18 Perfect Gifts for Picky People
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Most of us have at least one person in our life who is very difficult to gift to. In my family and circle of friends, I’m that person. It’s not my fault that I test products for a living and have strong opinions, and then when I finally want something, I just buy it for myself. So when people ask me what I want, my answer is always “There’s nothing you can buy me that I don’t already have.” While it might be annoying for everyone around me, it definitely makes me an expert in gifts for the hard to shop for. Here at Esquire, I’ve made sure we do our duty finding gifts for the wife who has it all, the man who thinks he has it all, and even those hard-to-please mother-in-laws.
Now I’m here to explain the real logic behind gifting to a picky person like myself. It's all about getting them something they wouldn’t buy for themselves—like, they might, but if you can beat them to it, mission accomplished. For example, I would never tell someone to buy me an expensive candle, and I surely wouldn’t buy one for myself, but get me a giant Loewe candle and I’d be thrilled.
One more important tip: Don’t buy a picky person something hyper-specific to their own taste. A picky coffee lover does not need help deciding on beans, a machine, or a mug—in fact, they would probably hate the one you choose for them. Instead, get them something safe like a coffee-scented candle (again: something they wouldn’t buy for themselves but would love to own). Just remember that it’s about the little luxuries. Still confused? Here’s an in-depth breakdown of every gift I would recommend for even the pickiest person in your life.
Large Roasted Hazelnut Candle
The $500 candle everyone wants, no matter what.
Cashmere-Lined Suede Gloves
The man who has everything (or thinks he does) is a tough man to shop for. Opt for something with a quiet-luxury vibe, like these cashmere-lined gloves.
Shop More Gifts for the Man Who Has Everything
2025 Chelsea Weekly Agenda in Panama
I gift this to several people every year, and it’s gotten to the point where they even look forward to it. Smythson truly makes the best notebooks and journals on the market. Don’t believe me? Try one for yourself and you’ll be converted. You can even get it monogrammed with their initials.
Velvet Bellini Jewelry Box
Unless it’s diamonds (which might be out of your price range), you don’t want to buy jewelry for a jewelry girl. But a chic travel case for her favorite pieces is the perfect way to go.
Garrett Tie Case
Don’t get a picky man a tie. Get him a classic case for them. As far as classics go, it doesn’t get better than a little RL.
Theraface Depuffing Wand
I tested this for our 2024 Gadget Awards and it’s one of my favorite gifts to recommend this year. Do I look younger? Probably not, but it’s extremely relaxing and a total treat to use. That’s the definition of the perfect gift to me.
AirFly Duo Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter
World travelers don’t need another passport case or plastic suitcase. The AirFly Duo instead offers them a way to use their favorite Bluetooth headphones with airplane entertainment systems. And it doesn’t just work for one but is compatible with two users. Now you and your traveler partner (or kids) can watch a movie while sharing the screen and sound.
Classique Stationery
If you want to take stationery and personalization to the next level, create custom stationery for them. I personally find this to always be a winning gift for in-laws or people who take sending letters seriously.
Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
All my friends want this, and I guess I secretly do too. It’s an overnight hand cream with retinol that you place on your nightstand. Put it on before you go to bed and wake up with moisturized palms. The cool design doubles as decor, and the top serves as a place to store your rings. Genius.
iPhone 16 Pro MagSafe-Compatible Case
If you can’t spring for a classic aluminum Rimowa carry-on, I know they won’t refuse this phone case.
Porcelain Dessert Plates (Set of 6)
So you have a picky mother-in-law. She obviously needs a set of fancy dessert plates. Nobody can have too many dessert plates. Not even her.
French Kitchen Marble Covered Butter Dish
It’s time to show them they’re storing butter all wrong.
Aarti Long Robe
A true snob doesn’t want a terry-cloth robe that feels like it’s from a spa. The spa robe is overrated. A picky person wants an insanely plush and cloudlike robe made for the elite. Plus, the hood is an added bonus.
Mini Diamond Tennis Bracelet
If you're shopping for your wife who is very picky, I can promise you she will not refuse diamonds. Ring Concierge has made it very easy to shop for diamond gifts online. This mini tennis bracelet is surely a winner and even comes in under a thousand bucks.
Bodega Coffee
PSA: Do not buy a picky coffee lover a coffee machine, beans, or a mug! They know what they like, and you probably don’t. Instead, a candle that smells like coffee is the safe choice.
Shop More Gifts for Coffee Lovers
Solo Umbrella
And the best umbrella of all time deserves a winning slot. Our fashion market editor, Alfonso Fernández Navas, will give you a one-hour lecture on how much he loves it if prompted. It’s the perfect useful gift, because everyone wants the best umbrella in the world but doesn’t want to buy it for themselves.
AirTag (4 Pack)
Everybody needs these … everybody. Or at the very least it will be an easy thing for them to regift. Everyone wins.
Pro Facial Steamer
Buying skin care for a picky person (or most people) is an absolute no. You don’t know what they want or use. But you can do no wrong with this best-selling face steamer by Dr. Dennis Gross. Truly, you can give them a facial without handing them a single product.
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