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With the holiday season starting, you will probably notice that the rush to get your hands on the perfect present is becoming more intense. Many people have already started placing orders and scouring shops for the perfect gifts since waiting too long can mean you won’t be able to find everything on your list. And while getting the right thing for everybody can be a challenge in and of itself, it is all the more difficult to buy presents for people who are rather high-maintenance and difficult to please. Although they might not show it, the knowledge that your present will be disregarded in private and maybe even thrown away is definitely not something that most people want to deal with.
But even the most fastidious individuals have things they like or which they wouldn’t be able to say “no” to. The key is to find out what these things are and to get them before they fly off the shelves. If you’re looking for some inspiration as to what these items could be, here are some examples as well as a series of guidelines that can make the shopping process less stressful overall.
For the superfans
The people who are deeply involved in fandom culture can be among the most challenging demographics you will ever need to shop for. That is because they can be so invested in the film, series, or band they like that they already own all the possible merchandise you could get them. Or so it would seem, at least. In situations such as these, you must do your research (if you’re not familiar with the fandom, that is an absolute must) and determine what are some of the things that they don’t have in their collection already. This might require some snooping around, but it’ll be well worth your efforts.
Getting them Funko pops is a safe bet since there’s such a large variety of figures to choose from. If you’re ready to go the extra mile, you can look for the rarer Funkos that have been released in limited editions and aren’t in circulation anymore. Finding these can be a bit of a challenge, and the price tag might also be a little heftier, but if you’re confident this will make your friend or relative happy, you should definitely go for it. You can also add an advent calendar for Stranger Things that lets them count down holidays or any other special occasions. Stranger Things is one of the most popular shows ever, and with the fifth and final season set for a 2025 release, this is truly a well-timed present.
Nature lovers
People who enjoy nature gateways are unlikely to be drawn to flashy things, and since they’re quite self-sufficient, most gifts might seem extraneous to them. Being in the great outdoors is the most relaxing thing for them, so there’s no point getting them something to help them unwind. However, they’re most likely to own all the gear they need already. Birdwatching has become increasingly popular since the pandemic as a relaxing and rewarding hobby that can be done anywhere, even in urban areas.
Those who have been doing it for a longer time, though, are more likely to go off the beaten track in order to spot some rarer species. A smart bird feeder sends a notification to the user’s smartphone and can even determine the species’ name. The 1080p camera with a wide viewing angle will capture beautiful pictures of the birds without disturbing them, and the seeder bin is easy to feel so that all avian visitors can enjoy a tasty treat as well. A pair of binoculars is also a wonderful present for anyone who enjoys spending time observing wildlife species in their natural habitats.
Make sure to get a model with a scratch-resistant lens coating, a focus wheel that is simple to use even during cold and rainy weather, 18 mm eye relief to reduce the possibility of eye strain, and a 4 mm exit pupil that will guarantee comfortable use even during fading or low light conditions. When it comes to gadgets like these, it’s all about the details.
For food lovers
Being a food lover and a picky eater at the same time can sound like an oxymoron, but there are actually many people who fit this description. An instant pot is an excellent present for someone like this, as this handy device can do the work of around ten separate kitchen appliances and can be used to make anything from homemade yogurt to elaborate cakes. Someone who enjoys cooking all their meals at home will get a lot of use out of this pot, and since it reduces the estimated cooking time by as much as 70%, it is also ideal for those who don’t have the patience to prepare time-consuming dishes, but who would like to sample them anyways.
A unique snack box can also be a wonderful present, and you can either order a personalized one or make a box yourself. You can also look for more eclectic options, such as snacks that are staples in other countries or regions. The best snack boxes contain a large assortment of different types of snacks and maybe have an overarching theme as well. Strawberry cakes, pear jelly, pickle bites, brown rice crackers, mochi, chocolate, melon roll cakes, red bean paste desserts, sesame and maple bites, and matcha chocolate crunch are some of the snacks you should consider adding to your box.
Snacks and fancier food options are also the perfect presents for those who tend to live a more minimalist lifestyle and who find being surrounded by a lot of objects to be stressful and distracting.
If all else fails
If you’re truly at your wit’s end about what to get them, don’t panic. You can get them a gift card for their favorite store or tickets for a special event or occasion. Tickets to a film or music festival are just the thing for artistic friends who want to expand their intellectual horizons, while those who enjoy traveling will be ecstatic to be gifted a spot on a cruise. Some people also prefer handmade presents to store-bought, so you must put your DIY skills to good use.
It’s not simple to impress people with a present, especially nowadays when people are shopping throughout the year and getting new things for themselves all the time. However, it isn’t impossible. All you need is a little creativity.