What to Give the Man Who Has Everything
For the man who insists he doesn't need anything, a few gift ideas beyond socks, toiletries and the emergency giant Toblerone.
In the Peep Show Christmas episode, “Seasonal Beatings”, Jeremy panics because he hasn't bought Mark anything and wraps up random household items from around the flat, including kitchen tongs and a packet of firelighters. Things don't improve when Mark's dad gives him his own second-hand paper shredder.
It's a familiar bit of British Christmas comedy. When faced with a man who's difficult to buy for, the temptation is often to reach for whatever is available, preferably something involving socks or a giant Toblerone.
And it doesn't help when the man in question already has everything he needs and responds to questions about birthday or Christmas presents with the deeply unhelpful, “Oh, don't get me anything.”
There must be a better way.
Think about what he loves
Rather than looking for something he doesn't already own, perhaps the answer is to think about what he actually enjoys.
For someone who loves cooking, that might mean a beautifully made kitchen tool or an unusual ingredient from a specialist producer.
For a music enthusiast, perhaps a record by a favourite artist or concert tickets.
And for someone interested in art, architecture or design, an exhibition membership or a carefully chosen book could be just the thing.
Upgrade the everyday
Another idea is to choose something he already uses, but make it more special.
A beautifully made pen, a leather accessory or a good notebook can turn an everyday activity into something more enjoyable.
At Cartelle, our refillable leather Companions can be personalised with different leather and cord colours, embossed initials and talismans.
They can be used for work notes, travel plans, creative projects or simply remembering things that would otherwise be forgotten.
Give him something to look forward to
Sometimes the best present is a weekend away, a meal at a favourite restaurant or an experience connected to something he loves.
You could even combine the two: a travel notebook with tickets for a trip or an exhibition tucked inside.
And if he still insists he doesn't need anything?
Well, there's always the giant Toblerone.
At least it's better than a second-hand paper shredder.