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Gift Ideas for Adults – 10+ Things Almost Every Adult Needs and Wants

It’s hard to find thoughtful gift ideas for adults who seem to have everything. Take a peek at these gifts they want and will use.

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Finding the perfect gifts is always a challenge. Well, here’s the scoop: It doesn’t have to break the bank, and you definitely don’t need a truckload of presents. In fact, one carefully selected gift beats a pile of random ones any day.

There are many different “gift-giving rules.”

  • 7-gift rule
  • 5-gift rule,
  • 6-gift rule, etc.

These rules have mainly been applied to giving gifts to children, but we can adapt them to adult gifts as well.

My favorite gift-giving guideline is the 4-gift rule.

  • Something they want.
  • Something they need.
  • Something to wear.
  • Something to read. 

For me, the sweet spot is “want and need.” When you find a gift that ticks those two boxes, you’ve found THE gift for your hard-to-buy-for adult.

Scroll through these gifts every adult needs and wants to find 1 perfect gift for a special adult in your life.

P.S. Don’t count because there are more than 10! 🎁

Gift wrapped in simple brown paper with an elegant blue bow.

Anit-Theft Key Fob Protector Pouch

These key fob protector pouches include shielded material that stops thieves from amplifying your fob signal and opening your car. It also stops your keyless entry fobs from being remotely accessed.

This is especially helpful if you park your car outside at night.

Bonus: It’s small enough to be a stocking stuffer at Christmas time.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Say You Care

Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 5 years. We kept our WAY longer than that. They finally went into failure mode. We now have one in the basement, in our bedroom above the garage, and on the main floor.

Simple “plug-and-play” monitors are the way to go!

P.S. Be sure and put in batteries in case you lose power.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ice Bucket

We do a lot of informal entertaining – mostly family and friends. But I didn’t have an easy way to dispense ice for drinks until one of my kids got me this ice bucket. I love it!

It’s perfect for informal weekend get-togethers or more formal parties. It comes with an ice scoop and has a built-in place to store the scoop.

Kid’s love using the ice scoop and they keep their hands out of the ice. 😊

Oggi Insulated Ice Bucket, 4 Quart / 3.8 L, Stainless Steel, Black.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Not Just Any Slippers – Women’s Washable Booties

These are not exactly like my slippers but they are very close. (Apparently, they discontinued my exact style.) I love my slippers. They are. . . . .

  • Machine washable!
  • Comfortable.
  • Cushioned.
  • Rubber, non-slip sole.

My slippers are my most-worn footwear. I wear them at work (in my home office), out to get the mail, and when we go camping. I even wear them for informal get-togethers in our home. I have had many inquiries about where to purchase them.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Men’s Washable Moccasins

My husband will not wear anything that has a “fluffy” lining or anything called “slippers.” So, these Men’s Moccasins are perfect for him. Take a peek at the tan ones, they are my favorite.

Shhhhhh! Don’t tell him they are slippers. 🤣

 

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In Search of the Perfect Water Bottle

I do NOT like heavy metal water bottles. (I might be in the minority here, but I don’t think so. I’ve finally found the perfect water bottle. The Contigo Bottles are light, leak-proof, and easy to clean. And, they don’t make noise as you sip through long meetings.

This set of 2 bottles allows you to grab a clean one even if you’ve gotten a little behind on the dishes.

P.S. I readily admit that I’ve gotten more behind on the dishes than that. We have 4 Contigo Bottles.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Custom Personalized Puzzle

Personalized puzzles are perfect gift ideas.They are a one-of-a-kind meaningful memento. We have a puzzle of our church that I cherish. I gave my parents a puzzle of a recent trip that we went on together.

The best part of this particular puzzle maker is that you can easily choose the number of pieces you want in the puzzle ranging from 35 to 1,000 pieces. This makes creating different puzzles for children and adult puzzle enthusiasts a breeze.

Mom laminated and framed her puzzle. I display our church puzzle boxed on a shelf. A friend even announced her pregnancy through a small simple puzzle that she gave her mom on Mother’s Day. Her mom framed and displays her very special puzzle. ❤️

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Power Bank – Phone Charger and More

I NEEDED this on vacation! We were camping in the Four Corners Region and we were constantly in and out of service. This was a huge drain on our phone batteries.

Any techy (and probably non-techy) adult on your gift list will love this Portable Charger. It charges up to 3 devices at once. It has 2 regular USB outputs (USB-A) and 1 USB-C output/input port. It even has a flashlight. 🔦

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2 Things for the Office

Ergonomic Mouse Wrist Support

Think outside the box when brainstorming gift ideas for adults. If your gift recipient works in an office, consider something that would make their work hours more pleasant and comfortable.

I use this Mouse Wrist Support EVERY day. If you work at a computer for any length of time, I highly recommend this simple device. I no longer have arm or shoulder pain.

FYI – When I ordered this from Amazon, I accidentally sent it to a friend’s house (where I had mailed my previous purchase). She saw that it was from me, but there was no note and the item wasn’t labeled. She didn’t know what it was. We had a good laugh when she called to thank me for the “thing”. 🤣

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Split Keyboard

As I was updating my home office, I also purchased this Split Keyboard. It took a little while to get used to it but it’s also a welcome ergonomic addition to my workstation.

This keyboard allows me to maintain a more natural arm and hand position while typing. It reduces tension and helps me be more comfortable as I work.

FYI – It’s advertised to work with Mac and Windows machines. I’m using it with my HP laptop.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pickleball Paddles Set

We got these Pickleball Paddles as a Christmas gift. I admit that we haven’t gotten to play as often as I would like, but, our church just set up a pickleball court in the gym!

This is the perfect place to play. We don’t have to worry about the wind and it never rains. I foresee more pickleball in our futures.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Waterproof Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

I LOVE my JBL Portable Speaker. We take it camping and I have used it at church for our after-school children’s program. At home, I easily move it from room to room or outside as I work in the yard.

The battery life is quite long and the sound is fantastic, especially for such a small portable device. Put on your favorite playlist and enjoy!

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Amazon Gift Card

Are you buying for a very picky person or someone who truly has everything? Give them an Amazon Gift Card.

If you have time to allow for shipping, you can choose a physical card in a Specialty Gift Box. Gift cards have no expiration date and can be used for any of the millions of items available on Amazon.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Need it Now? Choose the eGift Card Option.

If you don’t have time to have a gift card mailed, choose a Digital eGift Card to be delivered to the recipient immediately. Digital eGift Cards are my favorite way to send Amazon Gift Cards.

Amazon has 3 different ways to create gift cards.

  1. Choose one of the images provided. At last check, they had 485 different images available. OR,
  2. Upload your own photo to your eGift card. This is a fun way to add a touch of personalization. OR,
  3. Upload a short video to make the gift card interactive. Sing “Happy Birthday” or record a short heartfelt message to the recipient.

Sending a quick video is my favorite way to send an Amazon eGift Card.

Need to Schedule Your eGift Card Delivery?

We were camping in a remote area on my mom’s birthday and I wasn’t sure we would have internet or cell services. And, since we were on vacation, I was afraid I would forget.

So, I scheduled the delivery of a Digital eGift Card along with a short video we made. She loved the video and she picked up a few things from her wish list. ❤️

P.S. There are no returns on gift cards.

How to Purchase and Schedule an Amazon Gift Card, Step 1
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How to Purchase and Schedule an Amazon Gift Card, Step 2
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How to Purchase and Schedule an Amazon Gift Card, Step 3
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Thoughtful Gifts Don’t Have to Be Expensive

Gifts that are carefully chosen and meet a need don’t have to cost a lot. Gift ideas for adults can fall into many different categories and meet varied needs and desires. And, personalized gift cards often DO meet a specific need.

If none of these ideas seem appropriate for your gift recipient and a gift card seems too impersonal, ask your recipient to create an Amazon wish list with several items and share it with you. Then, purchase one item from that list. Or, use their wish list to get more ideas that you know will resonate with them.

Happy gifting! 😊


P.S. Purchasing Books as Gifts for Adults

Unless the book you choose is on your recipient’s wish list or there is a special meaning behind your choice of book, I have NOT had good luck with giving and receiving books. A book that may interest you, may not interest your recipient and vice versa. I recommend a gift card instead. Include a note to encourage them to use the gift card to purchase their next favorite book(s).

The one exception to this personal rule is to buy books for a new teacher to help build their classroom library. But, even then, you may not know what books they need. Take a peek at these 17 Inspiring Picture Books for Music Teachers to preview quality literature. Make a list of a few books you would like to purchase for their classroom and present the list along with a gift card. 📚