Some people are impossible to buy for. Not because they are fussy, but because they genuinely do not want anything and will tell you so, at length, every year.
These are usually the ones who deserve something most.
Why They Are So Hard
The run-toward-it type does not shop. They do not browse. They own four shirts, three of which have a work logo on them, and they consider that solved.
Buy them something expensive and they will be uncomfortable. Buy them something sentimental and they will change the subject. Buy them something funny that is also secretly a compliment, and they will wear it for six years.
The Shortcut That Actually Works
Pick the animal that matches their job and let the joke carry the sentiment.
- Firefighter in the family ~ Firefighter Bear Blaze or HotShot Bilby Bear.
- On the ambulance ~ EMT Fox Hero.
- In the hospital all hours ~ Doctor Bear Bob or Medic Lion the Lifesaver.
- Nursing ~ Squirrel Nurse, and they will know exactly why it is a squirrel.
- Small and terrifying ~ Firefighting Blue Badger. No further explanation needed.
Why This Lands Better Than A Card
A card says thank you for your service and goes in a drawer. A shirt with a raccoon in fire gear says I see exactly what you do and I think it is brilliant, and it says it every time they get dressed.
One of those gets remembered.
One Rule Before You Order
Get the size right. These people will not exchange anything, ever. They will wear a shirt two sizes too small for a decade out of sheer stubbornness and then mention it at a family gathering.
Ask their partner. The partner always knows.
Written by I've Got This… Hold My Beer. Thanks for reading.