Three Gifts for the Guy who has Everything

Time flies, and somehow it’s already November. It seems like Christmas decorations were on display before Halloween even hit and the rampant Black Friday advertisements running across prime time remind us that gift-giving season is just around the corner. While you might be preoccupied with booking flights for the holidays or balancing a budget between pumpkin spice lattes, the thought of “What to get him?” is probably at the back corner of your mind, especially when you’re shopping for a guy that has it all! It doesn’t matter if it’s your boyfriend, brother, or Dad. When the special man in your life has everything, picking out something meaningful can be all but impossible.

If you’re stumped on how to show some love, here’s a little inspiration. Unfortunately, stress and chaos can distract us from the true spirit of the holidays—whether it’s his birthday or approaching the end of December—but these ideas can help you worry less over what to buy… and more over what to focus on for those New Year’s resolutions.

Talk Techy to Me

When you’re shopping for the man who seems to have everything under the sun, one of the first go-to gift ideas is the newest gizmo or gadget on the market. Your thought process isn’t off; considering how quickly the latest iPhone replaces its predecessor and old-school TVs become obsolete, there’s got to be something he hasn’t picked up yet.

But before you rush to stand in line and score massive savings on the newest technology, put some thought behind your methodology. The updated GoPro HERO 7might not be worth the jump in price, and how are you going to feel when that new phone becomes outdated in a couple months? Instead of picking him up the latest and greatest, think of your tech gift in the long term.

Hop on board the Smart Home train and give him an Amazon Alexa so you can build upon your purchase year after year! From voice-controlled TP Link plugs to automated Philips lights, you’ll be able to find a new accessory he can pair with Alexa each time you’re having trouble with a gift idea. Pretty soon, he could lock the front door at night with just a simple command.

Get out There

If you’re racking your brain over what to pick out for a guy who has it all, consider gifting him with an experience instead of a tangible object. His shelf might be running out of space, but his heart has plenty of room for memories! Surprise your Dad with season tickets to his favorite team, get your brother the skydiving lessons he’s dreamt about since he was a kid, or equip your boyfriend with outdoor survival gear (so you can worry a little less each time he goes off the grid and into the backcountry!). Bucket-list experiences are the gifts that keep on giving, so go over to GroupOn and check out what’s happening in your area. Bonus Tip: Find a deal on a duo date that you can both enjoy, from hot air balloons to wine tastings, so you can enjoy “his” gift, too.

The Cash Controversy

If you’re in the camp who thinks that cash and cards are thoughtless gifts, you’re not alone… but these ideas deserve some reconsideration, especially if he’s the picky type. A crisp bill inside a personalized greeting card might seem a little unsentimental, but if he really has everything, why not let him decide what to buy next? To make your gift feel more meaningful, gloss over the Visa gift cards and pick out a certificate to your favorite restaurant, a movie pass, or somewhere else you two love to go on the regular. These kinds of gifts help save money in the future—which means he can keep up his collection of toys, without cutting into the budget. If you really don’t think a monetary gift shows enough effort, go with a cute coupon book or make one yourself (just be ready to redeem that foot rub when he decides to cash in!).

Whether it’s Father’s Day, Christmastime, or another lap around the sun, shopping for a guy who has it all can feel like a Mission Impossible. Instead of researching the specs on the latest laptops, fall back on these tried-and-true strategies that are sure to make him smile from ear to ear. Don’t stress; no matter what you decide on, it’s always the thought that counts.