Gifts for the Impossible to Buy For

In a world where everything is available at the click of a button, it’s all too easy to have everything you want. Shopping for someone who already has everything, or to put it frankly, is impossible to buy for, is a task we proclaim to dread, but actually secretly relish. After all, what’s more thrilling than the challenge of finding that perfect gift that will surprise someone who seems to have it all and then some? Shopping for the impossible-to-buy-for loved one makes you dig deeper and discover unique treasures. To help you check off that most difficult person on your shopping list, we’ve compiled a fail-safe guide featuring such stellar standouts as texture-changing pens, celeb-loved beauty buys, and affordable cashmere.

_{Prices are accurate as of December 11, 2024. Subject to change.}

Magic Puffy Pens

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that inspire childlike wonder in even the most grown-up of us. A call back to the nostalgic days of gel pens, these Magic Puffy Pens appear to be ordinary pigmented pieces, but they actually hold a secret: they transform into an artistic experience that’s a masterpiece in the making. Just a gentle squeeze of the pen produces a paint-like ink, apply heat using any hair dryer or embossing gun and watch as 3D magic unfolds. Before their eyes, your gift recipient will witness their one-of-a-kind artistic works puff up into a wondrous display of color and texture — a real rendering. Whether they’re a modern-day Picasso or have not the slightest bit of artistic flair, there’s guaranteed fun to be had with these magic pens.

Compartes Gourmet Chocolate Truffles

A chocolatier that has wielded such delights as potato chip and bourbon pecan pie chocolate bars, Compartes always has new and exciting creations up its sleeve. We’ve long relied on this sweets brand to breeze through our annual holiday shopping list, so it’s no surprise this is a reliable choice for the person who has everything. Here you can stay on a reasonable budget sourcing individual chocolate bars, or you can even splurge with an all-encompassing chocolate stash. We personally love the affordability and guaranteed satisfaction of the petite but packed-with-surprise chocolate truffles. Your recipient can have a perfect serving of dessert, but also delicate and demure works of edible art, featuring brilliant pops of color and design.

Wicked Monopoly

Sometimes when you don’t know what to give a person it’s best to look around at what is creating excitement and buzz in the moment, and that is undoubtedly the tale of two witches named Glinda and Elphaba. The long-awaited film release of Wicked, Broadway’s beloved musical based on the best-selling book, is here, and fans are going nuts for all the magical merchandise. If your recipient happens to be a fan of the musical or the new movie, why not gift them a game that’ll endure far beyond curtain call, like a Wicked-themed Monopoly board? This classic, family-friendly game brings out the enterprising competitor in everyone. Don’t worry if they already own Monopoly; they’ll be happy upgrading to this magical version, which features beautiful shades of emerald and pink.

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Trio

Never underestimate the thoughtfulness of a good lipstick or three. Charlotte Tilbury, a makeup brand beloved by celebs and style icons like Amal Clooney, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle, is renowned for all its beauty-enhancing products, but without a doubt, the brand’s best-selling lipstick is where it shines and shimmers the most. Cheekily named hues like Pillow Talk and Hollywood Vixen are kept in rotation by loyal fans who swear by the pout-perfecting lipstick’s moisturizing formula and long-lasting wear, and the beauty gift of the season is Charlotte Tilbury’s Mini Iconic Hollywood Lipstick Trio Set. These mini but mighty lipsticks feature shades of pink and red for everyday wear or nights of flirty fun.

LEGO Flowers

When you’re stumped on gift ideas, it never hurts to default to a thoughtful and bountiful bouquet of flowers. Personal and meaningful, a flower arrangement suits every occasion. And yet, one of our biggest complaints about florals is they never stick around long enough to be thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed — until now. LEGO debuted a collection of floral bouquets years ago, and ever since, we’ve been obsessed with their strikingly realistic and intricate designs, which miraculously capture the delicate beauty and essence of real flowers in durable, long-lasting bricks. Even those who aren’t LEGO-obsessed can appreciate the eternal nature of these permanent blooms that won’t wilt, fade, or shed petals. Whether you want to build the bouquet ahead of time and display them in a giftable vase or give them in box, you can’t go wrong with these playful petals.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater

If you’re unsure what to buy, it’s great to lean into luxury. Luxury, of course, conjures up the idea of expensive and extravagant, but there are those quiet luxury brands that tote craftsmanship, quality, and style over wallet-compromising price tags. With Quince, you can get the best of both worlds with affordable luxury goods, from leather accessories, silk statement pieces, and, our personal favorite, cashmere clothing. One of the brand’s best-sellers, the Mongolian cashmere sweater, is one of those essential pieces you love so much you stock up on a diverse color palette, wearing it to the office or cocktail hour. With sustainable, ethically sourced cashmere that won’t rough out or start piling away, this light but incredibly warm sweater remains a statement-maker in our winter wear collection.

Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit

Solo Stove’s fire pits have swiftly become an outdoor entertaining essential, ideal for chilly evenings, lively gatherings, or moments of solitude and relaxation. But let’s be honest, not everyone can splurge hundreds on a backyard fire pit. Solo Stove understands this predicament, which is why the brand has delivered a tabletop version of its iconic pits. Perfect for a patio table, camping excursion, or of-the-moment indulgence, the petite pit casts a mighty flame that pleases the senses, from wintery smoke to charred marshmallow feasts. It’s all too tempting to gather around the Solo Stove Mesa, which comes with a stand and nylon carrying bag that makes it easy to set up this fire wherever you go. It’s more than just a fire pit. It’s a catalyst for connection and igniting festivity and fun wherever it’s lit.

Meater Pro Meat Thermometer

If you had told us we’d be adding a meat thermometer to our shopping list this year, we wouldn’t have believed you, but that was before we discovered the Meater Pro. This smart thermometer far outperforms other old-school, basic thermometers with its wireless, Bluetooth connectivity, advanced and precise temperature tracking, sleek design, and ease of use that makes cooking in any form an absolute breeze. The Meater Pro can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and takes the guesswork out of producing perfectly cooked meals every time. Not only does this prevent an unfortunate bout of food poisoning, but it also turns what could be a chewy steak or tough piece of fish into tender, juicy, and mouth-watering proteins that will have you singing the praises of this kitchen essential.

UGG Bluetooth Earmuffs

Sometimes you discover certain products that make you wonder how you ever lived without them. You can imagine our delight when we discovered that UGG’s luxe earmuffs also include Bluetooth capability, turning frigid walks and strolls into musical escapes that wrap your ears with sound and warmth. Perhaps what impresses us the most about these musical muffs is the clear and powerful sound quality, an added bonus that makes them a must-have for music lovers, podcast enthusiasts, and audiobook fiends. Even if your gift recipient doesn’t feel like powering up the sound, they’ll be enveloped in a durable and comfortable accessory adorned with soft sheepskin, and what’s not to love about that?

Ariat Heritage Western Boots

When someone is impossible to buy for, it’s ideal to look for reliable, fail-safe goods that stand the test of time. And let’s face it: if there’s ever been a time to rock a pair of Western boots, it’s now. An appreciation for Western wear, ignited by global artists like Beyonce, luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, and beloved shows like Yellowstone, is front and center at the moment, but it’s also an enduring fashion movement that won’t fade out like other trendy styles. That’s why purchasing a pair of simple but sleek cowboy boots guarantees your gift recipient will be line dancing and rodeo rocking in no time. Of all the boot brands to choose from, few come close to the prestige and design-forward focus of Ariat. Here you’ll find fashion-focused selections like the Casanova, but it’s their Heritage boot we’re most obsessed with. Made with a rounded toe and a classic but comfortable heel, this versatile boot doesn’t require equine endeavors, just a sense of adventure.

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