What should I buy someone who says they don’t want gifts?

Buy something low-burden, consumable, or experience-based—not a “thing” they have to store. Best picks: a handwritten card with a specific plan together, a favorite food/drink upgrade, a donation in their name, or a practical service that removes a chore.

Good ideas:

1. A planned outing together: coffee, lunch, a walk, museum, movie, or a favorite restaurant dish you know they’d like.
2. A consumable treat: good coffee, tea, olive oil, chocolate, wine/sparkling drink, bakery box, flowers, or a meal kit.
3. A heartfelt note: write what you appreciate about them, include a memory, or add a printed photo.
4. A chore-free gift: pay for house cleaning, car wash/detailing, babysitting, pet sitting, grocery delivery, or yard help—only if you know they’d welcome it.
5. A donation: choose a cause they already care about and include a simple note, not a performative certificate.
6. A tiny useful upgrade: nice socks, hand cream, fancy soap, reusable tote, batteries, stamps, or a small item they already use.

Avoid big surprise items, clutter, gag gifts, or anything that creates work. If they truly mean “no gifts,” the safest gift is a sincere card plus time together.