Gift Ideas for People Who Have Everything
We all have that person in our lives who seems impossible to shop for. They buy themselves whatever they want, have a house full of things, and genuinely seem to need nothing. But here is a secret: even people who have everything appreciate thoughtful gifts. The key is shifting your focus from stuff to experiences, consumables, and meaningful gestures they would never buy for themselves.
The Experience Economy
Research consistently shows that experiences bring more lasting happiness than material possessions. For someone who has everything, experiences offer novelty and memories without adding clutter.
Adventure Experiences
- Hot air balloon rides: A sunrise or sunset flight they will never forget
- Helicopter tours: See their city or natural landmarks from above
- Race car driving experiences: Feel the thrill of the track
- Skydiving tandem jumps: For the truly adventurous
- Sailing lessons: Learn something new on the water
- Zip-lining adventures: Forest canopy tours are unforgettable
Learning Experiences
- Cooking classes: Italian pasta-making, sushi rolling, or pastry arts
- Art workshops: Pottery, painting, glassblowing, or sculpture
- Music lessons: Piano, guitar, or any instrument they have mentioned wanting to learn
- Photography workshops: Learn from professionals in beautiful locations
- Language tutoring: Personal sessions for a language they have always wanted to learn
- MasterClass subscription: Learn from world-class experts in any field
Consumables They Would Not Buy Themselves
Luxury consumables are perfect because they get used up. No clutter, just enjoyment. Focus on premium versions of everyday items:
- Premium olive oil or balsamic vinegar: The kind that costs $50+ per bottle and transforms simple dishes
- Single-origin specialty coffee: Beans from award-winning roasters shipped fresh
- Artisan chocolates: From renowned chocolatiers, not the grocery store
- Truffle products: Truffle salt, oil, or honey for gourmet cooking
- Aged cheeses: Imported varieties they cannot find locally
- Premium tea collection: Rare teas from specialty importers
- Craft spirits: Small-batch whiskey, artisan gin, or vintage wine
Subscription Services
Subscriptions deliver joy repeatedly throughout the year. Consider these thoughtful options:
- Book subscriptions: Book of the Month or similar services matched to their interests
- Wine or spirits clubs: Curated selections delivered monthly
- Coffee subscriptions: Fresh beans from different roasters each month
- Flower subscriptions: Fresh arrangements delivered weekly or monthly
- Magazine subscriptions: Niche publications aligned with their hobbies
- Specialty food boxes: Artisan snacks, cheese clubs, or international treats
Personalized and Custom Gifts
When someone can buy anything, something made just for them becomes special:
- Custom portraits: Commission an artist to create a family portrait or pet painting
- Personalized star maps: The night sky from a significant date and location
- Custom jewelry: Pieces engraved with meaningful coordinates, dates, or messages
- Bespoke clothing: Custom-fitted shirts, suits, or handmade leather goods
- Family history research: Professional genealogy services to trace their ancestry
- Custom song: Musicians who will write an original song based on your story
Charitable Gifts
For people who truly need nothing, giving in their honor can be deeply meaningful:
- Name a star: Official star registries with certificates
- Adopt an animal: Support wildlife conservation in their name
- Plant trees: Forest restoration projects that provide impact updates
- Microloans: Fund entrepreneurs in developing countries through Kiva
- Scholarship funds: Contribute to education in their name
- Local charity donations: Support causes they care about
Wellness and Self-Care
Everyone deserves relaxation, but busy people rarely prioritize it for themselves:
- Spa day packages: Full-service experiences at luxury spas
- Massage therapy sessions: A series of appointments, not just one
- Float tank experiences: Sensory deprivation for deep relaxation
- Meditation retreat: Weekend or week-long getaways focused on mindfulness
- Personal training sessions: Work with a professional on fitness goals
- Nutrition consultation: Sessions with a registered dietitian
Time-Saving Services
For busy people, the gift of time is invaluable:
- House cleaning service: Professional deep cleaning or regular maintenance
- Meal prep services: Ready-to-cook or fully prepared healthy meals
- Car detailing: Full interior and exterior professional cleaning
- Laundry service credits: Wash, fold, and delivery service
- Personal organizing: Professional help decluttering and organizing spaces
- Lawn care or landscaping: Professional maintenance for their outdoor spaces
The Gift of Your Time
Sometimes the most precious gift is quality time together:
- Plan a day trip: Research and organize an outing to somewhere they have mentioned wanting to visit
- Cook a gourmet meal: Prepare their favorite cuisine at home or theirs
- Create a scrapbook: Compile photos and memories from your relationship
- Organize a reunion: Gather old friends or family they have not seen in years
- Take on a project together: Learn something new as a pair
Questions to Ask Before Shopping
Before you start shopping, consider these questions:
- What do they complain about not having time for?
- What hobby have they mentioned wanting to try?
- What everyday luxury do they deny themselves?
- What experiences have they talked about wanting?
- What would make their daily life easier or more enjoyable?
Conclusion
Shopping for someone who has everything is not about finding something they need—it is about showing them you understand what they value. Focus on experiences over possessions, consumables over collectibles, and quality time over quantity of stuff. The most meaningful gifts often cannot be bought in stores; they come from paying attention to what makes someone light up.
Remember, even the person who has everything wants to feel known and appreciated. That is a gift only you can give.
Help Others Shop for You
If you are the person who has everything, make it easier on your loved ones. Create a TrunkLists wishlist with experiences and items you would love.
Create Your Wishlist