranean Flavor for something new and different and transport your hero to a gorgeous far-flung locale for a bit.+

+ The Tea Spot’s Everest Tea Tumbler is a tea-infusing travel mug that steeps your brew while you’re on-the-go and then keeps it nice and warm for hours. As a bonus, The Tea Spot is a certified B Corp and donates 10% of all sales in-kind to cancer survivors and community wellness programs. They also have a big, gorgeous tea selection to go with. +

+ Everyone deserves a little bling and Leela Inspired designs and hand-makes really pretty, intentional jewelry right here in Boulder. They have a gorgeous selection of sparkly bracelets and necklaces that are so perfect for layering, but look stunning all on their own. +
> Use code allaflutter15 to save 15% off your whole order <

+ Keep drinks super toasty [or freezing] with a beautiful Fellow Carter Move Mug. It’s so much more chic than the average industrial travel mug and this Move version comes with a splash guard that keeps you from dribbling all over your clean shirt. I LOVE mine and use them every darn day. It comes in 3 sizes and tons of beautiful colors. +

+ Handmade in Oakland, Rheal’s Concrete Hands are ready to hold your ‘Life Saver's’ little treasures, just like they hold + support you. +

support + get well gifts

THERE ARE some gifts you wish with all of your heart you didn’t have to give. When friends and family are struggling with treatment or illness or any bumpy patch in their life, it’s hard to know what to say and what they might need. If you know them well and can ask, maybe they’ll tell you. Otherwise, you can never go wrong with a few heartfelt + beautiful things to pamper them. Just about anything given intentionally and with love that makes them feel extra special or grounded or cozy can really make a difference when someone is in need of some extra propping up. Pick one or bundle a few to really spoil them.

+ Blankets make THE best gifts, especially when your’e needing a hug and Barefoot Dreams’ Throws are designed for maximum cuddliness. They’re so super soft and come in a bunch of colors and prints to suit anyone’s taste. They have some really special collabs, including one with the MLB and NBA for your fans. They also have the coziest robes, socks and slippers. +

+ Eberjay makes super comfy PJs for the whole family in luxe fabrics like washable silk and Tercel. They come in a ton of styles to suit the climate and season and they’re all just feel SO good on your skin. You just can’t go wrong for women, men and kiddos alike. +

+ Warmies Stuffed Animals are insanely soft and cuddly for sure, but they’re also filled with dried French lavender so you can warm them up in the microwave for extra soothing. Cuteness + a warm hug is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. +

+ Keep the nurturing, healing hot tea flowing at the perfect temp with a Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle. It’s fast and has variable temps and automatically shuts off after 15 minutes. Plus it’s truly stunning to look at. I LOVE mine. Add my favorite Carter Move Mug for outings, too. +

+ The Tea Spot in Boulder has a gorgeous selection of teas and tea gifts perfect for soothing whatever ails you. Choose individual teas or a pretty Tea Spot Gift Set for a really nice present. You’ll also be supporting a woman-owned + cancer-survivor business that pledges 10% of their profits to cancer research, recovery and wellness. +

+ Radiant Malas are handmade in Boulder, CO with love and intention by two women who lovingly hand-select each crystal bead + unique guru bead for their specific vibrational powers. They over-hand knot each one-of-a-kind necklace and make the hand-tied tassels, too. +

+ Linda Hsiao hand-makes these Daruma Wishing Dolls in LA. You color in one eye while focusing on a wish or goal, then set it somewhere where you’re reminded of your goal. When you reach it you color in the other eye and say ‘thank you’ to your Daruma. +

+ Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Slouch Socks are like a super soft warm hug for your feet. They’ll keep all the frozen toes away and make your special person feel a little luxe, which counts for something. They come in really pretty, neutral colors. +

+ When skin and hair are extra sensitive, a pure silk pillowcase can make a big difference. The slippery nature of silk’s natural fibers reduce overall friction, protecting extra delicate hair and skin. Plus they just feel really nice. Lilysilk’s Pure Silk Pillowcases are also OEKO-TEX certified, so you can rest knowing you’re not laying on gross chemicals. They’re available in standard and king sizes in lots of colors. They also have gorgeous Silk Sheets if you want to be covered from head to toe. +

+ Bombas Gripper Slippers are a cute and super soft, squishy way to keep frozen toes at bay. They come in lots of different color + print combinations and are machine washable. They also have some grip on the bottom to prevent slipping, which can be a comfort when things are a bit wobbly. +

+ Ilia Beauty’s Lip Wrap Treatment Mask is heavenly. It has Papaya Enzymes to buff away the rough or flaky skin on super dry lips, which makes way for the magical moisturizing ingredients to sink in. It is also super neutral so it won’t bother people who might be feeling extra sensitive to taste or smell. +

+ Sometimes it’s tough to focus on looking at a book when you’re not feeling your best, so gift your special person unlimited entertainment they can listen to instead with an Audible membership. They’ll have access to millions of titles to keep them occupied. Gift anywhere from month to a year. +

sympathy + grief gifts

WHEN THE worst happens and your special people are grieving, you can feel so helpless. Try as you might, you can’t fix it or make it go away. While they are in the muck and mire, you can at least show them that they’re not alone. A sincere gift isn’t going to make it ok, but it can let your special people know that you’re there for them and at the ready to love on them when the time is right. In general, Etsy is a fantastic resource for personalized sympathy and bereavement gifts.

+ Herafter Keepsake Boxes are made one by one in LA with sustainable American walnut or maple wood and can be personalized with a name, initials, a date or a sweet sentiment. It’s a beautiful way to honor a loved one and store treasured mementos. +

+ Moglea hand-paints absolutely gorgeous paper goods in their Iowa studio. A Stationary Set is a beautiful way for your special people to correspond with friends and family or say ‘thank you’ for the love when they’re ready. +

+ Houses hold such special places in our hearts and evoke so many memories. Celebrate a beloved childhood home, first apartment or other special place with a Custom House Print from Minted. It can be printed in different sizes and a bunch of different shades to match any style or decor and has a space to write the address or a message. They can even frame it for you, too, if you’d like. +

+ A locket can keep precious memories close to your loved one’s heart. Verabel Jewelry on Esty has a huge selection of vintage lockets and will even put the photos in there for you. +

+ Plant a sweet little sapling in memory of a loved one and watch it grow into a big, solid tree. The Magnolia Company has several different varieties to choose from depending on your climate and will ship them direct. +

+ A cozy blanket can be so comforting. All of Seek & Swoon’s super soft + pretty throws are inspired by beautiful places around the world, but proudly made here in the USA entirely from recycled yarn. There are so many different designs to choose from to match just about anyone’s decor. They also make absolutely darling Baby Throws. +

+ A cozy wrap can be super comforting. Zestt’s Organic Cotton Dreamsoft Travel Scarf is versatile, soft + so cozy for snuggling up. It can feel like a hug and keep the chill off. +

+ This pretty handmade Memorial Mongolian Bell Wind Chime provides a gentle, comforting reminder ‘of the love that surrounds you.’ It can be hung inside or out and comes beautifully packaged and ready for gifting. +

+ Memorialight is designed to send rainbows about the room, spreading love and actual light to bring strength to those grieving. +

+ Sometimes you just want to to hide behind something soothing and beautiful for a bit. Handmade in CA, Love Mert’s Eye Love Pillows are filled with organic flaxseed and lavender so you can use them hot or cold. +

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