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There's a very simple and glib answer to this "conundrum". For the person who has everything, give them nothing; that's something they haven't got! But seriously, folks, you have to ask yourself, why do you want to make this gift? Is it out of duty, because the person would take it amiss if you forgot their birthday or whatever, or is this someone you truly love and who you want to make happier than they are already?

Let's be generous here and assume the latter, otherwise I would have to question your motives! For a start, there is nobody who genuinely "has everything". For example, how about a dominoes set in silver plate? Or a hand-crafted wooden humidor with hygrometer? Or a designer red-leather shopping bag with silk lining? All of these, and many more "must haves," are easily obtainable items if you know where to go, and as it happens, I do!

As with all gift-giving, the interests of the recipient need to be taken on board. An art lover? Plenty of scope there, from cheap prints to original Van Goghs, depending on the depth of your pocket! Are they fond of books? If they really have everything they must live in the Library of Congress! Music? Movies? There are new recordings and DVDs coming out all the time. For something truly original, go to a few antiques auctions and see what you can find. Our ancestors produced some amazing objects for which we have little use today but which make brilliant conversation pieces in any millionaire's mansion!

But why just think about physical objects that take up space? What about taking them to a show or a concert? Or giving them an unusual day out, such as a balloon trip, or a day at a race track where they can drive a few laps in a real racing car? Other alternatives include a college course in something like cordon bleu cookery or a foreign language.

But my favorite idea for the person who really has everything takes me back to my opening line. Give them nothing, but take advantage of one of those charity schemes where you buy a goat or a dozen chickens for a village in Africa. For a bit more money you can pay for a well to be dug or a school to be equipped with pencils and paper for a year. The charity sends your gift recipient a certificate to thank them for their generosity, and your friend might even be prompted to take a long-term interest in the project.

I reckon this is the perfect way to show that you care, both for your gift recipient and the world at large. You will also be showing your "have it all" friend or relative that caring for someone who is in real need can be life-enhancing for the giver as well as live-saving for the receiver. After all, your friend doesn't really need more stuff, but that African village really does. The proxy gift makes everyone happy, and your thoughtfulness most certainly counts.

Learn more about this author, John Welford.
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