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Posted: 2022-12-16T10:45:23Z | Updated: 2023-11-07T22:39:54Z 22 Foolproof Gifts For Anyone Whos Impossible To Please | HuffPost Life

22 Foolproof Gifts For Anyone Whos Impossible To Please

These useful and crowd-pleasing gifts are a safe bet even for the pickiest person on your list.
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We all have that person on our holiday gift list who is impossible to shop for. Whether their interests are an eternal mystery, they seem to have everything already or you simply don’t know them that well, they’re the ones that stump you and leave you wringing your hands until the 11th hour.

If this describes your current situation, don’t stress. Simply refer to the following lineup of crowd-pleasers that are sure to satisfy no matter who’s on the receiving end. We carefully curated this batch of universally adored items based on what our readers have shopped this holiday season and what online reviewers have declared are clear winners — and of course, we threw in some of what we have tried, tested and loved ourselves. 

You can’t ever go wrong with a forever-practical set of Apple Airtags, a collapsible swivel cheeseboard perfect for the entertainer or a desktop mug warmer that keeps coffees and teas the ideal drinkable temp. Ahead, find some fail-safe gifts that you can still get in time for the holiday season. 

 
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
A consumer-trusted portable power station
Avid campers, survivalists or people who just like the feeling of staying prepared will be thrilled to have this widely favored power station in their possession. The portable Jackery Explorer 240 can charge all their electronic devices on the go or operate electric camping essentials. It uses a completely silent rechargeable lithium battery and can also be charged with Jackery solar panels (sold separately ).
2
A bamboo cotton weighted blanket
If you've ever felt the comforting and stress-relieving effects of a weighted blanket, then you know that feeling would make the perfect gift. This popular model features a cooling and removable bamboo cotton cover and is filled with perfectly distributed glass beads.
3
A beyond-popular carpet and upholstery cleaner
If your hard-to-shop-for person happens to be a pet owner and doesnt already own a Bissell Little Green, this gift will really wow them. This portable carpet and upholstery cleaner has close to 39,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and effectively removes tough stains through a combination of suction and spraying power. Plus, they dont have to worry about manually cleaning the scrubbing stain tool as it has a self-cleaning function to save them time and effort.
4
A surge-protected multi-outlet wall plug
For all those occasions when there never seems to be enough plugs to juice up all their gadgets at once, this practical wall outlet will absolutely come in handy. Aside from five standard sockets perfect for laptop chargers, lamps and more, this surge-protected outlet also has four USB ports.
5
An electric mug warmer
This slim electric mug warmer is the perfect addition to anyone's WFH situation, office desk or living room side table thanks to its clever ability to keep hot beverages toasty warm at the perfect temperature for sipping. Suitable for most cups, the waterproof heating element uses an automatic gravity induction switch so they never have to worry about plugging or unplugging to use.
6
A plush travel jewelry organizer
This plush jewelry case is a great gift for the frequent traveler. It has dual compartments and multiple removable dividers to keep jewelry from getting tangled or lost.
7
A pocket hand warmer and portable charger
These popular pocket-sized and rechargeable hand warmers will ensure that anyone can enjoy the luxury of warm extremities, especially during the frigid conditions of winter. They feature three heat settings, are made from an aircraft-grade aluminum that allows for even distribution of heat and can also be used to simultaneously charge their devices on the go.
8
Uncommon Goods
A swivel cheese board
Made from bamboo and designed with compact storage in mind, this swivel cheese board folds open to reveal three tiers of serving space and is perfect for the charcuterie-lover in your life.
9
Molecule all-season pillow
If youre not sure whether your giftee sleeps hot, cold, or somewhere in between, try Molecules versatile all-season pillow. Thanks to a highly absorbent tencel fabrication, the pillow's outer cover easily adjusts to a sleepers body temperature. Your recipient can also tweak the pillow to their desired firmness, making this versatile sleeping accessory a truly crowd-pleasing option.
10
An instant beverage chiller
The Hyper Chiller's patented instant-chilling design can rapidly cool everything from freshly brewed coffee to a martini without diluting the contents. It's machine-washable and can conveniently live in the refrigerator so it's ready at all times.
11
Uncommon Goods
A linen-covered wireless gadget charger
Ideal for anyone who loves aesthetically pleasing functionality and runs at the site of cord clutter, this Belgian linen-covered charging pad can keep all their gadgets charged in one place, including watches, tablets and phones.
12
An innovative toy sure to satisfy
Anyone who claims they are hard to please clearly hasn't tried the second generation of the Satisfyer Pro. Jokes aside, this ergonomically designed sex toy is made with an incredibly soft body-safe silicone and uses a series of 11 different intense air pulsations to truly satisfy.
13
Bombas sherpa-lined gripper socks
The ultimate accessory for those who appreciate comfort, these sherpa-lined socks from Bombas have a no-slip sole and cloud-like fleece lining.
14
A buttery-soft and cooling pajama set
This set of Target pajamas has become the internet's (and my own) favorite piece of loungewear thanks to the ridiculously soft and temperature-regulating fabric and accessible price point. You can snag them in three different length options, multiple colors and prints as well as standard and plus sizes up to 3XL in certain colors.
15
Anthropologie
An elegant and personalized rocks glass
This monogramed Old Fashioned glass is entirely displayable (not just on a bar cart but even in a bathroom) and can be a personalized gesture to anyone with good taste. It's made with mouth-blown glass and is adorned with gilded golden details.
16
A portable and water-resistant speaker
All of the immersive sound capabilities that Bose is known for are present in this portable and durable Bluetooth speaker that can even be voice-controlled using the integrated microphone and a phone's voice assistant like Google or Siri.
17
Apple Airtags
The Apple Airtag is arguably one of the easiest ways to track down lost valuables like a purse or luggage during travel, using precision finding with ultra wideband technology. Users can also benefit from the Find My network which is a platform that can help collectively look for missing items once the Airtag is placed in lost mode.
18
An iPhone lightening charger
No matter how difficult someone might be to shop for, they can always use the rapidly charging wonders of this lightning cable that's compatible with most Apple products from Airpods to iPads. This 20W USB Type C charger can bring iPhones up to 50% battery life in just 30 minutes.
19
A set of ultra-soft bamboo sheets
Fans of affordable luxury will surely appreciate this 6-piece set of sheets which has an impressive Amazon following for being soft, breathable and shockingly affordable. Available in 41 colors and mattress sizes twin through split, these sheets are made from a bamboo and microfiber blend and are also hypoallergenic.
20
A countertop frozen fruit soft-serve maker
This countertop soft-serve maker transforms frozen fruit into creamy sorbet confections in just 10 minutes or less. All of the components are also dishwasher safe so clean up is less of a hassle.
21
A Crockpot portable electric lunchbox
Gifting someone one of these Crockpot electric boxes means that they can enjoy a heated lunch or dinner at the office or on the go. Once plugged into an outlet using the detachable cord, the 20-ounce interior can re-heat anything from chilis to holiday meal leftovers in just a few short minutes.
22
A heated eye massager
Everyone's a little tense these days and the Renpho eye massager is here to help. It can promote relaxation, reduce puffiness, eye strain and dryness by using oscillating pressure, rhythmic percussion massaging and a comfortable temperature of 104-107 degrees to relieve symptoms. This battery-powered mask can also be paired with your Bluetooth to play listening content of their choice.

Before You Go

30 Gifts They'll Probably Use Every Single Day
A cute and quirky ceramic mug featuring black cats looking up at a crescent moon(01 of30)
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Julie FitzGerald is a Toronto-based artist with a unique folksy style they impart on mugs, tees, bags, and more.

Promising review: "The cup looks great. I bought it for my boyfriend and then he gave it to our cat for water but still greatly appreciated it." Kiara Johnson
(credit:Julie FitzGerald Art / Etsy)
A four-pack of Starbucks syrups(02 of30)
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This set includes: two vanilla syrups, one caramel syrup, and one hazelnut syrup.

Promising review: "I can't stand bitter coffee, so I need to spice things up somehow! I got these syrups so I can recreate some of my favorite drinks at home and they have been game changing. They've turned drinking homemade coffee into an experience! The set I chose came with two vanilla syrups, one caramel syrup, and one hazelnut syrup. My favorite is the caramel syrup, but the vanilla one is a close second. All you need is a small teaspoon of this stuff and you're good to go." Jasmin Suknanan
(credit:www.amazon.com)
Adjustable Bluetooth Beats headphones(03 of30)
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Promising review: "Best money I have spent in a while. I love them so much more than AirPods. Great for working out. If you are on the fence about getting them, this is your sign to do it. I was too and I have no regrets. Money well spent." sarah (credit:www.amazon.com)
A set of colored fine tip pens perfect for journaling or creating color-coded notes(04 of30)
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Promising review: "I love these pens! I have so many different brand pens in so many different colors, but definitely found these to be amazingly versatile. I have used them for my bullet journal and everyday use. They write smooth no matter what type of paper it is. Highly recommend." R. Duran Villaron (credit:www.amazon.com)
A set of can-shaped drinking glasses(05 of30)
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This set includes four 16-ounce can-shaped glasses, four glass straws, and two cleaning brushes.

Promising review: "I use these every morning for my lemon water and iced coffee drinks. The straw and glass are both sturdy and easy to clean. I use the top rack of the dishwasher." Nicole
(credit:www.amazon.com)
An aromatherapy locket(06 of30)
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Promising review: "Very nice diffuser necklace. Got one for my sister and granddaughter for Christmas. They loved it. Nice little quote on the back too." JW (credit:www.amazon.com)
A five-year journal so they can track their favorite memories and accomplishments(07 of30)
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Promising review (for the modern journal): "I have known about these diaries for a while, and when I saw this patterned cover I knew I had to get it. The colors are bright and the gold is shiny! It's absolutely beautiful! All the pages inside were there and in the correct date order, and the ribbon bookmark is very handy. I will be getting more for gifts!" Jennie Nichols (credit:Amazon)
A time-marked water bottle(08 of30)
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It's also BPA free and air insulated so their water stays cold longer!

Promising review: "Yes, this water bottle costs a lot, but it is the best! It is very lightweight and easy to carry around. Because you can close the tip of the straw, you don't have to worry about the straw getting dirty. Because I am the type of person who needs to reminded or forced to drink water, this bottle serves the purpose. It helps me stay on track. I wish I did not spend money on other bottles and just bought this one a long time ago!" Amazon Customer
(credit:amazon.com)
A complete Roku streaming setup including the Roku media player, remote and headphones(09 of30)
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And heads up, they'll still need to pay for a subscription to Netflix, HBO, etc.! This just allows them to watch everything on one device.

Promising review "I ordered this for a 4-year-old smart TV that wasnt streaming as fast as our new TV and didnt have all of the apps available on it. The Roku Ultra has totally improved the streaming speed! And the clarity is even better than when we had cable! I highly recommend this. It was so simple to install." ABaker
(credit:Amazon)
A set of six flower-shaped hair claws(10 of30)
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Promising review: "These clips are amazing!! They hold up my long hair perfectly; I don't need to readjust the clip in my hair for basically the entire day, which I thought I would need to do since the clip is a bit smaller than my other claw clips. The clips are adorable though and I love how they came in this muted color palette!" sarah | thewordygal (credit:www.amazon.com)
A cold brew maker(11 of30)
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Promising review: "This Takeya cold brew coffee jug is wonderful! I know a lot of people use mason jars, however, I wanted something easier to grab from the fridge and more lightweight (and cheaper!). I have used Takeya products before and have been impressed with their durability as well as the easiness of cleaning them. The coffee filter has an extremely fine mesh and it has not let through even the finest of coffee grounds. It is really easy to clean! I am really pleased with this purchase!" LiliBelle (credit:Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed)
A multi-use Ouai hair and body oil(12 of30)
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Promising review: I put a few drops on my wet hands and then rub it on and through my hair wet or dry hair. It removes frizz and adds a lot of shine. It also does the same for skin. I add a bit to face/body cream also. Smells wonderful. A must-have product! desertpainter (credit:Amazon)
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker made for shower singers everywhere(13 of30)
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Promising review: "I bought this portable speaker because I needed one that I could use in my shower and outside when it rains without worrying about it getting wet. I also like that you can plug a SD card into it and listen to MP3s that I have on my smartphone or computer. The sound is the best part of this speaker; it produces a nice rich sound and is not tinny like other portable speakers. It comes with a charging cable, and it can be hung or be carried with the adjustable lanyard that's attached to it. Pairing via Bluetooth is very easy to do. All in all, I am very pleased." John S. (credit:amazon.com)
Essential oilscented bath bombs(14 of30)
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Promising review: Ive tried other bath bombs in the past but nothing put on a show quite like these from Laguna Moon! These fizzed and spun just like the bath bombs Id watched on YouTube. Each bomb comes individually wrapped within the package and they all managed to keep their own individual scents, which impressed me. My skin was left silky and smooth, feeling quenched after a soak in one of these bath bombs. This is definitely going to become one of my new ways to pamper myself. Ann Von MorningStar (credit:amazon.com)
A set of three moisturizing Glossier lip balms(15 of30)
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Each waxy balm (whether tinted or flavored) contains castor oil, beeswax, and lanolin, so you'll be guaranteeing them a lifetime of smooth lips.

Promising review: "The best thing ever!!!! I love them so much! I got wild fig, birthday, and mango. They all smell really good. Wild fig has a slight tint, birthday has a little shimmer, and then mango looks very glossy. You literally need basically nothing to get plenty on your lips. It is very hydrating and will last long. Totally worth it!!!" claire
(credit:Glossier)
The Always Pan from Our Place(16 of30)
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As someone who neither enjoys cooking nor is particularly good at it, the Always Pan has made being in the kitchen feel like less of a chore. It's even made it, dare I say, bearable! Having one pan that can do everything means I don't have to second-guess every cooking decision I make. I can boil and prepare pasta in it. And I can roast Brussels sprouts. And I can make the perfect fried egg. And I can steam dumplings. The best part is that, everything slides so seamlessly out of the pan and onto the plate, which also makes cleanup super fast and easy. Both the amateur (read: reluctant) cook and the more seasoned chef will enjoy creating fan favorites and new recipes in the Always Pan! Taylor

Promising review: "My Always Pan has exceeded my expectations with both its beauty and quality of its functional everyday use." Delia
(credit:Our Place)
A microfiber hair towel with a button and loop closure(17 of30)
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Promising review: "I love this hair towel! Its hard to find ones that have the scrunch to it; it really holds your hair in place. I have very long and thick hair so normal hair turbans without the scrunch do nothing for me. This towel by Kitsch holds every inch of my hair with no problem and DOES NOT ride up!!!!! I love it, PERIOD! And I will be buying another one!!!" Gia Denise (credit:amazon.com)
A quick-heating stainless-steel electric kettle(18 of30)
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Promising review: "We were searching for a new kettle that would meet our needs and this one fits the bill perfectly. My wife uses it to heat water for French press coffee and I use it for pour over coffee. The temperature settings would work great for tea as well. I love the hold feature so I can keep the temp constant while making pour-over. The spout works great and gives me excellent control over flow and location. It also looks sharp on the counter! We use it every day and we are very happy with our purchase." Steven Baker

Shipping Info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here ).
(credit:amazon.com)
A compact air purifier(19 of30)
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Promising review: "After having used this for a few months I can confidently say how great this air purifier is. With the wildfires, the air quality in Oregon has been very unhealthy and at times hazardous. Combined with the heat we have no choice but to leave our windows open or the air conditioner running. We also have hardwood floors so the dust, dander, and pet hair gets kicked up very easily. This air purifier has made a world of difference! No smoke smell in the room we run it in and I don't have to worry as much about my son constantly breathing in the smog." Trashcat (credit:amazon.com)
A Revlon straightening brush they can maneuver easily with one hand(20 of30)
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Need something for more coily 4ac hair? Check out this paddle brush dryer and styler from Revlon that is designed for curlier hair!

Promising review: "For background: I do not have hairstyling experience, neither have I blow-dried my hair, and my hair looks like I went to the hair salon. Like many people, I read the comments before buying, however after trying it, the comments honestly dont give this product enough justice. I have curly hair and Ive seen professionals mess up when blow-drying my hair, but with this product, I was shocked!" Elizabet
(credit:amazon.com)
A scoop-top bathing suit top that triples as lounge- and sportswear(21 of30)
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Kitty and Vibe is a body-inclusive small business designing swimwear.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this top! It is so comfortable and secure, so I don't have to worry about anything slipping out of place or constantly readjusting. I am a 32C and got a C and it fits perfectly. I'm not the type to lay on the beach tanning; I love to run, swim, dive, and boat, so this top is perfect for someone who is active but still wants a super cute, trendy swimsuit. 10/10 recommend!" Alexandra L.
(credit:Kitty and Vibe)
A coily hair Verelle styler trio so they can mix and match and find the perfect fit for their luscious locks(22 of30)
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Verelle is a POC- and woman-owned small business dedicated to making sure your curls and coils are healthy and glowing.This set includes: soft curl cream (light hold), milky curl cream (medium hold), and styling cream (strong hold).

Promising reviews: I REALLY liked the texture of this product, the lack of tack on my fingers, and the performance. It exceeded my expectations during my styling routine and I'm definitely looking forward to purchasing in the future. Jose K "Easy to use, gave me the results I wanted to with no work. I don't have time in the morning to spend on my hair style, so anything this easy is a win for me." Amanda M.
(credit:Verelle)
A satin-lined T-shirt bun wrap(23 of30)
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You Go Natural is a Black woman-owned company dedicated to protecting your hair in style.

Promising reviews: "I love my T-shirt wrap. Its a nice fit and the order came quick. It's sleek-looking and the satin is perfect. I will definitely order in other colors." Crystal Mack

"Just amazing! The fabric and prints are beautiful. The actual wrap is well fitted; not too tight or loose, it's a perfect fit (and I have a big head LOL). I also love the convenience and the protection of the inner satin cap. Thank you, You Go Natural!" Porkyh
(credit:You Go Natural)
A Jeopardy day-to-day calendar(24 of30)
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Promising review: "Lots of categories, ranging from hard to easy answers. My husband and I have made the reading of each days answer an early morning ritual to begin the new day." O'keeffe fan

Shipping Info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here ).
(credit:Amazon)
A high-density memory foam seat cushion and lumbar pillow(25 of30)
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The cover is removable and washable.

Promising review: "I am now using my memory foam seat cushion with the lumbar pillow, they perfectly complete each other and transformed my old office chair into a premium orthopedic chair sold in ergonomic furniture stores. The lumbar pillow supports my posture and the seat cushion relieves sitting pain. I don't think I can ever go back to sitting long hours without these two. Planning on getting a second set for my dad as a Fathers Day gift." Mario
(credit:amazon.com)
A pack of velvet scrunchies(26 of30)
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Promising review: "These are so pretty and durable and perfect for long hair. I love the price for the number that you get. The quality is awesome. Usually when you go to a store you will only get one or two of these for this price. So this is a real bargain and great quality. This will be my go-to scrunchie! Great for making messy buns and they do not break your hair off because they are soft velvet." T. Birdsong (credit:Amazon)
A face-massaging gua sha tool that'll help de-puff and tighten their skin(27 of30)
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Mount Lai is an Asian woman-owned beauty business taking a modern approach to traditional Chinese medicine.

Promising review: "Amazing! So high-quality, and the cooling properties of the jade are so soothing to the skin. Performing my gua sha routine every morning is so calming and truly prepares me for the day. And yes, it absolutely works. It sculpts my cheekbones and my jawline so well there is a noticeable difference." nirvanats
(credit:Sephora)
A ceramic cup warmer(28 of30)
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Promising review: "I'm a very slow tea/coffee drinker, so having this mini hot plate is amazing. I can have hot tea until the last sip! Life changing. I use it every day. I'm using it as I write this review. I drink more tea because I know it won't get cold and sad. My roommates all want one now." PDT

Shipping Info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here ).
(credit:amazon.com)
A shatter-resistant portable personal blender as lightweight as it is functional(29 of30)
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Promising review: "This blender is amazing! I am a yoga teacher and always on the run, which sometimes makes it hard to eat well. I bought this after reviewing quite a few different options and I am SO glad I did. It fits well into my gym bag, is surprisingly quiet when in use, and holds a charge really well. The blades are very efficient and Ive had no trouble blending up ice or frozen fruit. Seriously cannot recommend it enough." Amazon Customer (credit:amazon.com)
A rose gold detangling brush so they can feel like royalty while gently ridding their locks of knots(30 of30)
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Promising review: "This does wonders for my hair and makes brushing so much easier. I have very fine hair, but tons and tons of it, which makes brushing difficult at times as it tangles so easily. This brush really helps with that and keeps me from having to re-brush my hair every couple hours. It also doesn't pull the natural waves out of my hair, like so many other brushes did. So my hair is wavy and untangled within a couple minutes. The ergonomic hold took a little getting used to, but it's much more comfortable than the usual oval paddle end of most brushes. It gives you more control, which makes it easier." L (credit:Amazon)

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