Picking the perfect gift for someone you don’t know well can undoubtedly be a daunting task. We’ve all been there, wracking our brains trying to come up with something that’s thoughtful, appropriate, and enjoyable for the recipient. But fear not! Research has shown that selecting the right gift can actually help deepen relationships, as highlighted in a study published in Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. So, whether it’s a coworker, a distant relative, or a new acquaintance, putting some effort into choosing a gift can go a long way.

In this article, we’ve curated a list of 100 gift ideas tailored specifically for people you don’t know well. These suggestions are simple yet thoughtful, leaving room for personalization. If you need a more in-depth look at how you can brainstorm gift ideas for acquaintances yourself, we got you covered with this guide. However, if you’re still feeling stuck after perusing our list, consider trying out our free gift suggestion service for additional help. But enough preamble – let’s dive into the world of gift-giving for those you don’t know well.

Categories of gifts that work well for people you don’t know too well

1. Relaxation Gifts
2. Food and Drink Gifts
3. Lifestyle Gifts
4. Hobby and Interest Gifts
5. Personalised Gifts

Relaxation Gifts

When in doubt, opt for relaxation gifts. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a bit of pampering? These gifts encourage the recipient to unwind and indulge in some self-care, making them perfect for virtually anyone. Whether it’s a soothing candle, a plush robe, or a luxurious bath bomb, relaxation gifts are sure to be well-received.

With relaxation gifts, there is a huge range of gifts, which are appropriate for different kind of relationships. For example, bath bombs can work well for just about anyone, whereas large and bulky ergonomic reading pillow may not work well for a co-worker. Instead, it may be a fantastic choice for your acquaintance at the book club! Use your judgement here to match appropriate relaxation gifts to the right recipient.

Here are some relaxation gift ideas for people you don’t know well:

1. Aromatherapy diffuser
2. Cozy throw blanket
3. Herbal tea sampler
4. Eye mask for sleeping
5. Stress-relief colouring book
6. Essential oil bath salts
7. Lavender-scented candles
8. Soft slippers
9. Yoga mat and accessories
10. Meditation app subscription
11. Foot spa kit
12. Bamboo bath tray
13. Scented hand lotion set
14. Weighted blanket
15. Deluxe spa gift basket filled with luxurious bath products
16. Himalayan salt lamp to create a soothing ambiance
17. Portable hammock for outdoor relaxation
18. Heated foot massager with adjustable settings
19. Ergonomic reading pillow with built-in armrests
20. Bamboo back scratcher and massager

Food and Drink Gifts

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and food and drink gifts certainly prove that point. These gifts appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making them a safe bet when you’re unsure of what to get. Whether it’s gourmet chocolates, artisanal cheeses, or exotic spices, there’s something delicious for everyone.

Food and drink based gifts can be a fantastic choice for just about anyone from a neighbour to a co-worker. Our top tip here is to watch what food and drink the person orders in outings with you to understand their preferences. If you are unsure, invite them to a meal if appropriate and watch carefully what they order!

Here are some food and drink gift ideas for people you don’t know well:

1. Assorted gourmet chocolates
2. Artisanal cheese selection
3. Specialty coffee beans
4. Craft beer or wine sampler
5. Gourmet popcorn assortment
6. Infused olive oil set
7. Exotic spice collection
8. Homemade cookie mix jar
9. Fruit basket
10. Tea infuser gift set
11. Artisanal honey collection
12. Flavoured vinegar set
13. Premium olive oil tasting kit
14. Organic fruit preserves
15. Wine aerator and decanter set
16. Handcrafted cocktail bitters
17. Italian pasta gift basket
18. Gourmet hot sauce collection
19. Japanese matcha tea set
20. Whiskey stones and glasses set

Lifestyle Gifts

Lifestyle gifts cater to the recipient’s everyday needs and preferences, making them both practical and thoughtful. From tech gadgets to stylish accessories, these gifts add convenience and flair to the recipient’s life, making them a welcome addition to any home or routine.

For lifestyle gifts, our advice is to use the daily routine analysis method we describe in our guide on choosing gifts for people you don’t know well. Essentially have a think about what the recipient’s daily routine may look like and select a gift that will improve an aspect of their daily routine.

Here are some lifestyle gift ideas for people you don’t know well:

1. Smartphone stand and charger
2. Travel-size toiletry kit
3. Bluetooth speaker
4. Portable power bank
5. Personalized stationery set
6. Insulated water bottle
7. Fitness tracker
8. Indoor herb garden kit
9. Customized phone case
10. Coasters with quirky designs
11. Reusable shopping bags set
12. Compact umbrella with automatic open/close
13. Multi-tool keychain
14. Solar-powered outdoor lights
15. Digital luggage scale
16. Foldable picnic blanket
17. Cable organizer pouch
18. Collapsible silicone food containers
19. Noise-cancelling headphones
20. E-reader or Kindle device

Hobby and Interest Gifts

Show that you’ve put some thought into your gift by choosing something related to the recipient’s hobbies or interests. Whether they’re a music lover, a bookworm, or a sports enthusiast, there’s a gift out there that reflects their passions and brings a smile to their face.

When considering gift ideas for people you don’t know well, stick to their obvious hobbies they mentioned to you, or you’ve seen them do. You don’t want to come across as too invasive!

Another advice we’d like to give you here is to not go for big hobby starter items if they already are engaged in their hobby, as they’re likely to have those. For example, a fishing rod for someone into fishing may not be the best idea, as they probably already have one. However, something that a person can have multiples of is a fantastic choice. For example, fishing tackle is a good idea, or for a Dungeons and Dragons fan another set of dice will always be welcome!

That said, hobby starter kits and items are a fantastic choice for those who expressed an interest in taking up a hobby, but haven’t started it yet.

Here are some hobby and interest gift ideas for people you don’t know well:

1. Vinyl record of their favourite artist
2. Bestselling novel in a genre they enjoy
3. DIY craft kit
4. Subscription to a magazine they love
5. Puzzle or board game
6. Gardening tools or seeds
7. Sports memorabilia
8. Art supplies
9. Cooking utensil set
10. Language course
11. Musical instrument accessories
12. Photography book or camera accessories
13. Hiking or camping gear
14. Fishing tackle or equipment
15. Knitting or crochet kit
16. Fitness class or workshop voucher
17. Board game organizer or storage solution
18. Art class or painting workshop voucher
19. Bird-watching guidebook and binoculars
20. DIY home brewing kit

Personalised Gifts

For a truly memorable gift, consider something personalized. Adding a personal touch shows that you’ve gone the extra mile to make the gift special and unique to the recipient. Whether it’s a monogrammed item or a custom-made piece of artwork, personalized gifts are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Personalised item gifts are fairly straightforward to pull off well with relatively very little information about the recipient. Gifting a neighbour who has a cute small dog? Include that dog in personalised message or image on a gift! Both you and your co-worker are software developers? How about a mug with an inside software developer joke! With a little bit of creativity, you’ll be able to personalise a generic gift for just about anyone.

Also, don’t forget that in this day and age you can personalise just about anything. This means that you can mix in personalisation of a gift with any other gift category we discussed. For example, you can grab the wine aerator and decanter set we suggested earlier in the food and drink based gifts section. The twist here however is that you can get a decanter that allows for personalisation with an image relevant to the recipient, such as their pet.

Here are some personalised gift ideas for people you don’t know well:

1. Monogrammed tote bag
2. Engraved photo frame
3. Customised name necklace
4. Embroidered throw pillow
5. Personalised recipe book
6. Personalised mug
7. Photo collage of memorable moments
8. Customised calendar with photos
9. Personalised cutting board
10. Customised mug or glassware
11. Engraved watch or jewellery
12. Monogrammed leather wallet
13. Personalised family tree artwork
14. Customised doormat with their name
15. Hand-painted portrait of their pet
16. Personalised wine or whiskey glasses
17. Customized wooden sign for their home
18. Embossed leather journal
19. Personalised photo album
20. Customised tumbler, or coffee cup

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect gift for someone you don’t know well doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little thought and creativity, you can find a gift that’s thoughtful, appropriate, and sure to be appreciated. Whether it’s a relaxation gift to help them unwind, a delicious treat to tantalize their taste buds, or a personalized memento to cherish forever, there’s something on our list for everyone. So, the next time you’re faced with the challenge of finding a gift for someone you don’t know well, refer back to our list for inspiration. Happy gifting!