23 Gifts For People Who Are Hideously Impossible To Buy For
by Audie Metcalf
We have one rule when giving gifts:
Make it something they wouldn’t buy for themselves.
Getting someone a semi-frivolous treat taps into the universal feeling of lusting after everything on the Bed Bath and Beyond end-cap while waiting for our parents to buy towels. Aka, the single greatest desire on earth.
We have so few moments of genuine, squealing delight once we’re all hard-working, tax-paying adults. And unique, thoughtful, unexpected presents can create that delight.
So let’s get into this.
more of our 2022 gift guides:
Gold Belly’s Best Foodie Gifts
There is something so thrilling about receiving a baked good in the mail. And these 3 treats are our favorite to give. (And to get).
Clare V Chain Huggie Earrings
Everything this brand does is perfection. And these earrings are extra special. The chain is both minimal and also somehow substantial. The ideal prez for your most fashiony friend/mom/sister/partner.
The Citizenry La Calle Alpaca Throw
This brand has, without question, the most beautiful home decor pieces on earth. This throw is the perfect idea for the person in your life with impeccable taste that you’re slightly intimidated by.
Westman Atelier The Petal Edition Set
The most talked-about new makeup line of the year, hands down. Everything is verified “clean” and all the formulas work specifically on mature skin. (The founder is the infamous Gucci Westman, makeup artist to the stars). Warning: only the truly beauty-obsessed will appreciate what a thoughtful gift this really is. Don’t waste it on anyone else.
The Gottman Institute The Art and Science of Love – Online Course For Couples
An in-home couples workshop taught by the leading experts in marriage? Possibly the most romantic present of all time to give to your spouse.
Skims Cozy Knit Robe
Listen. We don’t want to like Skims. But we like Skims. And the word “cozy” doesn’t do this robe justice, because it is the MOST cozy fabric we’ve ever touched. It might be the best thing on this list.
THE CANDIDLY 2022 GIFT GUIDES
Made-In Non Stick Frying Pan 12" Graphite
A true food aficionado will deeply appreciate this pro-line of cookware for chefs—born from a small, family-run business. (And then just add 2 to cart, because using this pan will legitimately make you a better cook).
Minimalista By Shira Gill
We read this book and drool. If you know someone who is housey or someone who WANTS to be housey, this is the book. And it’s not just a “coffee table book”—although it looks gorgeous on a coffee table. They will actually read it.
Solawave Advanced Skincare Wand With Red Light Therapy
It’s dominating your Instagram feed for a reason—use this for 5 minutes each night and you will see a difference in your skin texture, spots, wrinkles. We gave one to all our beauty-obsessed friends.
Where Should We Begin - A Game Of Stories
Created during the pandemic by psychotherapist Esther Perel, this storytelling game is perfect for dinner parties. And it prevents your covert narcissist friends from droning on about how their kid got into the “gifted” program at school. Win/win.
Mosser Colored Glass Cake Stand
Everyone wants a cake stand. No one buys themselves a cake stand. The only question is the color. They’re all perfection.
Byredo Rose Of No-Man’s Land
This deeply underrated fragrance smells almost as if a rose has been dipped in champagne. If she’s a “scent person”, she will lose her mind for it. Yes, it’s a splurge, but imagine someone thinking of you every, single time they spritz in the morning.
UGG Coquette Slipper
We buy ourselves stupid, scratchy slippers from Target that fall apart in 17 days. We buy others the coziest UGG slippers that they’ll wear into the summer because they’re like having a cloud on their feet.
Nutribullet Pro® 900 In White
Finally. They made them look cute enough to leave out on the counter. Anyone on a “health journey” will deeply appreciate this.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars Advent Calendar
We bought this for OURSELVES because we’re deranged. But if you know any gorgeous, impeccably dressed, always-manicured, perfectly-coiffed ladies in your life, this is the correct gift for them.
RAW HYD Bisque Leather Vase
We’re giving this lovely leather vase (that looks MUCH more expensive than it is) alongside a bouquet of flowers as a housewarming present or a hostess gift this year. We bought a few to have at the ready so we’re always prepared. So much more unique than wine.
MORE 2022 GIFT GUIDES FROM THE CANDIDLY
True Botanicals Buttery Soft Glowy Skin Collection
Everyone behind the scenes is giving this to our moms and sisters this year. No skincare line smells more lovely, and if they have dry skin (and who doesn’t in the winter?) this is such a luxe, hydrating set. Oh, and it’s one of those sets where they will actually use every, single piece. It won’t just sit on their counter. But really. THE SCENT.
Use the code: THECANDIDLY15 for 15% off.
Clue For Anthropologie
The perfect choice for Type-A people on your list who will resort to cheating to win. Flames? On the side of my face. Heaving. Heavy. Breathless, breaths.
Balmuda Toaster Oven
Yes, fine, we only know about this because the chokehold Emily Mariko has on us knows no bounds. But it turns out it’s the best toaster oven we’ve ever used. Pour water into the top, and steam will toast anything to utter, flaky, crisped perfection. Equally good for your cheffy friends AND your friends who burn water. It’s addictive.
Hill House The Big Pouch
Possibly the most talked-about new brand of the last couple of years, and for good reason. Their nap dress looks perfect on everyone, but this little monogrammable pouch is the unexpected choice. And monograms feel old-fashioned and sweet and special.
Fort Standard Long Standing Bowl
They will fill this minimal, beautiful bowl with lemons, they will place their lemon-filled bowl on their dining room table, and their lives will be better.
No Crumbs Left Cookbook By Teri Turner
If you aren’t following @nocrumbsleft on Insta, you’re missing out on some of the most joyful cooking on the internet. And Teri’s cookbook is full of real-people recipes that anyone can, and will, make.
Audie Metcalf is the Editor-in-chief of The Candidly, and lives in LA with her family. You can find more of her articles here.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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