by Katherine Elzer-Peters

Created on: January 30, 2008

In today's marketplace, an over abundance of choices exist. Before ruling your recipient firmly "hard to buy for," narrow your choices. Decide what you think makes them "hard to buy for." Do they have everything, or a large income to buy whatever they want? Do they seem uninterested in anything but one hobby and sleeping? Do you not know them well? For what reason are you giving the gift?

Think about your recipient's personality-shy and retiring or outgoing and talkative. Do they enjoy eating out, or working out. Focus on their unique likes and dislikes and find something in their niche.

As with all gift giving conundrums, focusing on gifts of "doing" rather than "having" will provide an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their interests.

Gifts for those with a One-Track Mind
If your recipient has more or less only one all-consuming interest, rather than giving the person yet another "thing" related to that interest, give the person a gift certificate, or pre-paid experience in their realm of comfort. For golfers, a round of golf. For cooks, cooking classes-group or private. For readers, find a book group for them. If they are so focused on one thing, they probably already have enough "stuff."

Gifts for People You do Not Know Well
If you do not know someone well, several generic gifts are universally appreciated. Restaurant gift cards, especially those that can be used at a variety of places, will always be used. A green plant like a peace lily or pothos (both impossible to kill), always has a place in the home, and are unlikely to cause allergies. Movie tickets are also great gifts. Include some $$$ for popcorn.

Gifts for People Who Can Buy Whatever They Want
Focus on "experiential" types of gifts for these people. Plan a lunch, a shopping trip, a hike, a picnic or another experience for the recipient. They cannot buy time with friends, so such a gift will be much appreciated.

Gift for a Certain Occasion
If the person has registered somewhere for their wedding, baby shower, etc. if you do not know them well, visit their registry. Registries exist for a reason-so that the registrant will receive items that are useful, and not duplicates.

A bit of thought, and investigation, into the life of your recipient will guide you to a unique and personal gifts for even the pickiest person.

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