Gifts for the Hard-to-Please

The Wirecutter Show

We’re fielding listener questions with pro tips for delighting picky friends, impossible relatives, and other challenging recipients on your holiday list.

Guest:  Staff writer Samantha Schoech

Products we recommend:

Beautiful Utilitarian Upgrades:

  • Brushed Stainless Steel French Press
  • Rough Linen Robe

Personalized Gifts: 

  • Handwriting Cuff bracelet
  • Personalized retro view finder
  • Customizable drinking straw 

Experiential Gifts: 

  • Teas to try together
  • Bokksu Japanese Snack Box

Great for Dads: 

  • Yeti Cooler
  • LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers

Digital gifts that don’t clutter: 

  • MasterClass subscription
  • Libro FM  audiobook subscription
  • Met Opera subscription
  • BritBox British movies and TV subscription

For a brother who buys himself what we wants: 

  • Williams Sonoma Monogrammed Steak Brand
  • The best growler
  • The best home brewing kit
  • Happy Tooned Print

For people you don’t know that well: 

  • Fast Growing Trees Citrus Trees

Sam loves:

  • Italian loafers

Additional Reading: 

  • Most Gift Baskets Are Terrible. These Are Great.
  • 36 Gifts for People Who Have Everything 2024
  • 28 Best Personalized Gifts of 2024 
  • 15 Aesthetic Gift Picks (for Those With Impeccable Taste) 
  • The 48 Best Gifts for Dads 2024

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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