10 People Who Are Impossible to Buy For (And Why a Personalised Slate Coaster Might Be the Answer)

We’ve all got one.

That friend. That relative. That colleague.

The person who somehow manages to turn every gift-buying occasion into an impossible mission.

Ask them what they’d like and they say: “Oh, I don’t need anything.”

Helpful.

Meanwhile, you’re left wandering the internet at 11pm searching for unique personalised gifts and wondering whether a novelty mug would count as a hate crime.

The good news is that personalised slate gifts offer something a little different. Small enough to fit almost anywhere, but personal enough to make people smile every time they put the kettle on.

Key Takeaways

The ten notoriously difficult people to buy for

Here are the ten more difficult people to buy gifts for and why a personalised slate coaster could save your sanity.

1. The Person Who Already Has Everything

You know the type.

The latest phone.
The latest gadgets.
The latest coffee machine that looks like it belongs on a spaceship.
Buying more “stuff” feels pointless.

A personalised slate coaster featuring a favourite photograph, a memorable moment or an inside joke gives them something they can’t simply add to an online shopping basket themselves.

Because memories aren’t available with next-day delivery.

2. The Dog Obsessed Friend

Their dog has an Instagram account.
Their dog receives Christmas presents.
Their dog may genuinely have a better social life than you.

A personalised pet portrait coaster featuring their beloved four-legged companion is guaranteed to become their favourite place to put a cup of tea. Possibly even more treasured than the dog itself.

(Probably not. Let’s not get carried away.)

3. The Cat Owner

Cat owners don’t own cats.
Cats merely allow humans to live in their house.

A personalised pet photo slate coaster featuring the household dictator is a thoughtful gift that combines practicality with personality.

Bonus points if the cat looks mildly unimpressed!

4. The Secret Santa Victim

Every office has a Secret Santa budget that somehow makes buying gifts harder, not easier.

You don’t know them well enough for something meaningful.
You know them too well for another novelty pen.

A funny personalised coaster featuring a workplace joke, amusing quote or custom design strikes the perfect balance between thoughtful and affordable.

5. The Meme Collector

Some people communicate almost entirely through memes.
You send them a serious message.
They respond with a GIF.

A custom meme coaster transforms their favourite internet joke into a genuinely unique personalised gift they’ll actually use.

It’s also significantly classier than printing memes and sticking them to the office fridge.

6. The Hard-to-Buy-For Dad

Dad doesn’t want socks.
Dad doesn’t need another mug.
Dad definitely doesn’t need another bottle opener shaped like a fish.

A personalised slate coaster featuring a family photo, a favourite hobby, a classic car, football team or funny saying creates something much more personal.

And unlike socks, it won’t mysteriously disappear in the wash

7. The Sentimental Grandparent

Grandparents often claim they don’t want presents. What they actually mean is they don’t want more clutter.

A personalised photo coaster featuring children, grandchildren or family memories creates a meaningful keepsake they’ll genuinely treasure.
Small gift.

Big emotional impact.

8. The Person with a Wicked Sense of Humour

Some people appreciate thoughtful gifts.
Others appreciate gifts that make them laugh until tea comes out of their nose.

A personalised coaster featuring a funny quote, inside joke or embarrassing photograph can become the talking point of every coffee break.

Just make sure everyone involved approves of the joke first.

9. The Person Remembering a Loved One

Not every gift has to be funny. Some of the most meaningful personalised gifts are those that help preserve cherished memories.

A personalised memorial coaster featuring a treasured photograph, meaningful date or special message can provide comfort and remembrance in a simple but lasting way.

These thoughtful memorial gifts often become keepsakes that are displayed rather than used.

10. The Person Who Says “Please Don’t Buy Me Anything”

This person is the final boss of gift buying.
You know they’ll feel awkward if you spend too much.
But you’ll feel awkward turning up empty-handed.

A personalised slate coaster is the perfect compromise.
It’s thoughtful without being extravagant. Useful without being boring.
Personal without being over-the-top.

And it shows you’ve put genuine thought into their gift

Why Personalised Slate Coasters Make Great Gifts

The best personalised gifts are rarely the biggest.
They’re the ones that make people smile every time they see them.

Personalised slate coaster gifts combine practicality with personality. Whether you choose a custom photo gift, a pet portrait, a funny meme, a memorial design or a personalised quote, you’re creating something that can’t be found on a supermarket shelf.

Every coaster tells a story.
Every design means something to someone.

And unlike many gifts that end up forgotten in a drawer, personalised slate coasters earn their place on the coffee table.

Are You Looking for a Unique Personalised Gift?

Whether you’re searching for personalised slate gifts, custom photo gifts, funny personalised gifts, Secret Santa gifts, pet memorial gifts or personalised gifts for someone who has everything, a custom slate coaster offers a unique and memorable solution.

Because sometimes the best gifts don’t need to be bigger.

They just need to be personal.

Take a look at our Personalised Slate Gifts for more inspiration