The time will come when you’ll need to give a gift to someone you don’t know very well. Whether it’s for a Secret Santa gift exchange for a coworker, an appreciation gift for a teacher, or a hostess gift for a boyfriend’s mother, it’s tricky to decide what to get.
I asked the members of the Artisan Shopping Directory to give me some ideas for gifts that would be good for people that you don’t know very well, and these are their suggestions.
Some of the links in this article are paid ad placements or affiliate links that will pay a small commission if they’re used to purchase something. To see the entire affiliate policy click here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you don’t know someone at all (a friend’s mother, or someone you work with who you’ve been assigned for a gift exchange,) you’ll probably want to ask some people who know them about things they might like.
But if you can’t get a lot of info, you should go with some general-interest items that aren’t too personal.
Home decor gifts.
These ceramic flower frogs from Magpie Mischief
are the perfect gift for anyone. Pop them on top of a mason jar and add flowers for any season. They’re also great for sharing plant propagation cuttings.
Coffee-themed gifts.
This coffee clip and scoop from Home Branded makes a perfect gift for someone you just met, or a white elephant gift. Get a couple to have on hand during the holidays for those emergency gift moments!
Notecards for thank-you notes.
Everyone appreciates getting a thank you in the mail. Having some postcards from Ila and Alice to send out for a quick thanks is never a bad idea.
Bright polka dot thank you postcards are perfect to send out well wishes and thank yous across the miles or close to home.
For gift ideas for people who have everything, click here.
Custom cutting boards.
If you need a hostess gift, this personalized charcuterie board from Jari Jade Creations would be a thoughtful present. You can put either the family name or a saying on it to customize it.
An Audible membership.
Anyone would enjoy a gift of audiobooks or podcasts, whether they like to listen in the car, while working out, or just relaxing. You can get a gift membership for someone you don’t know very well and know that they’ll like it.
Click here to buy gift memberships to Audible on Amazon for 1 month,3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.
Wooden signs for the office.
For a coworker gift, office decor that states a common experience everyone has.
This snarky block sign would make a funny gift for an office party gift exchange, and it’s the perfect size for a desk, shelf, or tiered tray. Daisy Thirteen’s block signs are all made from salvaged wood, making them a great eco-friendly choice for gift giving.
Click to see an article about Gifts For A Mom Friend.
Jewelry gifts.
Looking for a small gift for a Secret Santa draw? Someone you barely know? Your youngest child’s mother-in-law to be? These little droplets of silver earrings from Silver Echoes are lightweight and minimalist, and comfortable for all day, every day wear.
To see the full Artisan Shopping Directory sections, including signups for discounts, click here.
Wire pendants.
This petite sterling silver filled wire wrapped MacKintosh Scottish Rose necklace From Bx Jewels Scotland looks great dressed up or down. It would be a nice teacher appreciation gift, or a gift for the boss!
Personal care gifts.
Even if you don’t know the person well, selecting a gift that shows you’ve considered their well-being can leave a positive impression. Heat and cool therapy products from Natural Body Comfort demonstrate that you care about their comfort and health, which is something that everyone appreciates.
For gift ideas for someone in a nursing home, click here.
Ornament kits.
A beads and sequins ornament kit from Holidays Lane would work for most people…They’re fun to make, but if the person you’re buying for isn’t crafty you can buy them premade, too.
Here’s an article showing the one that I made and the steps involved!
Passive phone amplifier.
This passive phone amplifier is handmade in Ireland from dark wenge and light maple, and it fits any smartphone up to 79mm wide and 12mm thickness. This is a great gift for someone you don’t know very well because it’s useful, and everyone has a smartphone that they can use it with.
Macrame kit or wall hanging.
Wires and Knots has macrame and woven wall hangings, and also sells kits and supplies to make your own macrame decor. I tried one and it was fun, so I vote for it being a good gift for people you don’t know well since it will let them be creative.
Pretty throw blankets.
Throw blankets are a useful gift for everyone. They come in all sizes so they could be used for a throw for the car, a stroller blanket, or to use on the couch at home. These pretty blankets are in the Artisan Shopper store on Zazzle.
Handmade soap.
A gift set with handmade soap from Botany Barn is a nice present for anyone, and if you keep a few on hand then don’t need one, you can keep the extras for yourself!
Housewarming or hostess gifts.
For a hostess gift, a welcome sign to hang on the front door is a nice gift. You can also get wreaths and other front door decor at Simply LaMayed
Useful car accessories.
Serendipity Sewn has car trash bags, laundry bags, and protective bags for shoes and travel that would be a useful gift for anyone.
