It is a long-standing tradition, for many individual reasons, that we give and receive many gifts while bringing in the new year. However, we all have that one person in our lives who seems impossible to shop for: they might own everything they want and need, or they do not care for gifts. Buying for them can be time-consuming, but we hope to help with a small list of possibilities. Our recommendations include homemade items, time, personalized treasures, and experiences that only you can provide. These ideas are sure to work or at least get your creative thoughts going for those left on your list. 

Homemade gifts are sometimes the best choice for showing others how much you care. Think of your talents and how you can apply those to create something special. For example, use the family recipe for holiday cookies and ship them to a family member spending the winter season alone. If baking is not for you, write a song, deliver an in-person performance, snap a picture, frame it, and attach a touching note.  

The gift of time is truly the most precious. Our days are busy, and people fill their lives with tasks and events more than ever. When you think of the people impossible to shop for, would they enjoy a brunch date (your treat), a trip to the movies, or even an afternoon at the park? Sometimes when we are focused on giving tangible gifts, we overlook what would have the most value for the people in our lives. 

There are so many personalized gifts available online, from keychains with messages on them to etched maps marking the exact location of the place you met someone. It is incredible how specific one can be when giving a gift, so think of something unique about your hard to buy for person, maybe the date they retired, or an old vinyl record they love and make a new memory by reminding them of something special. Or, for a good laugh, upload your picture and get a pair of socks made with your funny face printed all over. 

Experiences are hard to wrap and impossible not to love. The people on your list that are hard to shop for have most likely mentioned an idea they find interesting or something they would like to try. For some, it is an ice-skating trip downtown, trying ax-throwing with a friend, or making a reservation for a new restaurant. At Bauman Consulting Group (BCG), we receive calls like this during the year asking questions about individual coaching sessions or the personal growth retreats we host, such as Daring GreatlyTM or Rising StrongTM. These thoughtful gifts are often something a person hesitates to splurge on for themselves, so even a partial gift certificate towards the purchase can be enough to get someone started. To give experiences as a gift, you can buy a certificate from the business that supplies these services, print a picture, or simply include an IOU in a festive card. 

Purchase BCG Gift certificates and products here for instant digital delivery and the perfect gift.  

At Bauman Consulting Group, we supply both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.