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The 26 best gifts for the person who has everything, from practical to indulgent

We've collected unexpected gift ideas to fit all budgets — that hard-to-buy-for someone never saw 'em coming.

Oura ring, reel, Solo Stove, dog pic, lobster roll
Betcha didn't think of that! Or that, or those, or that! (Amazon, Etsy)

Gift shopping is hard enough, but then there's buying for that person. You know the one: If they want something, they scoop it up for themselves without a second thought, leaving the poor folks in their lives to grasp at straws every time December rolls around. They may even say, "Oh, you don't have to get me anything!" but take it from us: They don't mean it. Don't be fooled.

Well, we're here to transform you from sad schmuck to holiday hero. On our list of the best gifts for the person who has everything, you'll find "why didn't I think of that"-worthy picks that run the gamut from practical (an impossibly compact tire inflator) to ridiculous (googly eyes for their plants) and affordable (a clever cup holder for their carry-on) to splurge-worthy (the elegant sleep- and fitness-tracking Oura ring). You may even find a new way to treat yourself along the way.

They may already have the highest thread-count sheets or a blanket made from the wool of a rare Himalayan yak, but what about their pillowcases? The oft-overlooked essentials deserve an upgrade too — and these satin bestsellers, designed to give their hair and skin some TLC, will help you do it without overspending. And the staggering 213,000 five-star ratings? Not too shabby.

$9 at Amazon

Everyone can appreciate the convenience of food delivery, but all the fees? Ouch. Ramen it is. Give someone a guilt-free dinner or two with this universally practical pick, one of the best gift cards for the person who has everything but their favorite takeout at the press of a button. 

From $10 at GrubHub

Who wouldn't want to learn business from Mark Cuban or chess from Garry Kasparov? How about photography from Annie Liebovitz or songwriting from Alicia Keys? There's a MasterClass for every interest, taught by a true luminary. A gift subscription won't lock the recipient into a certain choice — they'll have access to over 200 classes in 11 categories. 

Find more ideas on our list of the best subscription gifts.

From $10/month at MasterClass

There's just something about animals in costumes that will simply never get old. Let an artist make their dog or cat into the king or queen they really are — all you have to do is send in a clear picture and choose a gloriously goofy period costume. Within 24 hours? A digital painting that'll elicit howls.

Need more inspo? We've rounded up the best gifts for dog lovers and cat lovers.

From $20 at Etsy

One thing we're absolutely certain your giftee doesn't have? Extra hands. That's pretty much what you'll give a frequent traveler with this clever carry-on accessory — a convenient spot for their overpriced airport coffee, a water bottle and even important travel documents. 

Buying for a globe-trotter? Here are plenty more fight-crew-approved trip essentials.

$13 at Amazon

Hey, no one ever said your gift had to be practical. These handmade magnetic glasses and googly eyes won't damage delicate leaves, and they're a pretty reliable conversation starter for any plant parent. 

$14 at Uncommon Goods

It's a fan! No, it's a flashlight! No, it's a power bank! What if we told you that this clever stocking-ready gadget was all three? It's rechargeable via USB, compact enough for a purse or backpack and comes in dark blue too.

$18 at Amazon

Save them from yet another trip to the microwave with this clever little 17-watt mug warmer. Got a little more to spend? Check out Yahoo's picks for the best heated coffee mugs, including a thriftier stand-in for the famous Ember. (But wait, there's more! We've also rounded up the best gifts for coffee lovers.)

$11 at Amazon
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$24 at Wayfair$27 at Ace Hardware

Want a creative way to tug the heartstrings? Present favorite photos with a heaping side of nostalgia by putting them in this reel viewer, just like the one they probably had as a kid. Each reel can hold seven images.

$35 at Uncommon Goods

These dermatologist-tested eye masks are a treat for anyone who's into self care (or wants to be into self care). They banish under-eye circles, lines and puffiness, and they feel nice and cool while they're on.

$16 at Amazon

Maybe they're not the sentimental type — so how about something aggressively practical? This compact tire inflator is a go-to gift that our Senior Tech Writer, Rick Broida, calls "darn near perfect." Of course, it's good not just for tires, but balls, bikes and more, and it doubles as a power bank. 

$33 at Amazon

While we're on the subject of "aggressively practical," this tiny chain saw is a perennial favorite of Yahoo readers. We're not sure what everyone is chopping up (and we may not want to know) but one thing's for sure — this little gadget is lightweight but powerful enough to handle thick branches and shrubbery. Don't believe us? Check out our mini chain saw review.

$40 at Amazon

Who wouldn't love to zone out for an afternoon with a Lego set? Even better: These adorable "plants" are just the right size for a permanent home on shelves, side tables, desks — and they don't even need any pesky light or water.

Check out these Lego advent calendars for more brick-by-brick fun.

$39 at Walmart
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$40 at Amazon$40 at Target

Give the gift of a cleaner tush with this easy-to-install Bio Bidet. The dual nozzles leave both front and back fresher than toilet paper alone, and bidet enthusiasts say they're never going back to their wiping-only days.

$31 at Amazon
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$35 at Wayfair$122 at Macy's

This is one of our favorite unique gifts for anyone on your list, and for good reason — there really is no place like home. Each sketch, produced from a simple snapshot, is hand-drawn before it's printed on acid-free, ready-to-frame artists' paper.

From $57 at Etsy

Sometimes, the only thing keeping us from reading more is how time-consuming it can be to zero in on a good book. Book of the Month narrows down the possibilities for your favorite bookworm to a well-curated list of five to seven titles. Choose from a three-, six- or 12-month membership.

Turn the page to find more of the best gifts for book lovers.

From $60 at Book of the Month

A homemade meal makes just about anyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. But the meal planing and grocery shopping? Not so much. Yahoo's pick for the best meal kit delivery service, Hello Fresh gets top marks for taste, variety and value. (And yes, your giftee can enjoy a week or two of meals without subscribing for the long haul.)

From $75 at Hello Fresh

When all else fails, think "wow factor" — and this pint-size Solo Stove definitely has it in spades. Ideal for someone without the room for a bigger fire pit — think balconies and small patios — it still generates a surprising amount of heat. (Now every night is s'mores night!)

$80 at Amazon
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