From the couple who has everything to your teenage nephew, what to get the most hard-to-please people on your gift list

Everyone has that person on their holiday shopping list: the person who requires a really thoughtful gift that won't end up on the re-gifting circuit. But some people are far more difficult than others to buy for. What, for instance, do you get for the couple who has everything? How are you expected to guess what your teenage nephew might desire? And we won't get started on the trials of Secret Santa. Luckily we've done all the thinking for you in the form of our shopping guide for the most hard-to-please people on your gift list...

The couple who has everything  

Whether it's your sister and brother-in-law or your godparents, this challenge is twice as difficult because you have two people to please. But it's not an impossible feat to find something they will love. Get them something they may not have thought to buy for themselves, a rare olive oil for the foodies or a video drone for those who love a gadget. Subscriptions are also winners - who doesn't love fresh flowers?

5 organic extra virgin olive oil, $45, Ahalife.com; Jonathan Adler Animalia coasters, $78, Bloomingdale's; Flower delivery subscription, from $40 per bouquet, The Bouqs 

Protocol video drone ORO-4 Video Quadcopter, $119.99, exclusive to Bloomingdale's; India in Word and Image by Eric Meola, $60, Jayson Home; Michael Aram cheese knife set, $80, Bloomingdale's

The fashion connoisseur

She's got exquisite taste and is the person who usually gives you advice on what to buy people. So where do you begin with her? These under-the-radar picks are what the fashion editors are coveting. Make-up from Nars' covetable Steven Klein collection is a sure-fire winner, while monogrammed correspondence cards will ensure that even her thank-you notes are chic.

Maya iPhone 6 case, $98, Dannijo; Kate Spade monogrammed notecards, $25, Bloomingdale's; Ghost Rose candle, $38, Catbird

Adrienne Landau fur pom pom bag charm, $38, Bloomingdale's; Steven Klein x Nars Magnificent Obsession Red Lip Gift Set, $49, Bloomingdale's; The Arch mood ring, from $185, Olivia Kane

Your office Secret Santa 

It's just your luck: the name you pulled from the hat belongs to a new co-worker you barely know. But this doesn't mean you can't have fun. An initial mug is a safe-yet-thoughtful option, a chic calendar would appeal to a stylish, organized type. And it's safe to say anyone on the freezing cold East Coast will appreciate smartphone-friendly gloves.

Kiehl's Peter Max limited edition Coriander Hand Duo, $25, Bloomingdale's; Gold Monogram mug, $10, Anthropologie; Christmas Sweets & Treats Signature Tackle Box, $28, Dylan's Candy Bar

Cities 2016 wall calendar, $26, Rifle Paper Co; Kikkerland vintage game set, $19.99, Bloomingdale's; UR ruched cuff tech gloves, $34.50, Bloomingdale's

The guy you've been dating for several months 

You don't even know if you're boyfriend-and-girlfriend yet, but you've certainly reached that stage when you need to buy him a gift. So how much do you spend? Where do you even begin? Play on what you know and like about him. If he can never get out of bed, go for an espresso maker. Does he take pride in his hipster facial hair? Maybe a beard-grooming kit would hit the mark. And, as always, concert and sports tickets never fail to please.

Dinner With Jackson Pollock, $50, Mr Porter; La Cafetière Classic espresso maker, $29, Bloomingdale's; Shinola iPhone 6 case, $90, Bloomingdale's

Jack Black beard-grooming kit, $35, Bloomingdale's; IPA beer-making kit, $45, Craft A Brew; New York Knicks tickets, NBA.com

Your vegan, teetotal, yogi bestie

Yes, you love your friend, but her restrictive diet and clean-living lifestyle make her a huge challenge to shop for. S'Well water bottles are as beautiful as they are functional, while a quality, lightweight yoga mat will mean she thinks of you every time she does a downward-facing dog. Ensure she stays zen with a set of Kusmi wellness teas, or appeal to her silly side and whip up a batch of vegan cookies using yogi cookie cutters.

S'Well Teakwood 17oz bottle, $35, Bloomingdale's; Wedgwood Wild Strawberry tea infuser, $48, Bloomingdale's; lightweight reversible yoga mat, $58, Lululemon

Silver heart chakra cord bracelet, $75, Daisy London; Alexandra Ferguson Breathe pillow, $100, Bloomingdale's; Yoga cookie cutters, $9.95 each, Acacia Lifestyle

Your teenage nephew 

Teenagers are tough to shop for - teenage boys in particular. If he, his parents or siblings can't give you any guidance, you can't go too far wrong with something that involves his phone, Star Wars or music.

Emoji pillow, $19.99, Throwboy.com; Junk Food Chewbacca Rebel tee, $38, Bloomingdale's; Beats by Dr Dre urBeats in-ear headphones, $99.95, Bloomingdale's

Crosley Radio Cruiser turntable, $79.99, Bloomingdale's; Game of Phones, $20, Uncommongoods.com; 42mm space gray Apple Watch with black Sport band, $399, Apple.com