Everyone has someone like this on their list. They're financially comfortable, they buy things when they need them, and when you ask what they want, they say “nothing really.” Here's how to crack it.
The problem with buying things for people who have everything
The issue isn't that they can't be surprised — it's that anything functional they already own. The key is to shift categories entirely: away from objects they can buy, and toward experiences, consumables, and genuine personal touches.
1 — Experiences they wouldn't book for themselves
This is consistently the best category. People who have everything rarely make time for experiences, even when they'd enjoy them. The friction of booking is the barrier — remove it by doing the booking yourself.
- Cooking classes: Italian, Japanese, bread making, sushi — for food lovers who think they already cook well
- Whisky or wine tasting: guided by an expert, often in a small group — the kind of afternoon they'd enjoy but never schedule
- A track day: for car people who already have a nice car but have never pushed it properly
- A pottery or life drawing class: for people who secretly wish they were more creative
- Theatre or opera: specific productions, not just vouchers — show you chose it for them
2 — Consumables at a level above what they'd buy themselves
People who have everything often treat themselves well — but rarely at the very top level. There's almost always a step up they'd appreciate but wouldn't justify on their own.
- A bottle of single malt they've heard of but never bought
- A case of wine from a good independent merchant
- The really expensive olive oil, balsamic, or truffle salt they'd never buy themselves
- A monthly subscription box for their favourite category — coffee, cheese, craft beer
- Luxury bath or skincare products from a brand they admire but consider indulgent
3 — Something genuinely personal
The effort and thought behind a personalised gift is the gift. This category works best when it's specific to them — not generic “personalised” gifts, but things that reference their life specifically.
- A custom illustration of their home, their pet, or a place that means something to them
- A star map of a significant date and location (first meeting, wedding day, child's birth)
- A first edition of their favourite book
- A quality print of a photo from a trip or event you shared
4 — Give your time
Underrated. The people who have everything often lack time. Offering a specific, meaningful use of your time can be more valuable than any purchase:
- A day where you take the grandchildren (for grandparents)
- Cooking them a meal at their home
- Helping with a project they've been putting off
- Planning and doing something together you haven't done in years
5 — Ask, creatively
“I don't need anything” and “there's nothing I want” are not the same as “I have everything.” Try reframing the question:
- “If you were browsing a shop on a rainy Saturday with £50 to spend on yourself, what would you buy?”
- “Is there something you've been meaning to replace but keep putting off?”
- “What was the best thing you bought yourself in the last year?” — then find the next version