Gift Guide 2025: What to Get the Hardest People On Your List
The Wirecutter Show
When They Say They Don't Want Gifts
Hannah recommends upgrading everyday staples to the best version, like a high-quality coffee tumbler.
Gift giving can be challenging when you're shopping for people who seem to already have everything they need (or who are just super hard to please). Hannah Morrill, Wirecutter’s gift editor, walks us through how to approach selecting presents for these trickiest recipients.
Hannah also answers listener questions with dozens of specific gift recommendations.
If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!
Products we recommend:
For a professional sailor who loves to travel:
For a sister who loves crafted and personalized things
An upgrade to an everyday staple that anyone would love:
Heritage Brand items for a couple who can afford the best
- Pendleton Block Plaid Organic Cotton Fringed Throw
- Falcon Enamelware 3-Pint Jug
- L.L.Bean Boat and Tote
- Shaker-Style Parlor Broom by Larry Antonuk
- Faribault Mill Monhegan Cotton Throw (formerly known as the Brahms Mount Monhegan throw)
For co-workers you want to impress without breaking the bank
- Standard Baggu Bag
- Baggu Go Pouch Set
- Stanley The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler (20 ounces)
- TravelCard Plus travel charger
- Tusk Siam Passport Cover
- Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
- Fallot Dijon Mustard Pail
- Peregrino Anchovy Stuffed Olives
Hannah’s favorite new gift items
Additional reading:
- 54 Gifts for People Who Have Everything 2025
- My 16 Favorite Gifts for the Hard-to-Please
- You Asked, We Answered: 19 Gift Ideas for Older Adults
- 34 Best Gifts for Co-Workers of 2025
- The 61 Best Gifts Under $100 for 2025
- The Wirecutter Show: Gifts for the Hard to Please
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›
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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast
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