Not your usual Gift Guide.
12 gift ideas for the hardest people to buy for.
It’s about this time of year that everyone’s gift giving abilities become glaringly obvious for all to judge, and to be honest some of us just simply haven’t been born with the “good gifting” genes. Not to worry - it’s totally fine, completely understandable, and something we think we can work on together.
If you are too busy to trawl the shops, or if you’re just not that way inclined, but you really would love to add “thoughtful gift giver” to your CV, then hold on tight team - because we have compiled a list of awesome gifts, available from Hastings City shops for the hardest to buy for groups of people.
Dads who don’t really have any levergable hobbies, strung out parents who really just want a break, people who hang their hat on not being “stuff and things people”, kids whose parents say “they have enough toys”, off-shore visitors with luggage limitations and Secret Santas for people you don’t know - these are the fringe, the niche, the niggly. If you can nail these guys, you are GOLDEN.
Now obviously gift giving comes into sharp focus in the silly season, but becoming a reliable, card carrying legendary gift giver means you subscribe to this mentality all year long. So if you’re looking to fake it until you make it, let us help you. We’ve done the research, and we’ve found plenty of unique, interesting and thoughtful gifts that are sure to surprise and delight.
Read below to find 12 excellent gift ideas that anyone would love, any time of year.
Ready, set - SHOP!
You know the guy - he’s an older gentleman, reliably normal with strong opinions about what he doesn’t like - but probably not so sure about what he actually would like. Usually a contender for some new undies or a fresh pair of socks - let’s give Dad something he might actually use.
What Dad does not love a BBQ? What Dad does not love a swiss army knife? They are just so USEFUL. Combine the two and voila! You have the BBQ Wonder tool from Sage and Thyme.
Possibly more a gift for those living in the same house as Dad, let’s gift the whole house the treat of a fresh smelling bathroom 24/7 with the amazing toilet drops from Real World.
Give Dad the gift of a hobby, and an excuse to create a man-cave with a dartboard from Craft & Hern Sports
As mentioned, this group probably just wants a holiday - without kids. For a month. But in the absence of that these few items might help make life slightly more enjoyable.
These guys are living on caffeine, but likely a good 70% of that caffeine has gone cold by the time they get around to drinking it. Let them drink hot coffee forever (or for 7 hours at least) with this amazing Stanley Cup from BlackBird Goods.
Living with young kids is chaotic. Constantly trying to negotiate with little dictators can leave the house feeling less than zen. In times like these you need all the good juju that you can get and therefore why not gift some good, positive energy into the household with this Opal + Sage Crystal from Bazaar the Empire.
When in doubt, a cocktail will never go astray. During the times when a bit of dutch courage is needed to get through the witching hours, this Berry Mojito Tippl Jar from Kindred Road will hit the spot. Upsize this gift with an accompanying 500ml of the hard stuff to really get in the good books.
This group comes in all shapes and sizes - they are Mum’s who “don’t need anything, dear”, they are anti-consumerists, they are simply those who buy what they want, when they want it. Whatever type you’re dealing with there is one fact that unites them all - they all love an EXPERIENCE, and you know the easiest way to provide them that……VOUCHERS.
Who doesn’t love a facial or a massage? Literally no one. Giving a gift of some “me time” is universally an absolute treat that many people simply wouldn’t give to themselves. If you have someone in your life that could really do with some me time, then you really cannot go wrong with a voucher from Urban Retreat Hastings.
Staying in theme, if you have a fashionista in your midst - nail art has taken on a whole new life recently, and with SO MANY social occasions in the calendar over the summer months it’s clearly very important to have your nails looking shmick. Gift them a fresh set of claws from Lien Lashes & Beauty and build your reputation of being down with the cool kids.
Finally, the king of all vouchers is the restaurant voucher. Available from restaurants all around Hastings City, in denominations of your choice, you can gift friends and family a meal out on you, and BONUS - they might invite you along. WIN WIN.
Normally when in doubt buying for kids you can just wander the shelves of Kmart or Farmers and choose any number of toys that are sure to fit the bill, but where do you start if toys are off the menu?
If you’re buying for a particularly busy child, who is unlikely to sit still long enough to play a board game then this fun & physical game - The Floor is Lava from Whitcoulls is a sure fire way to entertain and burn some energy.
For mini hands that were inspired by the RWC, this mini rugby ball from Creative Treasures is the perfect size to practise ball skills and become and All Black in training
And when all else fails - literally anything Santa Cruz from Hustle will ensure that you solidify your position as top gift giver.
If you have visitors in town and you are wanting to give them a bit of Hawke’s Bay in the most space-conscious way possible, there are plenty of options that will have them heading home with a smile on their face and a return date in their calendars.
Ensure your guests remember this trip forever by designing your own photo book via Warehouse Stationery. Simply grab your camera, snap away then print them off in one easy to make hard or soft cover book - all from the comfort of your own home.
Remind your guests of our slower pace of life with this “Hastings Says Relax” t-shirt from the iSite. Sure to make a fashion statement no matter where they are in the world.
Gift your guests a taste of Hawke’s Bay with a bottle of East Block 200 Gin from Hastings Distillers. Better yet, give it to them while they are in town and enjoy it with them!
Secret Santa’s can suck the big one. If you pull the boss's wife for your Christmas party, or your 14 year old cousin you haven’t seen since they were 5, it’s really hard to nail a gift for someone you barely know. We’ve all received these gifts ourselves and we are willing to bet 99% of them go straight into the re-gift box (or straight to the op shop). Secret Santa might be the hardest test of skill for a good gift giver, so make sure you don’t fall at the last hurdle.
When in doubt, go PRACTICAL. Think USEFUL.
One all ages item sure to go down a treat is a portable speaker, from Cotton On. The kids can take it to the beach, the oldies can listen to talkback while tending to their gardens. Job done.
Beautiful bedding makes everyone happy, and these stunning cotton pillowcases from The Boho Delhi will ensure the recipient wakes with a smile on their face every morning.
If you’ve pulled your siblings' new partner and you really want them to know what they are in for joining your family, a lobster costume from Look Sharp will tell you all you need to know about this newbie in 10 seconds or less. Will they rise to the occasion, or crumble under the pressure? Are they “their lobster” or not?