Guide to Unique Holiday Gift Giving

We're all guilty of giving cookie cutter gifts from time to time - the sort that tend to end up re-wrapped and re-gifted to someone else. Giving unique gifts for the holidays can seem really tough - you want to focus on the individual's personality without taking it to the extreme. For example, your cousin Andy might work at a zoo, but that doesn't mean he wants to receive an endless stream of stuffed animals, tiger printed t-shirts and elephant figurines.

A great way to start is to think about different personality types. Consider whether they're creative and artsy, outdoorsy, a sports lover, fashionista, gadget guru, etc. Here are a few examples of great gift ideas that are tailored to an individual's personality type:

The Adventurer

Adventurous people typically love to travel, hike, camp, and often engage in extreme sports like rock climbing. Rugged durability is key in choosing a gift that they'll be able to use for every expedition, whether they're taking a winter stroll through the woods or braving the Appalachian Trail. A picnic backpack is a great choice - ideally, you should find one that's waterproof, has span comfortable straps, lightweight unbreakable dinnerware and plenty of pockets. The Columbus Picnic Pack for 2 is a best seller for a reason - it has all of these qualities and more.

The Sophisticate

In this fast-paced world, many professionals are always on the go - time is a precious commodity, and they may not get a chance to relax as often as they'd like. Whether the sophisticate on your list is a lawyer, a fashion editor or just a busy mom with great taste, they'll all appreciate one of Picnic Fun's chic and elegant cocktail sets. The Mini Travel Bar for 2 is a compact, discreet way to have a cocktail party nearly anywhere, but if you'd like to go all out, nothing is more luxurious than the Manhattan Cocktail Set, pictured, which includes everything from martini glasses to a stainless steel jigger, all in a sleek leatherette case.

The Hostess

A good host or hostess is always prepared for guests, and has just the right things on hand for a great impromptu get-together. You can't go wrong with beautiful, high quality wine and cheese sets and accessories. Some fitting, unique gift ideas to consider are a wine accessory set, a fine bamboo cheese board with cutting tools, and a nice bottle of wine inside a chic insulated bottle carrier such as the Hampton Sunset Wine Carrier, which also comes with two glasses, two cloth napkins, a corkscrew and a decorative wine stopper (pictured left).

The Sportsman

Whether they're into golfing, tailgating, fishing or just tossing a ball around in the backyard, sporty types will love a gift that makes playing, watching, or cooking out during a game more convenient and enjoyable. Consider a plush stadium seat, a cool portable tailgating grill-cooler combo or even a golf-themed picnic pack such as the Caddy Picnic Backpack for 2, pictured.

The Proud Parent

For many people, spending quality time with their family is the number one most satisfying way to pass the time. Gifts that the whole crew can enjoy will really make this person's holiday. Nothing is more precious to them than building memories with their kids - so why not give them a fun way to do it? The Oxford Picnic Basket for 4 comes with kid-friendly plastic plates and tumblers in blue and red, enclosed in a classic willow basket. It will give them endless opportunities for year-round picnics, whether at the beach, the park or spread out on their living room floor.

If someone you're shopping for seems impossible to pinpoint, with no major interests that come to mind, don't stress. A gift certificate is not only easy for the gift-giver, it's highly appreciated by the recipient - after all, they get to choose exactly what they want! PicnicFun.com has gift certificates available in a range of denominations that will be a great fit for anyone on your list.