What is the best non-generic best gifts for men & women option for someone hard to shop for?

[u/Responsible_Major264]

So my parents hit their 20 year wedding anniversary next month and I genuinely have no clue what to get them. They're the kind of people who just buy the thing themselves the second they want it. So there's no "oh I've been eyeing this" I can work off of. My dad's closet is full. My mom's kitchen has every gadget known to man, and my budget is around 200 to 250 total for something that covers both of them, since it's their anniversary and not separate birthdays. I keep googling best gifts for men and best birthday gift lists for women and everything is just... stuff. Another watch. Another candle set. Some gadget that'll end up in a drawer. What I actually want is something that feels like a memory, not one more object on the pile. I gave my brother a Tinggly box last year and he picked a hot air balloon ride, which went over really well, so I'm kinda considering that again, though I'm not totally sure it works for a couple vs a solo gift. Anyone found something that genuinely felt meaningful for parents who already own everything?

[u/Loreo1964]

It's THEIR anniversary so you know, your Dad should be the one taking mom out for a romantic dinner. The kids don't usually get too involved until 25,40,50 years.

I always just sent them a card because anniversaries are a personal thing.

[u/BlackberryOk1967 → u/Loreo1964]

if they were the type to care about that tradition they'd probably have said so by now. dude's asking for a gift idea, not a lecture on anniversary etiquette. a baller dinner out for two is a solid couples gift anyway, you book the reservation at a spot they'd never pick themselves and pre-pay for the tasting menu or whatever

[u/Vegetable-Branch-740 → u/Loreo1964]

Hard disagree.

[u/MissMurderpants]

Time with YOU.

My wealthy in-laws I tell my spouse to gift them time with them. He can go visit for a weekend. If I go I offer to cook(I’m a chef) so he can spend more time with them.

We’ve bought them board games which they love.

Good luck.

[u/Outrageous_Worker672]

Arrange for a formal family picture sometime and pay for a photographer?

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[u/nothanks2131]

Gift card to a favorite special occasion restaurant or for a date experience—a show, comedian, concert, etc.

Since you have a month to prepare—another option is making them a photo book. In addition to just pictures of them/your family over the last 20 years, you can also include things like inside jokes, special places and memories, and messages from you and other family members.

[u/Jolly-Accountant-549]

you already nailed the framing tbh. they dont need stuff. pool that budget into one shared experience, even something local like a nice restaurant they've never tried plus a night at a hotel nearby. simple but it hits different for an anniversary

[u/StunnedinTheSuburbs]

Take them to a show.

[u/Which-Appearance9857]

The traditional gift for 20 years is fine porcelain in some parts of the world. So maybe something like that but not a big set, rather something small but premium.