We all have that person on our Christmas list.
They seem to have everything.
They buy themselves what they want. Their home is already full of beautiful things. They don't give you much of a wish list. And every year, you find yourself asking the same question:
What do you buy for someone who already has everything?
When someone is difficult to shop for, I think the answer isn't necessarily to find something more expensive or more impressive.
Instead, look for something they wouldn't have thought to buy for themselves.
That's where handmade art can make such a wonderful gift.
Give Them Something They Don't Already Have
The problem with buying for someone who has everything is that they probably don't need another version of something they already own.
Another candle.
Another mug.
Another sweater.
Another gift card.
Instead, look for something unique.
Something made by an artist.
Something they wouldn't find in every department store.
Something that makes them stop and say, “I've never seen anything like this before.”
That's exactly what I love about handmade glass art.
Why Handmade Gifts Work for Hard-to-Buy-For People
When you buy something mass-produced, there's a good chance the recipient has already seen it—or something very similar.
Handmade is different.
Every artist has their own style, materials and creative process. And because each piece is made individually, you're much more likely to find something genuinely unusual.
As a glass artist, I get to create pieces that aren't simply functional objects.
They can be colourful, sculptural, playful, delicate or inspired by the natural world.
And that opens up a whole different category of gift possibilities.
For the Person Who Loves Nature
If your hard-to-buy-for person is happiest outside, a nature-inspired piece of art can be a thoughtful way to bring a little bit of that world indoors.
Think birds, flowers, leaves and natural colours.
A glass flower doesn't need watering.
A glass bird doesn't need feeding.
And a nature-inspired piece can be enjoyed throughout the year rather than being packed away after Christmas.
For someone who already has plenty of things, choosing something connected to an interest or passion can make the gift feel much more personal.
For Someone Who Loves Beautiful Things
Some people don't need another practical gift.
They simply appreciate beautiful objects.
That's where artwork can be a great choice.
A piece of handmade glass can add colour, texture and light to a home without needing to serve a particular purpose.
It can simply exist because it's beautiful.
And honestly, I think that's a pretty good reason for something to have a place in your home.
For the Jewellery Lover Who Has Seen It All
Jewellery can be especially difficult to buy for someone who has everything.
They probably already have their favourite necklace, earrings and bracelets.
So instead of looking for something familiar, look for something different.
Handcrafted glass jewellery can offer colours, shapes and combinations that aren't necessarily found in conventional jewellery stores.
My fused glass earrings are made individually in my Alberta studio, which means they have the character of handmade artwork while still being something the recipient can actually wear.
It's a small gift, but it doesn't feel ordinary.
For Someone Who Loves Their Home
A person who loves decorating their home can be one of the hardest people to shop for because they already have a strong sense of what they like.
That's another reason handmade art works so well.
Rather than trying to guess what practical item they need, you can choose something based on their personality.
A colourful piece for someone who loves bold design.
A nature-inspired piece for someone with a more organic style.
A glass flower for someone who loves gardening.
A handmade ornament for someone who loves Christmas.
You're not just buying something for their home.
You're choosing something for them.
For the Person Who Doesn't Want More "Stuff"
This might be the trickiest person of all.
They don't want clutter.
They don't need more things.
And they're probably going to tell you not to buy them anything.
For someone like this, a small, meaningful piece can be a better choice than a large or overly practical gift.
A handmade ornament is a great example.
It doesn't need to take up permanent space in their home. It comes out during the holidays, becomes part of the Christmas tree, and can eventually become a keepsake.
It's something to enjoy rather than simply something to own.
Give Them Something They Couldn't Have Picked Up Anywhere
One of the best things about buying from an independent Canadian artist is the possibility of finding something genuinely different.
You're not limited to the products currently sitting on the shelves of a major retailer.
You're discovering what an individual artist has imagined and created.
For me, that means working with glass in different ways—from fused glass and lampworking to pâte de verre—to create jewellery, flowers, ornaments and sculptural artwork.
Some pieces are inspired by Alberta and the Canadian landscape.
Others simply come from a colour combination or idea that caught my attention in the studio.
The result is artwork that feels personal because it was created personally.
The Best Gift for Someone Who Has Everything Isn't Necessarily More
It's different.
It's something they wouldn't have bought themselves.
Something that reflects an interest, memory or personality.
Something made by an actual person.
Something that might eventually become a favourite.
That's why I think handmade gifts are such a great solution for the hardest people on your Christmas list.
You don't have to find something they need.
You just have to find something that makes you think:
“They don't have one of these.”
And even better:
“This is completely them.”
Looking for a Unique Canadian-Made Gift?
My handcrafted glass artwork is created in my Alberta studio and includes fused glass jewellery, flamework flowers, pâte de verre artwork and handmade Christmas ornaments.
If you're searching for a unique gift for someone who has everything, explore my collections at krystaljones.ca and find something they won't already have sitting in their cupboard.
Sometimes the hardest person to buy for just needs a gift they never knew they wanted.
