Unique Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

What do you get the person who has everything?  This is a question everyone asks at one point or another.  Relax.  Here are some ideas to help you pick out a truly unique gift perfect for that hard to buy for person on your list.

For the young and young at heart:

1. Sea Monkeys. These little shrimp like creatures are available at most toy stores. They often come as a complete kit with food, eggs, and container to house them - there are also lots of accessories if you want to expand their environment.  Sea Monkeys grow quickly (you can notice changes every day!)and are very easy to look after.  The child receiving them will learn responsibilty by caring for them. Since they are fast growing and generally very active the child will always be looking for changes.
2. Brain Games.  Check out your local science center.  There are experiments, posters, replicas, whirligigs and thing-a-ma-bobs galore. Something for everyone who has ever asked ‘why’!
3. Carnivorous plants. These plants are great fun. Usually kept in a terrarium these bug eating plants are perfect for a mature (8yrs+) child. They will teach responsibility and demonstrate one of the mysteries of the natural world. How many kids could resist a plant that eats bugs?

For family members:

1. Something personal.  For an extra special gift look closer to home.  Make up a family tree, a scrapbook of their life, a family history or anything that will give them a sense of where they came from. The trick will be keeping your project secret but it will be well received and appreciated.
2. Family Heirlooms.  Are there special family heirlooms that are traditionally passed down through the generations?  If you have something like this then consider giving it to the recipient before you die. By passing on an heirloom before you die you are letting the recipient know that you feel he/she is ready for the responsibility. Trust is a wonderful gift.
3. Bonsai Tree. Do you need a gift for the avid gardner on your list?  A bonsai tree is perfect for the person who loves greenery and has the patience to fuss over it.  Buy a complete starter kit with the tree, container and instructions for growing and training the tree.

For special friends:

1. Stock certificates. If you are an investor then this may be an option for you to consider. An individual may own as little as one share in a company but be aware of the fees associated with stocks. You might consider stocks as baby gifts, birthday gifts or Christmas gifts.  You could even add to the stocks yearly.
2. Local Museum.  Stop by your local museum.  Often they will have a gift store featuring local history books and/or crafts from local artists.  The larger museums may even carry replicas of famous exhibits. The perfect gift for the history lover on your list.
3. Dinner Triangle.  A dinner triangle or dinner gong like you see on the old western movies might be just the thing for someone with a cabin or a farm. 

The best advice I can give to the frustrated shopper is to think outside the box and give from the heart.