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. And if you still need a hand, reach out. I’m always here for you. 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. + $15

+ If your Minimalist is also a foodie, send them a Fishwife Tinned Seafood Bundle of deliciousness. They have unique and super yummy flavor options and GORGEOUS packaging and when it's all been devoured, there's nothing left to find a home for. Perfect. + from $33

+ Boulder-based Alpine Provisions’ grooming products are not only plastic-free + gorgeous, they’re also organic, cruelty-free, vegan and sustainably produced and distributed. And the fantastic scents are bright and fresh and just a touch masculine in the best earthy and natural way. All of my guys love this stuff. + from $8

+ Gift your special person unlimited audio book entertainment with an Audible Membership. Gift anywhere from month to a year. + from $15

+ Runamok is best known for their fabulous infused Maple Syrups (hello Sparkle Syrup). Now they’ve taken their same passion for creating amazing flavors and applied it to a whole line of delicious and unique Honeys. Pick one or a set of all of the delicious flavors. + $9.95

+ Nopalera is a stunning artisan natural beauty brand that uses wild-harvested nopal as the base for all of their gorgeous products. All of the show-stopping, GORGEOUS packaging is reusable or recyclable + from $14

+ 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. + from $25

+ Stasher’s endlessly reusable platinum silicone bags can be used for ANYTHING you need to store or tote around. They’re freezer, microwave, oven AND dishwasher safe and come in an awesome variety of colors and sizes. I LOVE mine everyday. + from $7.99

+ 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. + $129.99

+ Send a unique craft cocktail recipe kit once or monthly from American Cocktail Club. It has everything included to make a yum drink to cheers you with. + from $38.99

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.

+ Send your special person a Boombox and watch the flood of tears and smiles. Friends and family anywhere in the world can submit notes, memories and photos online for your special person. Then Boombox prints them all out on beautiful cards and tucks them into a pretty keepsake box of your choosing and ships it off as a sweet and loving tribute. + from $160

+ 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 $8. Yep. I love it. +

+ Artist Liz Quan makes stunning sculptural necklaces out of porcelain. They are each completely unique, gorgeous and totally one-of-a-kind. + from $95

+ 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. + $48

+ 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

+ Contribute to the health of our planet by gifting your special person a subscription that offsets their carbon emissions. Wren funds specific projects around the globe that are helping to reduce the impact of climate change. + from around $25

+ Topdrawer’s Japanese House Shoes are stylish and super comfy and you can never have too many house shoes, right? They are unisex, reversible, machine washable, hand-sewn in Japan and come in tons of different color+ print + material combinations. LOVE mine. + from $59

+ A Custom Portrait is a super special and fun gift, whether it’s of your special people or of you. Remember to leave enough lead time for the artist to complete the project. + from $49

+ Benjamin Grant’s coffee table book ‘Overview: A New Perspective of Earth’ has mind-blowing satellite images of fascinating places around the globe that are super artful and so interesting to look at. It’s a great conversation starter, too. + $40

+ Make a donation to Heifer International on behalf of your special person and you can both feel good knowing that you’ve made a sincere impact around the world. Or Heifer USA is supporting small farmers to help feed local communities right here at home. + from $10

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.

+ 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. Learn more about why I LOVE them here.+ $12

+ Stasher makes endlessly reusable platinum silicone bags that can be used for ANYTHING you need to store or tote around. They’re freezer, microwave, oven AND dishwasher safe and come in an awesome variety of colors + sizes. Choose a stripe and a solid and fill them with their favorite candy and a sweet note. Or consider a set or stick a gift card inside. + from $7.99

+ Totally spoil your life savers with Prima’s Beyond Body Oil. It’s super luxurious and feels ah-mazing, plus it nourishes your skin with a whole host of clean, powerful ingredients, including 600 mg of Prima’s organic hemp CBD. It also smells absolutely heavenly. + $56

+ Keep waste down and convenience way up with a Porter Utensil Set. Easy to carry, easy to clean and always at the ready for on-the-go meals. + $15

+ Give the gift of a good chuckle + stress release with a silly game where players throw squishy burritos at each other. Throw Throw Burrito is like a card game + dodgeball in one and it is FUN. There’s also Throw Throw Avocado, which can be used on its own or as an add-on to its burrito cousin. + $24.99

+ Help your special people reduce stress and clear negative energy with a Rituals Incense Sampler Pack. It includes Palo Santo Sticks, Mexican Copal Cones, Himalayan Cedar Ropes and Palo Santo Wood. They’ll help clear the air and bring calm, which is the greatest gift. + $28

+ 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 and gum and other loose stuff together. Choose a few or stash a gift card into one. + from $15

+ Jax Kelly’s unique molded candles are hand-poured with 100% American grown soy wax. The Short Arch design is just perfect and comes in several really pretty colors. + $12

+ Puzzles can be super meditative and relaxing. Jiggy’s 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

+ Field Notes has taken the stunning artwork of 59 artists honoring our National Parks and put it on the cover of their now-iconic notebooks. The insides are filled with graph paper for sketching, note-taking, observing, list-making or day dreaming. + 3-pack $14.95

+ Cookbooks can make beautiful gifts and there are SO many to choose from depening on what your special person is into. Try Coconut & Sambal : Recipes From My Indonesian Kitchen for something new and different. + $35

+ 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, Tea Spot is a certified B Corp and donates 10% of all sales in-kind to cancer survivors and community wellness programs. + $33.95

+ 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. + from $35
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. It comes in 3 sizes and tons of beautiful colors and they have an awesome Artist Series with some really unique designs. + from $27.50

+ Handmade in Oakland, Rheal’s Concrete Hands are ready to hold your ‘Life Saver's’ little treasures, just like they hold + support you. + from $18

+ Show your appreciation with one or a few colorful handmade beaded Ubuntu Life Bracelets. In addition to being super cute, they also provide meaningful work for Ubuntu’s ‘Maasai Maker Mums.’ + from $10

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.

+ Warmies Stuffed Animals are insanely soft + cuddly for sure, but they’re also filled with dried French lavender so you can warm them up in the microwave for extra soothing. + from $14.99

+ Keep that nurturing + healing hot tea flowing at the perfect temp with a Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle. It’s fast and has variable temps and lots of control so at least you can be in full control of something. Plus it’s stunning to look at. Add a pretty Carter Move Mug for outings, too. + $189

+ SKiVYs’ soft and stylish dresses have a specially-designed built-in bra that’s made for both comfort and function. The perfect combination of feminine styling and legitimate support leaves you looking put together and ready for the day while still feeling really comfy + cozy, which can be super useful if you have lots of visitors checking in. Use code AFLUTTER15 for 15% off your purchase. + from $68

+ 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. + from $128

+ Big Heart Tea Co sources their teas directly with a strict focus on quality, equity for farmers and environmental stewardship. You can shop by intention, choosing teas that benefit inflammation, calming nerves or soothing digestion. Or just pick the ones that sound yummiest. + from $9.99

+ 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. + from $15

+ Sunday Citizen has taken the incredible health benefits of weighted blankets to another level by adding thousands of bits of healing amethyst, clear quartz and rose quartz crystals to their insanely soft version. So you get the feeling of a snuggly hug with the added bonus of nature’s powerful healing energy. + $269

+ 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. + from $36

+ Topdrawer’s Japanese House Shoes are a stylish and super soft way to keep those frozen toes away. They are totally unisex, reversible, machine washable, hand-sewn in Japan and come in tons of different color+ print + material combinations. + $59

+ 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. + $26

+ 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. + from $39

+ Le Bon Shoppe’s Cloud Socks are like a squishy warm hug for your feet. I really love them. They’ll keep all the frozen toes away. + $14

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. + $190

+ 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. + from $22

+ A Custom House Portrait can preserve a special memory for your loved ones. There are lots of styles to choose from on Etsy to suit most anyone’s style. + from $40

+ 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. + from $45

+ 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. + from $74

+ 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. + $175

+ 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. + $59

+ 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. + $29

+ Memorialightis designed to send rainbows about the room, spreading love and actual light to bring strength to those grieving. + $35

+ 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. + $32

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