There are few things I find as annoying as having a handful of people who you exchange Christmas presents with EVERY year, they know it and you know it, and yet EVERY year you ask them for suggestions and they say, "I don't know, I don't really need anything."

I've done everything I possibly can to ask those who are closest to them, watch their habits, hobbies, friends, likes and dislikes to come up with fun, personal and interesting gifts each year... and usually I succeed, but not without a lot more frustration than it seems should be a necessity.

And I KNOW that I can't be alone --- everyone must have at least one person in their life who is next to impossible to buy gifts for, and after all, how many gift cards and vague dime store presents can one person use?

So, here are a few ideas I've come up with early this year for the holidays, and I thought I would share them in case someone else can gain an idea tidbit that may help their frustration this holiday shopping season as well - so HAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!

Ideas:

1. REUSABLE TOTE BAGS - STYLISH, COLORFUL, UNISEX:
http://www.brightandbold.com/enreba.html

Whether or not they realize it, EVERYONE goes to a store and takes their items home in plastic bags... and now that we know each one of those pesky little bags stays in a landfill for up to 1000 years before decomposing (if it ever does?!?), there is no excuse for anyone to use them any longer. Buy them a set of reusable totes and although they may be confused upon opening them, my bet is that 6 months down the road, THEY will be the ones buying them for others as gifts (don't laugh, I've seen it happen in my circle of friends multiple times)

2. TRAVEL MUG - DURABLE, WASHABLE, UNISEX:
http://www.sigg.ch/

Everyone travels, whether it be in their car, on a plane, the bus, the train, walking... you name it. And good health dictates we stay hydrated. Some people may prefer coffee, others tea, soda, juice or water (or even liquor if it's been a REALLY bad day at work?!?)... and a nice stylish travel mug is something that not everyone will buy for themselves, but EVERYONE will appreciate once they've gotten the chance to use it.

3. PERSONALIZED JEWELRY - CUSTOM, BIRTHSTONE, NICKNAMES:
http://www.brightandbold.com/penane.html

How many photo frames, knicknacks, trinkets from someone else's vacation, or etched glass boxes can any one girl own? (too many, don't ask how I know...) How many times I have winced opening a present like this, thinking that I KNOW they meant well... but I have no more room! Instead, it would be neat to have a necklace, bracelet, charm, locket, or another piece of jewelry with my name on it and my birthstone, or even neater would be my nickname... because I know it was bought for only me, and only by someone close enough to know that dorky nickname only a chosen few know that I have... it would always be sentimental, wouldn't take up much room, and I could wear it as a reminder of them (which is more than I can say for that bridesmaid etched ceramic container I have in a storage box somewhere).

4. CAR CARE KIT - FUNCTIONAL, USEFUL, UNISEX:
http://www.walmart.com (or any big box store for the components, put it together yourself!)

I would love to be given a nice car care kit put together in one of those handy storage bins that I could actually use in the trunk of my car for organization - just think, it could include great air fresheners, easy wipes, car wash mitts, towels, luxury waxes, functional ice scrapers, local and state maps, flares, compass..... all of those things I think so many times would be handy, but who wants to spend their paycheck on it? Gift time, baby!!!