We all have that person on our list.
They say “I don’t need anything”, they already seem to have everything, or they’re just… picky. You scroll gift guides, wander the shops, and still feel stuck.
If you’re tired of guessing and wasting money on things that end up in a drawer, this 2025 guide is for you. Let’s talk about why some people are so hard to shop for – and how to finally get it right with thoughtful, personalised gifts they’ll actually keep and
use.
Why Some People Feel “Hard to Shop For”
Before we fix the problem, it helps to understand it. Most “hard to shop for” people fall into one (or more) of these groups:
1. The Minimalist
They don’t like clutter, they don’t want “stuff for the sake of stuff”, and they’re picky about what comes into their home.
What works:
- Useful items they already use (mugs, tote bags, bookmarks)
- Simple designs in their favourite colours
- Personalisation that feels subtle, not loud
2. The “I Already Have Everything” Person
They buy what they want, when they want it. By the time Christmas or a birthday comes around, their wish list is empty.
What works:
- Personalised versions of everyday items (a mug with a private joke, a keyring with their nickname)
- Gifts that celebrate your relationship (e.g. “Being my brother is the only gift you need”)
- Custom pieces that literally can’t be bought off the shelf
3. The Super Practical One
If it doesn’t have a clear purpose, they’re not interested. They want value, not novelty.
What works:
- Things they’ll use daily (work mugs, tote bags, desk accessories)
- Personalisation that makes it feel “theirs” so they actually reach for it
- Quality over quantity – one good gift beats a pile of random bits
4. The Sentimental Soul
They keep cards, ticket stubs, and little notes. For them, the meaning matters more than the price.
What works:
- Personalised ornaments with dates, names or messages
- Custom keepsakes that mark milestones (new baby, new home, new job)
- Handmade pieces that show time and thought went into them
5 Signs Your Loved One Is “Hard to Shop For” (And It’s Not Just You)
If you’re wondering whether this blog is about your mum, dad, partner, or friend, look out for these:
- They say “I don’t know” when you ask what they’d like
- They return or regift presents (you can usually tell!)
- They already own every standard gift idea you think of
- They’re very particular about style, colours, or brands
- You feel stressed every single time you shop for them
Good news: the problem isn’t that you’re a bad gift giver. You just need a different approach.
Why Personalised Gifts Work So Well for Hard-to-Shop-For People
Personalised gifts solve most of the problems above in one go:
- They feel thoughtful. A mug with their name, a joke you share, or “Nanny’s Christmas Mug” shows you didn’t just grab the first thing on a shelf.
- They’re unique. You’re not competing with what they already own – you’re giving them something made just for them.
- They’re practical and meaningful. A personalised tote bag, mug, or keyring still gets used every day, but it also carries a memory or message.
- They’re perfect for every budget. You can choose something small but personal, or build a whole personalised gift bundle.
For 2025, the big trend isn’t “more stuff” – it’s fewer, better, more meaningful things. Personalisation fits that perfectly.
7 Personalised Gift Ideas for People Who Are Hard to Shop For
Here are some specific ideas you can adapt to your own friends and family.
1. The “This Is So You” Mug
Perfect for: siblings, colleagues, parents, partners
Pick a design that matches their personality – funny, sweet, or sentimental – and add their name or a line that sounds like them.
Examples:
- “Being my brother is the only gift you need” with their name on the back
- “Nanny’s Christmas Mug” with the grandkids’ names
- “This might be wine” for the office joker
Pair it with: their favourite tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a simple but thoughtful bundle.
2. Personalised Christmas Ornaments
Perfect for: new parents, new homeowners, couples, grandparents
Ornaments are ideal for people who don’t want clutter – they come out once a year, make the tree feel special, and become part of family traditions.
Ideas:
- “Our First Christmas in Our New Home – 2025”
- “Baby’s First Christmas – [Name]”
- “Grandad’s Christmas 2025” with the grandkids’ names
3. Custom Tote Bags for the Practical One
Perfect for: teachers, busy mums, students, eco-conscious friends
A tote bag is something they’ll actually use – for shopping, work, or days out. Add their name, role, or a phrase that fits their life.
Ideas:
- “Miss Smith’s Marking Bag”
- “Mum’s Emergency Snack Bag”
- “[Name] – Book Lover, Coffee Drinker, Professional Overthinker”
4. Personalised Keyrings and Bag Tags
Perfect for: kids, teens, people who are always losing their keys
Small, affordable, and easy to post – but still personal. Great as stocking fillers or little extras.
Ideas:
- 3D printed name tags for school bags
- Wooden keyrings with initials or a short message
- Bag tags for work bags or gym kits
5. Matching Family Mugs or Crowns
Perfect for: families who love a photo moment
If they’re hard to shop for because they “don’t need anything”, give them a moment instead – something they can wear or use together.
Ideas:
- “Mummy Elf / Daddy Elf / Mini Elf” mug sets
- Fabric crowns with names for Christmas morning or birthdays
- A mix-and-match set: one mug each, all in the same style but personalised
6. Self-Care Soaps and Candles with a Personal Touch
Perfect for: friends who need a bit of pampering
Choose their favourite scent (lavender, rose, apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, etc.) and pair it with a small personalised item like a bookmark, keyring, or mug.
This turns a simple self-care gift into something that feels made just for them.
7. Custom Gifts for Businesses and Offices
Perfect for: the person who’s obsessed with their job or runs a small business
Think:
- Branded mugs for their office
- Welcome packs for new staff
- Desk accessories with their name or role
If they’re hard to shop for because they’re always working, a personalised work item is surprisingly spot-on.
How to Choose the Right Personalised Gift (Without Overthinking It)
When you’re shopping for someone who’s hard to buy for, use this simple checklist:
-
What do they use every day?
Mug, bag, keyring, notebook, bookmark, ornament? -
What do they talk about a lot?
Their kids, pets, job, hobbies, favourite drink? -
How do they like their style?
Minimal, colourful, funny, sentimental? -
Can you add a name, date, or private joke?
That’s your personalisation.
If you can answer those four questions, you’re already 90% of the way to a gift they’ll actually love.
Why Order Personalised Gifts from a Small UK Maker
In 2025, more people are choosing to shop small instead of buying mass-produced gifts. Here’s why that matters, especially for hard-to-shop-for people:
- You can ask questions and tweak ideas. You’re not stuck with whatever’s on a shelf.
- Everything is made to order. That means your gift is created just for them, not pulled from a warehouse.
- You support a real person, not just a big brand. Your order genuinely makes a difference.
- Quality control is personal. Each item is checked by hand before it’s sent out.
At Craft Corner, every personalised item is made to order in the UK, using a mix of 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, sewing, and hand-poured soaps and candles. Most personalised orders are ready within 24–72 hours, even in busy periods like Christmas.
Ready to Finally Nail Gifts for the “Hard to Shop For” People in Your Life?
If you’re done guessing and want gifts that actually mean something, personalised presents are the way to go.
At Craft Corner, you’ll find:
- Personalised mugs (including our bestselling “Being my brother is the only gift you need” design)
- Custom ornaments, keyrings, and bag tags
- Tote bags, crowns, and accessories
- Hand-poured soaps and candles you can bundle with personalised items
All made to order, with free UK shipping on orders over £25.
👉 Browse personalised gift ideas now at Craft Corner and sort out the hardest people on your list in one go.
