What to get someone who doesn't want anything
We sell some of the items below and link to the shops that sell the rest. Prices, stock and delivery checked November 11.
What to get someone who doesn't want anything: something small, useful and easy to accept, so you respect what they said and still turn up with something.
We chose things that get used up or take almost no space. We skipped anything large, sentimental or in need of a thank-you speech. Today's picks: the pommed rib slippers ($40.00), the self-warming steam eye masks, 5 pack, unscented ($15.99) and the couch caddy ($49.00). Each one shows its price, who sells it and how it arrives. Free delivery on orders of $35.00 or more; $4.99 below that.
Our three picks
- 1
The safe pick: Small, useful and easy to accept without a fuss
Pommed rib slippers
Nothing to choose or fit beyond a shoe size range, and slippers get worn every evening all winter.
Checked November 11:$40.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. - 2
A bit more fun: A light touch that gets a smile and takes up very little room
Self-warming steam eye masks, 5 pack, unscented
It gets used up, so it adds no clutter, and there is nothing to set up or charge.
Checked November 11:$15.99In stockArrives by Thu, Nov 19 if ordered todayFor Christmas, order by Wed, Dec 16 - 3
A step up: For when you want to give more and still stay within what they asked
Couch caddy
It solves the remote-and-drink clutter on the sofa arm, which nearly everyone has.
Checked November 11:$49.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours.
Some picks are sold and delivered by other shops; the button takes you to them. If you buy through one of those links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we pick. How we make money.
Who is it for?
Everything that fits, checked November 11
| No. | Item | Photo | Why it fits | Price, stock, arrives by | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recycled coffee yarn socks |
Socks knitted from recycled coffee-cup yarn. | Checked November 11:$14.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 2 | Make your own hot sauce kit |
A kit for brewing your own hot sauce at home. | Checked November 11:$40.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 3 | Instant holiday latte cubes |
Cubes that turn milk into a spiced holiday latte. | Checked November 11:$30.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 4 | Bread baker's seasoning kit |
A set of seasonings and mixes for home-baked bread. | Checked November 11:$45.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 5 | Animal clip-on booklight |
A clip-on reading light shaped like an animal. | Checked November 11:$14.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 6 | Micro snap mini digital camera |
A very small working digital camera. | Checked November 11:$25.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 7 | Mason jar indoor herb garden |
A herb garden that grows in a mason jar. | Checked November 11:$20.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 8 | Murder mystery jigsaw puzzle |
A jigsaw that hides a murder mystery to solve. | Checked November 11:$20.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 9 | Turing Machine code-breaking game |
A code-breaking deduction board game. | Checked November 11:$43.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 10 | Deck of side quests |
A deck of cards with small real-life side quests. | Checked November 11:$19.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 11 | Pop-up mystery escape room game |
A pop-up escape room game for the table. | Checked November 11:$80.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 12 | Game of Ur (portable) |
A portable version of the ancient Royal Game of Ur. | Checked November 11:$16.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Usually ships within 24 hours. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 13 | Virtual sourdough baking workshop |
An online sourdough baking workshop. | Checked November 11:$40.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Voucher sent by email. | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 14 | Coffee tasting class with kit |
A live online coffee tasting class with a kit. | Checked November 11:$90.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Live Zoom class (next dates Dec 26, Jan 16, Feb 13). | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 15 | Global spice tasting class with tin set |
A live online spice tasting class with a tin set. | Checked November 11:$85.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Live Zoom class (next dates Jan 16, Jan 30, Feb 27). | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 16 | Magic 101 virtual show and class |
A live online magic show and beginner class. | Checked November 11:$25.00at Uncommon GoodsSold and sent by Uncommon Goods. Live Zoom class (next dates Dec 19, Jan 9, Jan 30). | See it at Uncommon Goods | |
| 17 | Camping lantern with Bluetooth speaker |
A camping lantern with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. | Checked November 11:$99.99at Hammacher SchlemmerSold and sent by Hammacher Schlemmer. Estimated delivery Nov 17-19 per page (was $130). | See it at Hammacher Schlemmer | |
| 18 | Dual-sided gel comfort cushion |
A gel seat cushion with two sides. | Checked November 11:$39.99at Hammacher SchlemmerSold and sent by Hammacher Schlemmer. Estimated delivery Nov 17-19 per page (was $100). | See it at Hammacher Schlemmer | |
| 19 | Retro CD, USB and Bluetooth player |
A retro-style player for CDs, USB and Bluetooth. | Checked November 11:$74.95at Hammacher SchlemmerSold and sent by Hammacher Schlemmer. Estimated delivery Nov 20-23 per page. | See it at Hammacher Schlemmer | |
| 20 | Natural light reading lamp |
A tall reading lamp with natural-colour light. | Checked November 11:$149.95at Hammacher SchlemmerSold and sent by Hammacher Schlemmer. Estimated delivery Nov 20-23 per page. | See it at Hammacher Schlemmer | |
| 21 | Adventure Awaits experience box |
A gift box of experiences they choose from. | Checked November 11:$55.20at TingglySold and sent by Tinggly. Voucher sent by email. | See it at Tinggly | |
| 22 | Thank You experience box |
A thank-you experience gift box. | Checked November 11:$71.20at TingglySold and sent by Tinggly. Voucher sent by email. | See it at Tinggly | |
| 23 | Essential Collection experience box |
A collection of experiences to choose from. | Checked November 11:$84.15at TingglySold and sent by Tinggly. Voucher sent by email. | See it at Tinggly | |
| 24 | Adults and crafts crate |
A monthly craft box for adults. | Checked November 11:$39.59at CratejoySold and sent by Cratejoy. Ships from US. | See it at Cratejoy | |
| 25 | Thriller and mystery books club |
A monthly thriller and mystery book subscription. | Checked November 11:$20.32at CratejoySold and sent by Cratejoy. Free shipping US/Canada from Czechia. | See it at Cratejoy | |
| 26 | Vinyl record mystery box |
A monthly mystery vinyl record box. | Checked November 11:$37.44at CratejoySold and sent by Cratejoy. Ships from US. | See it at Cratejoy | |
| 27 | Flock of chicks (donation in their name) |
A gift of chicks to a farming family, given in their name. | Checked November 11:$20.00at Heifer InternationalGiven through Heifer International. Sent by email (or print at home); nothing is posted. | See it at Heifer International | |
| 28 | Kiva card |
A Kiva card: credit they lend to a small business of their choice. | Checked November 11:$25.00at KivaGiven through Kiva. Sent by email (or print at home); nothing is posted. | See it at Kiva | |
| 29 | GlobalGiving gift card |
A GlobalGiving card they give to a charity project of their choice. | Checked November 11:$10.00at GlobalGivingGiven through GlobalGiving. Sent by email (or print at home); nothing is posted. | See it at GlobalGiving | |
| 30 | Fuzzy knee-high lounge socks |  |
Long fuzzy socks for the sofa: one size, worn at home all winter. | Checked November 11:$18.99In stockArrives by Mon, Nov 23 if ordered todayFor Christmas, order by Mon, Dec 14 | |
| 31 | Rechargeable hand warmer with display |  |
Pocket heat for the commute, the dog walk or the stands, recharged like a phone. | Checked November 11:$21.99In stockArrives by Mon, Nov 23 if ordered todayFor Christmas, order by Mon, Dec 14 | |
| 32 | Satin sleep set: eye mask, pillowcase and hair ties |  |
A matching satin eye mask, pillowcase and hair ties: a small bedroom upgrade in one box. | Checked November 11:$22.99Sold outArrives by Mon, Nov 23 if ordered todayFor Christmas, order by Mon, Dec 14 |
What does it mean when someone says they don't want anything?
Usually it means they do not want more stuff, a fuss, or you spending a lot. It rarely means they would be upset by a small useful thing. So keep it modest and easy to use.
Gifts for someone who wants nothing because they hate clutter
Give something that disappears or hides. Shower steamers get used up. Cozy socks replace a worn pair. A silk sleep mask sits in a nightstand and takes up no room at all.
Gifts for a man with no hobbies who wants nothing
Skip interests and buy for the day he already has. A hand warmer for cold mornings, an insulated tumbler for his coffee or a multitool for small jobs. Each one is useful from the first day.
Gifts for a picky person who says they want nothing
Fussy people often say nothing because past gifts missed. Choose plain colors, no scent and one clear purpose. A rechargeable book light is hard to dislike.
Questions people ask
- Should I still buy a gift if they said not to?
- For most occasions, a small one is fine and often quietly welcome. Keep it modest so it reads as a gesture and not as ignoring them.
- What do you get someone who wants nothing for Christmas?
- Something that gets used up or worn out, like shower steamers or cozy socks. Check the arrival date shown on each item.
- What do you buy for someone who needs nothing and wants nothing?
- A small upgrade to something they do daily, such as a milk frother or a book light. Needing nothing still leaves room for handy.
Sources
- Prices, stock and delivery times: our own catalogue, from the warehouse's figures, checked November 11 and rechecked hourly
- USPS: holiday shipping dates (holidays with no deliveries are skipped in arrival dates)
- OPM: US federal holidays (holidays with no deliveries are skipped in arrival dates)
- How to check us
More situations
- Gifts for the person who has everything
- Gifts for someone you don't know well
- Secret Santa gifts under $20
- White elephant gifts under $25
- Gifts for in-laws
- Gifts for your boss and coworkers
- Last minute gifts that still arrive in time
Last checked November 11, 2026. When prices, stock or delivery times change we update this page and its date.