What to give someone who doesn't like gifts?

If a person doesn't like gifts, the main thing is not to force them to "own" something. It's better to give experiences: tickets to an interesting event, a masterclass, going out somewhere together. You can offer to give time together - for example, organize a board game session or a yoga session, if that's appropriate. People who don't like gifts usually value time and attention above all else.

If you want to give something material, choose only useful things that the person will definitely use. Not pretty trinkets, but something that will actually come in handy in life: a quality thermos, comfortable socks, a book on an interesting topic. Ask in advance if they need something specific - this won't ruin the surprise, but on the contrary, will show respect for their opinion.

There's also another option - money or a gift certificate. Yeah, it sounds unromantic, but if a person really doesn't like gifts, they'll definitely appreciate the chance to choose for themselves what they need. The main thing is don't get hung up on the idea of giving - sometimes the best gift for such a person is simply the absence of any obligation to give them something.

I agree with the experience angle, but I'd add another option with practical stuff that a person wouldn't buy themselves but will actually use - quality tools, a convenient desk organizer, good gear for their hobby. The key here is that the gift should be useful and not just take up space for nothing.

But if someone really doesn't like attention on them, you can give consumables - stuff they're gonna buy and use up anyway, like good coffee, tea, or cosmetics. I'm always giving my friend fishing flies, he loses them in the water anyway and doesn't feel like he owes me anything.

I totally agree about experience! But I'd add one more thing - try giving something that's actually useful right now. Sounds boring, I know, but it really works. I recently realized I don't like gifts precisely because they become just another thing I have to figure out where to put. But when a friend gave me a quality kitchen knife - I was thrilled! Because I actually needed it for my baking. Just ask the person what they could use right now. Not directly of course, but kind of casually.

Another option is to donate money in their name to charity or buy something eco-friendly that they can use every day. A reusable water bottle, comfortable work gloves, a nice towel - these aren't gifts in the traditional sense, they're just useful things. The person won't feel the pressure of obligation, and the thing will actually help them out every day!

And honestly - sometimes the best gift is just your attention and time. Suggest cooking together, going for walks, playing board games. I personally completely forget that I don't like gifts when someone just spends time with me and asks what I'm up to!

I totally agree about experience. over my 18 years working with kids, i've run into this situation so many times - parents don't know what to give the teacher because i always say gifts aren't necessary. but when i got tickets to a hockey game or was invited over for dinner - that was genuinely nice because it's time, not just another thing sitting on a shelf. another good option is helping with something the person actually needs done: like fixing something, help with cleaning, or just making lunch. those kinds of "gifts" are appreciated way more than another mug or candle.