6 Foolproof Gifts to Get That 'Hard to Buy For' Friend

We all have that one friend or person in our life who is notoriously hard to buy for.

Either they already have everything, or their humble, “No really, I don’t need anything” attitude (that always makes us question if we need to read between the lines and still buy them something) steers us off-course and into a panic-buying spiral.

Perhaps you’re meeting your partner’s parents for the first time this weekend and don’t have time to pop into the shops, instead want a great online gift that you can add to cart and will arrive at your doorstep the same week along with a free Tim Tam.

Whatever the, "What the heck do I get this person?" occasion you’re dealing with, don’t stress.

If you’re on the hunt for unique, fun and fail-safe gift ideas for friends - you’ve come to the right place.

Adore Beauty’s Senior Content Manager and Beauty IQ host Joanna Fleming has got you covered with a roundup of 6 unique gifts to buy for that ‘hard-to-buy-for friend’ (or sibling, partner, mother-in-law, etc.).

From a fancy candle to a sleek diffuser with lava rocks inside (yup)  there’s no shortage of fun gift ideas below.

1. Lumira Cuban Tobacco Candle.

What: Lumira Glass Candle – Cuban Tobacco

Lumira candles are unique, sexy and chic.

Made with creamy, sox wax, these candles are housed in Lumira's signature black glass vessels with gold embossing bringing instant sophistication and style to any home or boudoir.

Suited to any gender, this one carries a cocktail of spicy and sexy notes like tobacco, patchouli, tangerine and cardamom and is infused with fine fragrance oils.

With an 80-hour burn time, it will leave an alluring scent in its wake for days.

Why Jo thinks it makes a great gift:

“I can confidently say Cuban Tobacco is the sexiest-smelling candle you’ll ever smell in your life. This is a must for your single friend.”

2. CIRCA Hand Care Duo - OCEANIQUE.

What: CIRCA Hand Care Duo - OCEANIQUE - 900ml

When looking for gifts for someone hard to buy for, an aesthetically-pleasing hand-wash set is a foolproof gift.

Because, who doesn’t want a fancy hand wash in their bathroom for when guests come over?

Enter, the Circa home hand care duo.

I personally don’t want to spend my own money on fancy soaps, so would very much appreciate someone else giving me a cute set like this instead.

What does it smell like? Just what you think the name ‘Oceanique’ suggests - refreshing and crisp.

Notes of orange blossom, bergamot, patchouli and sandalwood will leave hands smelling delicious.

There’s also shea butter, apricot kernel oil and vitamin E to condition and moisturise skin.

Why Jo thinks it makes a great gift:

"It comes with the marble plate so it makes a really great housewarming present.”

We agree!

3. Lumira SPHERA Diffuser with Arabian Oud Essential Oil.

What: Lumira SPHERA Diffuser with Arabian Oud Essential Oil 10ml

For those searching for unique gifts for friends, Lumira has once again got you sorted with this opulent diffuser.

Favoured for smaller spaces (such as apartments or bedrooms), the Lumira SPHERA Diffuser includes a complimenting Arabian oud oil which carries smoky, floral and earthy notes.

(You can get this diffuser with the Cuban Tobacco oil too if that's more up your friend's alley).

This luxe diffuser is crafted in a hand-blown, glass vessel with lava rocks inside to hold any scent you please.

Searching for ‘gifts for hard to buy for men’?

We’d say this is a great choice for that too!

Why Jo think it makes a great gift:

“Those volcanic rocks are filled with fragrance, so when you take this lid off, it fills the room with whatever fragrance you buy.”

Want to see to see how these fun gifts look in real life? Check out Jo’s TikTok video below:

4. Maison Balzac 1642 Candle.

What: Maison Balzac 1642 Candle Large

You know that friend who lives in a really cool loft apartment, has an Aesop hand wash in their bathroom and cool, gold jewellery on their nightstand?

This candle would be very on-brand for them.

Carrying notes of violet, blackberry and cedarwood the Masion Balzac 1942 candle is sure to elevate any home or intimate space.

Why Jo thinks it makes a great gift:

"Another great bougie fragrance and candle.”

You can never have or give enough of those!

5. Juliette Has A Gun Not a Room Spray.

What: Juliette Has A Gun Not A Room Spray

The Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume EDP 100ml fragrance was such a hit that the brand extended their Not A Perfume offering to include homewares with the same popular scent.

Genius!

Beauty IQ Uncensored co-host Hannah Furst did a review of the homewares range which you can read here.

This homewares offering now includes a room spray because - why not?

Got a rich aunty who has everything or a lovely mother-in-law who likes to keep her home, bathroom and linen cupboard smelling like perfume at all times? 

This one's for them.

Yes, we know it’s spendy for a room spray but that’s why it's great to gift!

6. Black Blaze Column Candles & Candle Holders.

What:

Black Blaze Column Pillar Candle Duo -White

Black Blaze Column Candle Holder

If you're looking for small gift ideas for friends, your search stops here.

This is the perfect gift for someone who loves a dreamy tablescape or needs to spruce up their coffee or bedside table.

While Jo's pick of the purple 'Periwinkle' is currently sold out, we think a classic white makes a safe bet when it comes to gifting.

If your friend loves colour though, Black Blaze offers an array of other gorgeous colours in the pillar column candles.

We hope this list of unique gifts for ‘friends who have everything’ helped or at the very least, sparked some early Christmas gift ideas for friends!

Want some more Beauty IQ articles to read on your lunch break? Check out some of our recent ones below:

• My Time-Saving Beauty Products for New Mums (Running on Little Sleep)

• We Try Embryolisse’s New Active Range for Busy Schedules

• I’ve Been a Beauty Editor for 18 Years and I’m Never Without These Products