60 Thoughtful Gifts for Even the Pickiest People on Your List in 2024

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
So you’re on a quest to find great gifts for the people who have everything. It’s tough, especially when you’re not willing to settle for a basic present and really want to show that you pay attention to your loved one’s interests and needs. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the most thoughtful gift ideas for any recipient or occasion—including useful gadgets like high-tech coffee mugs and headlamps; entertaining puzzles and custom astrology books; and subscription boxes that deliver new treats month after month. No matter how hard your giftee is to shop for, you’ll find something here that’ll make it clear how much you appreciate them.
For the Person Who Loves Trying New Food
Bokksu
Classic Gift Box
This SELF Fave subscription box sends packages stuffed with sweet and savory snacks, like yuzu hard candies and matcha cakes, sourced from vendors found only in Japan.
Cost: Three-month plan is $46 per month; six months is $44 per month; 12 months is $40 per month. One-off boxes are $65.
For the Friend Who’s Trying to Cut Back on Screen Time
Hatch
Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock
This cool alarm can help your pal keep their phone out of the bedroom for more peaceful nights and mornings. It plays soothing sounds to help lull them to sleep, acts as a dimmable bedside light and clock, and gently wakes them up with a simulated sunrise. The Restore 2 only has a few basic buttons—they can customize everything else in an app on their phone to meet their exact preferences.
For the Armchair Astrologer
Birthdate Co.
The Birthdate Book
That friend who always tags you in Co-Star memes can pull out this personalized astrology book when they want a little more insight into their personality and feelings.
For the Person With Big Travel Plans
National Park
Tea Sampler
If they have a goal to visit all of the national parks, this tea set inspired by each location is a sweet way to show them you’re paying attention. The flavors combine the colors and smells they’ll find at 10 popular parks, like currants and blueberries for Acadia and hibiscus and yucca root for Joshua Tree.
For the Person Whose Hands Are Always Full
Lululemon
Everywhere Belt Bag (1-L.)
The sleek, sporty Lululemon Belt Bag fits all of the essentials (phone, wallet, keys) and can be worn like a fanny pack or a crossbody, so your giftee has more styling options than they would with a standard tote bag.
For the Person Who Has Long Commutes
Amazon Music Unlimited
Send them a gift that keeps on giving. With an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription, they'll get access to over 100 million songs, tons of podcasts, and even one free Audible audiobook per month. Long commutes just got…kind of great?
For the Person Who Runs Hot
Jisulife
Handheld Mini Fan
This pocket-size fan, which can also serve as a flashlight and phone charger, is perfect for your loved one who’s always melting. SELF’s commerce editor swears by this gadget to keep her cool.
For the Person Who Aspires to Have a Green Thumb
Click & Grow
Smart Garden
An indoor garden like this can fit neatly onto any counter and grow fresh greens or herbs for their meals and cocktails. This is an especially thoughtful gift for anyone who doesn’t have yard space but would love to harvest their own ingredients.
For the Person Who Has a Serious Workout Routine
This SELF Home Fitness Award–winning massager is compact in size but can still hammer out muscle tightness after your giftee has a tough gym session or long day at work.
For the Person Working on Their Hydration
Owala
FreeSip Water Bottle (24-oz.)
If your loved one could use a fun reminder to drink more water, getting them a cute, colorful vessel may be the motivation they need. Owala’s Freesip bottle—a favorite of SELF’s senior commerce editor—is insulated to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and the flip top allows you to cover the built-in straw when you’re not sipping. (I have one and it goes everywhere with me.)
For the Person With an Extensive Candle Collection
Suprus
Rechargeable Electric Lighter
Save them from the tragedy of running out of matches with this fuel-free, USB-rechargeable lighter. This is a great gift to pair with a fresh candle in their favorite scent.
For the Person Who Deserves Back Rubs on Demand
Nekteck
Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
This SELF Fave heated massager kneads sore, tired shoulder muscles. Since it’s worn around the neck, it leaves your loved one free to read, cook, or do nothing at all.
For the Person Who Loves to Bake
KitchenAid
Artisan Mini Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (3.5-qt.)
A stand mixer is one of those wishlist appliances that just about everyone could use in their kitchen—and if they love making sweet treats, having one of these ensures the process is less physically taxing and time consuming (and that all their ingredients are truly well-incorporated). This mini model from KitchenAid is smaller and lighter than the brand’s original, so it’ll take up less space and be easier for your giftee to store too.
For the Person Who’s Planning Their Next Camping Trip
Petzl
Actik Core Headlamp
Petzl’s adjustable, super-bright headlamp is a practical gift that can help the adventurer in your life build fires and navigate the woods at night. It’s also useful for everyday tasks (like walking the dog or trying to find things under cabinets).
For the Person Who’s Serious About Beauty Sleep
Brooklinen
Mulberry Silk Bundle
This silk eye mask and pillowcase set will make their nighttime routine feel a little more indulgent.
For the Person Who Needs Caffeine
Utopia Kitchen
French Press Coffee Maker (34-oz.)
If your giftee is still using an old slow-drip coffee maker, get them an upgrade with this French press, which can brew eight ounces of coffee in minutes.
For the Person Who Needs a Hug
Bearaby
Tree Napper (15 lb.)
This chunky knit weighted blanket is surprisingly breathable given its heft—a perk for hot sleepers. Plus, the large weave makes it look like a handmade piece you’d find at a high-end decor boutique.
Available in 15, 20, and 25 pounds.
For the Person Who Craves Culinary Variety
Home Chef
Subscription
A SELF Certified Home Chef meal-kit subscription sends the foodie in your life easy, yummy recipes—along with all the necessary ingredients to make them—so they can focus more on cooking and less on shopping.
Cost: Send a physical gift card or an e-gift card, starting at $25.
For the Person Who Prefers Crafternoons to Parties
Piecework
Rise & Shine Puzzle (1000-Piece)
The next time it rains, they can cozy up with this brunch-inspired puzzle. SELF’s editor in chief loves this brand’s fun, challenging designs.
For the Person Who Prioritizes Self-Care
Parachute
Waffle Robe
With this soft, lightweight robe from Parachute in their closet, they might feel less tempted to permanently “borrow” hotel robes every time they travel.
Available in sizes XS to 3X.
For the Person Who Adores Fresh Bouquets
Urbanstems
Subscription
A flower delivery subscription ships an arrangement to your giftee’s door at the cadence of your choosing and will brighten their day each time.
Cost: The Classic plan is $55 per delivery.
For the Person With a Ton to Keep Organized
Apple
AirTag
Your friend who constantly loses their keys or wallet could probably benefit greatly from an Apple Airtag. Once they attach the Bluetooth-enabled device to their always-elusive item, they can quickly find it with their phone. Crisis averted.
For the Person Who Takes Forever to Drink Their Coffee
Ember
Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
We love this SELF Fave smart mug, which will keep their drink at the perfect temperature for hours so they can sip in a leisurely manner without having to get up to reheat in the microwave.
For the Person With an Intimidating Goodreads Record
Book of the Month
If you struggle to pick one specific book for your friend who’s an avid reader, give them this subscription, which lets them pick three, six, or 12 new books depending on the plan you choose.
Cost: A three-month gift subscription is $60; six months is $100; one year is $200.
For the Person Who Basically Owns a Library
Pickled Stamps
Floral Book Stamp
This personalized book stamp allows them to mark their prized possessions—which is especially helpful if they do a lot of lending. It would also be a cute gift to pair with a Book of the Month Subscription.
For the Person Who Watches Every Oscar-Nominated Film
Uncommon Goods
Ultimate Movie-Lovers Fill-In Poster
Movie marathons are a perfectly legitimate form of self-care, and if you know someone working through the classics, this poster can help them keep track of their lengthy watch list.
For the Person Who Recently Moved Into Their Own Place
Brooklinen
Luxe Sateen Hardcore Sheet Bundle (Queen Size)
“I’m a big fan of giving nice bedding as a gift, especially after I received this Brooklinen set before moving into a new apartment,” says SELF commerce writer Jessica Kasparian. “I couldn’t really imagine sheets being that special, but these have little details that make them feel nicer to me, like the ‘long’ and ‘short’ tags on the fitted sheet and the envelope-style pillow cases that stay in place. They’re also somehow crisp and soft at the same time.”
For the Person Who’s Always Down for the Beach
Corkcicle
Eola Bucket Cooler Bag
This cooler-backpack hybrid is a favorite of SELF’s editor in chief because it makes carrying heavy cans much easier and keeps them cold for more than 24 hours. Of course, it’s also sleeker than your typical clunky cooler.
For the Person Who Wants to Be a Better Plant Parent
Uncommon Goods
Mushroom Plant Watering Micro-Douser (Set of 3)
If your loved one travels a lot, or is just notorious for forgetting to water their plants, help them out with these cute, mushroom-shaped watering globes. They slowly release water into soil, so your giftee can fill ’em and forget ’em.
For the Person Who Needs to Level-Up Their Recovery
Triggerpoint
Grid Vibe Plus
Sure, your loved one might have a foam roller, but do they have one that vibrates? The serious runners, gym goers, and even folks who have to sit at a desk too long will love this recovery tool, which has four vibration frequencies and a firm, textured surface to help them loosen up tight muscles.
For the Person Who Can’t Stand Overhead Lighting
Xebkor
Sunset Lamp Projector
This tiny projector can paint a room in a swath of mood-boosting color. Just take your pick from the rainbow of options and bask in the sunset-like glow. One SELF writer and her partner love these lamps so much, they’ve gotten one for every room. Once it gets dark, they switch off all the “big lights” (or bright fluorescents) and use these projectors for orange, red, or pink lighting only.
For the Person Who Needs an Excuse to Lie Down
WTHN
Body Cupping Kit
This at-home cupping kit from WTHN comes with eight mini silicone cups that create a slight tugging sensation when placed on the skin, which feels lovely and increases circulation. One SELF writer likes to use them with her partner after trading back rubs. “It’s a nice addition to a massage that makes it feel more special and spa-like,” she says.
For the Person Who Can’t Spend Long Enough in the Botanical Gardens
Grow Buddha Store
Bonsai Tree Kit
This cute kit has everything they need (seeds, soil discs, planters, trimmers, instructions) to start growing trees they can shape into bonsais: a fun project for any plant-lovers out there who are looking to learn something new.
For the Person Who Takes Lounging Very Seriously
Negative Underwear
Whipped Boyfriend Short
One SELF writer swears by this brand for the softest-ever, sexy basics like this pair of boyfriend shorts and its henley companion. “I have a bra and underwear set and a leggings and long-sleeve set in their whipped fabric, and it’s unbelievably comfortable,” she says. “Whoever you give this set to will become obsessed with this brand.”
For the Person Who Has a Million Work Trips
Away
The Bigger Carry-On
A fresh, chic suitcase is always appreciated. This one from Away is beloved by reviewers for its durability, minimalist design, 360-degree wheels, and ability to hold way more than seems feasible, à la Mary Poppins’s bag.
For the Person Making the Gym-to-Office Commute Daily
Dagne Dover
Dakota Neoprene Backpack
This is another upgrade gift—your loved one probably has a system for schlepping their things around, but this cute backpack will make the ordeal feel so much better. One SELF writer says this was her go-to gym bag whenever she was biking to work with plans to hit a bootcamp class later that day. “It held my workout clothes, toiletry bag, and shoes, along with my laptop and other essentials I needed for the office. The long, internal zipper pockets are great for storing dirty clothes on the way home from the gym too,” she says. “It’s lightweight and one of the only backpacks that hasn’t given me chafing problems thanks to the soft neoprene straps.”
Bonus: It comes in three different sizes, so your loved one will never be carrying more backpack than they need.
For the Friend Who Prefers an Experiential Gift
Tinggly
Happy Holiday Experience Gift Box
With this present (which can be delivered as an e-voucher or a gift box), your friend can choose from 10,000 experiences all over the world worth $329, like an ice cave tour in Iceland, a pottery lesson in Montana, a massage in Honolulu, a cooking class in Italy, or a 4x4 off-roading tour in Utah. They can book their activity alone or with a pal, and their credit never expires.
For the Person Who Can’t Stand to Break Down the Puzzle After They Finish It
Lego
Icons Chrysanthemum Flower Decor Creative Building Set
Give the puzzler in your life a piece they can build and keep intact to display around the house. This is also a great idea for your friend who can’t keep a real plant alive.
For the Person Who has a Crystal Collection
Birthdate Co.
The Birthday Pendant Necklace
This gold- or silver-plated necklace will have a pendant that’s totally unique to your giftee’s birthday, featuring their birth-month stone, as well as three other gems that align with the astrological energy of the exact day they were born. It’s a mini crystal garden they can wear.
For the Person Who’s Always Rubbing Their Temples
Yina
Gua Sha Discovery Kit
Your loved one can use this stone tool, balm, and oil to massage their face, which feels heavenly and reduces puffiness. It’s a great gift for a partner too—if you promise you’ll use it to trade facial massages.
For the Plant Parent Who Can Never Have Enough “Children”
Lula’s Garden
Ray Garden
“I’ve given and been gifted these little succulents from Lula’s Garden, and they’re always well-received,” says one SELF writer. “I’m always impressed by how well they hold up in the mail, and I’ve repotted them over the years with great success. There’s just something so fun about getting a cute little succulent in the mail! And honestly, everyone loves a low-maintenance plant, so you really can’t go wrong with this gift.”
For the Person Who Could Use a Reminder of How Loved They Are
Frameology
Send in pics from your phone of you and your loved one, choose the sizes and frames you like, and voilà! They’ll get a package with framed photos of the two of you that they can hang or display in their home. Getting pics off the phone and onto the wall can feel like a chore nowadays—this service makes it beyond easy.
For the Person Who Loves a Campfire
Rumpl
Original Puffy Blanket
“This blanket goes on every camping trip with me—it’s lightweight, packable, and warm, like a puffer jacket in blanket form—perfect for cozying up around a fire at night,” says one SELF writer. It would be perfect for picnics or baseball games too.
For the Person Who Loves to Document Their Adventures
GoPro
HERO11 Black Mini
Help your loved one take their vacation posts to the next level with a durable, waterproof camera from GoPro. Or, if they’re learning a new sport, like snowboarding or mountain biking, a GoPro like the HERO11 Black Mini, which they can mount on their helmet, is a fun way to capture the action and document progress.
For the Person Who Appreciates a Good Coffee Table Book
50 Places To Camp Before You Die
With gorgeous images and legitimately useful camping information, anyone who loves the outdoors will enjoy flipping through this book and displaying it in their home.
For the Live Music Fan
Loop
Experience Ear Plugs for Concerts
These discreet ear plugs will help your giftee avoid ringing ears after concerts, thanks to an acoustic channel and filter that reduces, but doesn’t block out, noise, making performances sound clearer and crisper. “Never in my life did I think I’d call a pair of earplugs ‘cool,’ but that’s truly what I think of Loop’s Experiences,” SELF’s senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin wrote in her Loop review.
For the Fitness Buff Who Loves Data
Garmin
Venu 3S
Garmin’s SELF Home Fitness Award–winning Venu 3S impressed our tester with its ability to log workouts, heart rate, hydration levels, sleep habits, and more for up to 10 days between charging sessions. The Venu can also help the wearer respond to text messages and take calls while on the go—it hits the sweet spot between a data-centric fitness tracker and a handy smartwatch.
For the Friend Who Lives for a Spa Day
Boona
Tandem Shower
Majorly upgrade your giftee’s bathroom with this device that adds an extra head to their shower—no construction required. They’ll be surrounded by warmth every time they step in. (This is also a great gift for couples!)
For the Sparkling Water Fan
Aerflo
Aer System Bundle
A reusable, portable bottle that makes sparkling water with the push of a button is the perfect gift for your friend who always needs some bubbles. This starter kit will set them up with 15 CO2 capsules that can make 60 bottles of fizzy water. When they run out, they can ship the empties back with a prepaid label and a new set will arrive.
For the Friend With a Vintage Aesthetic
Master Tailgators
Fuse Rad Radio with Bluetooth
Help them switch from a boring black speaker to something that really aligns with their style. This one looks like an old-school radio but has all the capabilities of a modern one, like Bluetooth and AUX connectivity.
For the Seasoned Home Chef
Algae Cooking Club
The Club Bundle
This luxe set of cooking oils will help your giftee keep things fresh in the kitchen. They’re made with algae, which gives them the highest smoke point and the most omega-9s in any oil. In this bundle, they’ll also get a bottle of Gochugaru Chili Oil and Shiitake Mushroom Oil, which sound like the most incredible toppings for eggs and rice bowls.
For the Friend Who Takes Napping Very Seriously
Pluto
Puff Body Pillow
One SELF writer and her partner constantly fight over who gets the Pluto Puff, so you know it’s good. “It’s the perfect density—squishy and cloudlike, but thick enough to support you,” she says. “It’s the most amazing pillow to cuddle and throw a leg over, and unlike any other pillows I’ve ever had—it’s seemingly always cool to the touch.”
For the Person Who Loves a Good Bath
Bambusi
Bamboo Bathtub Tray
If you gift your bath-loving friend this tray, tub rotting (not to be confused with bed rotting) may be on the horizon. With dedicated compartments for a wine glass, a phone, and a book or tablet, they can enjoy a relaxing soak for hours.
For the Hostess With the Mostess
Estelle Colored Glass
Mixed Stemware Set
Need a gift that’ll wow the host in your life? This colorful set of glasses from Estelle Colored Glass fits the bill. The hand-blown glass is upscale, delicate, elegant—and playful, thanks to the mix-and-match colors.
For the Smoothie Lover
Beast
Mini Blender
Making a smoothie for one can be tricky to eyeball in a full-sized blender. Enter this aesthetic little number, which will look great on any countertop. And since the blending container doubles as the cup, there’s half as much clean up involved in the process.
For the Person Whose Nose is Always in a Book
Chinco
Magnetic Bookmarks
Give your pal who’s always engrossed in the latest read some page candy. These magnetic bookmarks allow readers to save their spot without damaging any pages (see ya, dog-earing)—and the super cute designs will make saving their place all the more enjoyable.
For the Person With Lots of Plans
Skylight
Touchscreen Smart Calendar
If your giftee is known to double-book (or triple-book) their schedule, this digital organizer can help. It syncs all calendars—Google, iCloud, Outlook—of everyone in their household and lets you add tasks like chores, to-do lists, and groceries to buy. And while we wouldn’t necessarily call it wall art, its views are legitimately pretty (in a fresh school supplies kind of way). Plus, you can program it to display a slideshow of photos when you’re not using it.
For the Resident Danny Tanner
BISSELL
Little Green Machine
Whether your loved one has kids, pets, or a history of spilling coffee on the carpet, this small-but-mighty wet vacuum will make cleaning up a whole lot more satisfying—without taking up much real estate.
For the Person Who Sweats at Night
Cozy Earth Short Sleeve & Pant Bamboo Pajama Set
“I’ve worn this set once a week since getting it,” says one SELF editor who deals with night sweats. “I prefer pants over shorts because they prevent my legs from sticking together, and this pair is dreamy-soft.” Available in six colors, this button-up top and drawstring pants combo has subtle piping that’ll make them feel like they're staying at a fancy hotel.
For the Person Who Writes Everything Down
Chinco
2025 Mini Daily Planner
Monthly calendar, daily to-do list, notes section: check, check, check. This do-it-all planner is perfect for the loved one who considers personal organization a sport—and one they plan to dominate. It also has sections for goal-setting, gratitude, and self-reflection.
How we picked these products
Finding good presents for people who already have everything is no small feat. To build this list, we started by turning to SELF Faves and award winners that our editors and testers already love. Then we pulled the latest products from retailers we trust, like Uncommon Goods, Lululemon, Therabody, Brooklinen, and Anthropologie (among others). The result: 60 fun, smart, and useful gifts that we think anyone would be delighted to receive.
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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.