Foolproof holiday gifts for the trickiest folks on your list, from the die-hard vintage lover, to the totally pet obsessed (and everyone in between).

Photo by: Josh Dickinson and T-rex bookends by Knob Creek Metal Arts.

When it comes to holiday gift-giving, some people are easy: Your mother will genuinely love anything you get her. Your sister always wants a scarf. And baked goods are guaranteed to go over great with the neighbors. But we all have them: the people on our list who just seem to stump us holiday season after holiday season, no matter how well know them or how much we love them. The people for whom the perfect presents just seem to constantly, frustratingly elude us. If the idea of presenting another subpar present has you considering showing up to this year’s gift exchange empty handed, don’t despair. Our foolproof shopping guide—broken down by some of the toughest gifting nuts to crack—will help you emerge victorious from the holiday gifting fray. You got this.

The technology lover

For the person with a backup charger in every bag
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For the tech lover with a fierce DIY streak, look no further than this easy-to-assemble Bluetooth speaker. Complete with pre-soldered components (so connecting cables by hand is a breeze!) and compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, this beauty comes in a sleek white birch finish. Once assembled, the recipient can leave the device as-is for a minimalist, modern tabletop addition—or whip out their paintbox and customize it to their heart’s content.
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Unfortunately, there’s no proven correlation between computer smarts and a green thumb. Hook your favorite plant-challenged techie up with this hand-drawn fig leaf phone case for a feel-good (and thoroughly kill-proof) dose of everyday greenery. This conversation-starter is available in two tiers of impact-resistance, so don't forget to opt for added armor for the slightly more accident-prone.
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Crafted from supple, water-resistant leather, this personalized tablet sleeve is the perfect treat for the iPad-obsessed individual in your life. Simultaneously chic and sturdy, the classic case can stand up to the demands of daily use—and thanks to free heat-stamped monogramming, it’s easy to achieve a “just for you” finish.

The vintage enthusiast

For the die-hard thrifter who won’t touch anything new
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For the thrift store fiend who’s adamant that “good” home decor peaked last century, this colorful vintage cushion cover is just the thing. Hand-stitched from cotton fabric originally employed as a curtain, the Swedish print would be right at home on a mid-century sofa set.
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Sure, they’re not technically reindeer, but these vintage brass deer candle holders exude more than their share of holiday cheer. Perfect for the pal with a growing figurine collection or a penchant for candle-lit dinners, the doe and buck duo—which clock in at 5 and 6 inches respectively—are equal parts practical and adorable.
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Show your favorite Francophile just how well you know them with this stunning vintage plumes poster, plucked from a French dictionary published in 1922. It’s as educational as it is beautiful—flip it over for an old-school pop-quiz on select French words and their definitions.

The Coworker

For the one you spend most of your waking hours with (and actually really like)
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Passing notes might be for kids, but spelling them out on a chic desk-size letter board for your favorite colleague’s amusement? Totally adult-approved. Thanks to this mini desktop letter board—which comes with 145 letters and a removable oak wood base—displaying bite-sized inside jokes and motivational quotes for your work fam has never been easier.
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Nothing says, “thanks for putting up with me all day, every day” quite like a beautiful gold-tone German fountain pen. With a medium-sized nib and a conventional ink cartridge for painless refills, this is the ideal little luxury for the coworker who prides themselves on still writing on paper.
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Based on a set of hand-painted watercolors and printed on thick cardstock, this 2018 lunar phase calendar is destined for the office astronomy buff who organized this summer’s solar eclipse viewing party. With easy-to-reference illustrations, you’ll never miss the chance to bask in the glow of the full moon again.

The pet pamperer

For the fur-ball fanatic whose dog eats better than you do
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What better way to celebrate your friend’s animal obsession than with a custom portrait pillow, digitally printed on luxe velvet fabric? Available in both canine and feline form, and based on the photos of your choice, these highly huggable cushions are made with 100% vegan materials.
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The shirt says it all. For proud cat mamas and papas who really do count their fur babies as, well, babies, these responsibly sourced, screen-printed message tees make the purr-fect gift. Printed on an ultra-soft poly-cotton blend, these tops are as comfy as they are sweet.
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Sometimes the most thoughtful present for a truly head-over-heels pet parent is a present for the fluffy apple of their eye. Take this custom wool felt bed, made to order in Italy: The stuffed cotton pillow will keep critters lounging in monogrammed comfort, while the streamlined style will satisfy even the most design-conscious humans.

The make-believer

For the kids and kids-at-heart
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Whether they put them to use in an adult coloring book or opt to display them in a pretty bowl, these substantial unicorn-shaped crayons are the perfect whimsical something for the friend who fell hard for this year’s unicorn trend. Request a set in the recipient’s favorite color, or opt for a bright assortment selected by the seller.
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Who says stuffed animals are just for kids? Inspired by an imaginary tribe of abandoned albino sea creatures, this jumbo stuffed octopus would be equally at home in a stylish playroom or mounted on a modern living room wall. Thanks to their handmade origins, each creature boasts a unique look and feel—but their signature droopy eyes are guaranteed to steal hearts in whichever lucky home they land.
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For the sugar-fueled friend who loves all things candy and sprinkles, this cupcake-inspired vegan bath bomb—topped with cocoa butter “icing”—makes the sweetest stocking stuffer. But be sure to warn them: No matter how delicious it smells, this fizzy, fragrant bathtime addition is strictly for external enjoyment.

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