We All Have “That Person”

Hey friends. Stacie here. Let me tell you about my friend.

She’s amazing. Kind, generous, always there when I need her. She’s supported our business from day one, shows up to our craft shows, tells all her friends about us.

She also has EVERYTHING.

Seriously. If she wants something, she buys it. Her house is beautiful and curated. She doesn’t need more decorative objects. She doesn’t want clutter. She’s practical and particular.

Every gift-giving occasion, I panic a little.

What do you give someone who:

Doesn’t need anything
Has impeccable taste
Will politely accept whatever you give them but you KNOW they won’t really use it
Deserves something thoughtful, not just a gift card

Sound familiar?

Maybe it’s YOUR best friend. Or your sister. Or that person who just bought a new house and filled it with exactly what they want. Or someone you care about deeply and want to find the perfect gift for.

The “person who has everything” gift challenge is REAL.

Let me tell you how I solved it—and why it’s worked year after year.

The Shift That Changed Everything

A few years ago, I was stressing about Christmas gifts for this friend. Again.

Scott (Papa Bear) said something that stuck with me:

“Stop trying to give her THINGS. Give her an EXPERIENCE. Give her something consumable. Give her something she’d never buy herself because it feels too indulgent.”

That’s when it clicked.

The problem wasn’t that I couldn’t find the “perfect thing.” The problem was trying to give her a THING at all.

What if I gave her:

Something she’d USE, not display
Something that made her feel GOOD
Something consumable (so no clutter guilt!)
Something she’d enjoy but wouldn’t splurge on herself

Self-care products.

Not generic drugstore lotion. Handmade, natural, thoughtfully created self-care that feels special.

Why Self-Care Gifts Work for “Hard to Buy For” People

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of gifting our products (and hearing customer stories at craft shows):

1. They’re Consumable (No Clutter!)

People who “have everything” often don’t want MORE stuff. They’ve spent years curating their space. Another decorative object? It just creates guilt and storage problems.

But consumable gifts? They get used up. No long-term commitment. No “where do I put this?” stress.

You’re giving an experience, not an obligation.

2. They’re Indulgent Without Being Frivolous

Your recipient probably wouldn’t buy fancy handmade lotion bars or whipped body butter for themselves. It feels too indulgent. Too “extra.” They’ll stick with their drugstore routine.

But as a GIFT? Suddenly it’s not frivolous—it’s thoughtful. It’s permission to pamper themselves. It’s YOU saying “You deserve this.”

They’ll use it. They’ll enjoy it. They’ll think of you every time.

3. They’re Personal Without Being Too Personal

Clothing can be the wrong size. Jewelry might not match their taste. Home decor might clash with their style.

Self-care products are personal (you’re thinking about THEIR wellness) but universally useful. Everyone has hands that get dry. Everyone needs lip balm. Everyone appreciates soft skin.

You can’t really go wrong.

4. They Tell a Story

When you give someone a Momma Bears product, you’re not just handing them soap. You’re giving them something made in Enola, PA by a mom-daughter team in small batches with natural ingredients.

That’s a STORY. That’s supporting local. That’s choosing quality and craftsmanship.

People who “have everything” appreciate that. They appreciate thoughtfulness, authenticity, and the story behind what they’re receiving.

What I Actually Gave My Friend (And What Happened)

Year 1: The Experiment

I put together a small bundle:

Cocoa Butter Lotion Bar (her favorite scent)
Pineapple & Coconut Body Butter (because it smells like vacation)
Lip balm (practical + pampering)

I packaged them nicely, wrote a note: “For all the times you’ve supported us, here’s something to take care of YOU. Made in our Enola home with love.”

I was nervous. What if she hated it? What if it seemed too simple? What if she thought I was just giving her our own products because I couldn’t think of anything else?

What actually happened:

She called me the next day. “Stacie, I used the lotion bar on my hands last night and I can’t believe how soft they are. And the body butter? I feel like I’m at a spa. This is the best gift I’ve gotten in years.”

I almost cried.

Year 2: She Asked for More

The next year, when Scott asked what she wanted for Christmas, she said: “More of Stacie’s stuff. Especially that body butter. I used it all up and I miss it.”

That’s when I knew this worked.

Year 3-Present: It’s Become Our Thing

Now, every gift-giving occasion (Christmas, Mother’s Day, her birthday), I put together a little Momma Bears bundle. I rotate scents so she tries new things. I include seasonal favorites (Vapor Bear Balm in winter, lighter products in summer).

She genuinely looks forward to it. Not out of politeness—she actually USES everything and tells me which scents she loved most.

The woman who has everything now has a gift tradition that works.

Real Stories from Our Customers (This Works for Everyone!)

At craft shows, customers constantly tell us they’re buying our products for “impossible to buy for” people. Here’s what they report back:

“My dad who never wants anything…”

“My dad is 68 and every year says ‘Don’t get me anything, I have everything I need.’ Last year I gave him a Sandalwood lotion bar for his dry hands (he works on cars) and Vapor Bear Balm for winter congestion. He USED THEM. My mom told me he keeps the lotion bar in his workshop and uses it every day. I’m buying him more scents this year.”

“My friend who just moved into her dream house…”

“She has perfect taste and had just filled her new place with exactly what she wanted. I felt like anything I bought would be wrong. So I gave her a bundle: whipped soap, body butter, and lip scrub. She texted me that night saying it was the most thoughtful gift she got because everyone else tried to buy her home decor and this was FOR HER, not for her house.”

“My mother-in-law who judges EVERYTHING…”

“I won’t lie, I was terrified. But I gave her lavender products (lotion bar, body butter, lip balm) because I know she likes lavender. She actually hugged me. She said it was the first gift I’d given her that she’d actually use. We’re closer now. I swear Momma Bears products saved my relationship with my in-laws!”

These stories? We hear them ALL THE TIME.

How to Choose the Perfect Products for YOUR “Hard to Buy For” Person

Let me walk you through my gift-selection strategy:

Step 1: Think About Their Senses (Scent Matters!)

What scents does your recipient naturally gravitate toward?

Floral people (lavender, honeysuckle, roses) → Lavender lotion bar, Signature Scent body butter
Earthy/woody people (sandalwood, pine, herbs) → Sandalwood lotion bar, Rosemary Mint Shampoo bar
Tropical/fruity people (coconut, mango, pineapple) → Mango lotion bar, Pineapple & Coconut body butter
Warm/cozy people (vanilla, chocolate, amber) → Cocoa Butter lotion bar, Pumpkin seasonal scents
Fresh/clean people (mint, eucalyptus, citrus) → Rosemary Mint products, Breathe Shower Steamers

If you’re not sure: Cocoa Butter and Lavender are universally loved. Safe bets.

Step 2: Consider Their Lifestyle

What does their daily life look like?

Busy professional → Lotion bar (desk drawer essential), lip balm, hand-friendly products
Retired/relaxed → Body butter, whipped soap, shower steamers (time to enjoy self-care!)
Frequent traveler → Lotion bars (TSA-friendly!), travel-size lip balm, solid products that don’t leak
Stressed caregiver (parent, nurse, teacher) → Vapor Bear Balm, stress-relief bundles, pampering products

Step 3: Pick 2-4 Products (Bundle = Thoughtful)

Don’t give just ONE product. A small curated bundle shows you put thought into it.

My go-to formula:

One “indulgent” item (body butter or whipped soap - the treat!)
One “practical” item (lotion bar - they’ll actually use daily)
One “small luxury” item (lip balm, lip scrub - finishing touch)
Optional: One seasonal/unique item (Vapor Bear Balm in winter, Spicy Icy for muscle relief)

Example bundles:

For Mom/Mother-in-Law:

Lavender lotion bar
Pineapple & Coconut body butter
Lip balm
Message: “For all you do, something just for YOU”

For Dad/Father-in-Law:

Sandalwood lotion bar (masculine scent, practical)
Vapor Bear Balm (winter wellness)
Spicy Icy (muscle relief after yard work/working out)
Message: “You never ask for anything, so here’s something you’ll actually use”

For the Friend Who Has Impeccable Taste:

Mango lotion bar (unique, beautiful)
Whipped soap in an interesting scent (luxury + novelty)
Lip scrub + balm combo (elevated self-care ritual)
Message: “I wanted to give you something you’ve never tried but will love”

For the Person You Want to Impress:

Full body butter
Two complementary lotion bars (different scents to try)
Whipped soap
Lip care set
Package beautifully, add personal note
Message: “Handmade in Pennsylvania by a family business. Thoughtfully chosen for you.”

Step 4: Present It Thoughtfully

The packaging matters (but doesn’t have to be complicated):

Arrange products in a small basket or decorative box
Add tissue paper or wrapping
Include a note explaining what each product is and why you chose it
Mention the local/handmade angle: “Made in Enola, PA by a mom-daughter team”
Share the story if relevant: “These lotion bars changed my life when my hands were cracked from winter. I thought you’d love them too.”

The key: Show them this wasn’t a last-minute grab. You THOUGHT about this. You chose products FOR THEM.

Why “Experience” Gifts Beat “Thing” Gifts

Here’s what I’ve realized after years of gift-giving:

The best gifts aren’t THINGS. They’re FEELINGS.

When you give someone handmade self-care products, you’re not giving them stuff. You’re giving:

Permission to pamper themselves (many people won’t do this without external permission!)
A daily reminder that they’re cared for (every time they use it, they think of you)
An experience of using quality, thoughtfully made products (elevates their everyday routine)
A story to share (“My daughter-in-law gave me this amazing handmade lotion bar from a local family business…”)

That’s why it works for people who “have everything.”

They don’t need more THINGS. They have things. But they don’t have enough moments where they feel truly cared for.

That’s what you’re really giving.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving (Literally)

Here’s something wonderful that happens:

People become repeat customers for THEMSELVES.

My friend? She now visits our booth at craft shows and shops for herself. She’s introduced her friends to our products. She keeps certain scents stocked in her bathroom.

Customers tell us similar stories:

“I gave my mom a lotion bar three years ago. Now she orders from you directly and gives YOUR products as gifts to HER friends!”
“My sister loved the body butter I gave her so much that she drove to Carlisle Creative Vibes to buy more. Now it’s her go-to gift for everyone!”

When you introduce someone to quality products they genuinely love, they don’t forget it.

And honestly? Watching someone you care about discover something that makes them feel GOOD? That’s the real gift.

“But Will They Think I’m Just Giving Them My Own Products?”

I get this question a lot. Customers worry: “I want to give them Momma Bears stuff, but will they think I’m being cheap or lazy by giving them products my family makes?”

Here’s the truth:

If your ONLY connection to Momma Bears is that you’re related to us, and you’re giving our products as a default… yeah, that might feel lazy.

But that’s not what you’re doing.

You’re choosing products because they’re GOOD. Because they’re handmade, natural, thoughtfully created. Because you genuinely believe the recipient will love them.

The fact that they’re made by people you know? That’s a BONUS. That’s a story. That’s supporting family/local business.

Frame it like this:

“I wanted to give you something special. These are handmade in Enola by a mom-daughter team—actually, they’re family/local to us! Everything is natural, small-batch, and I genuinely think you’ll love them. I use them myself and they’re wonderful.”

See the difference? You’re not saying “I grabbed our own stuff because I couldn’t think of anything.” You’re saying “I chose these BECAUSE they’re excellent, and the fact that they’re local/family is an added bonus.”

That’s authentic. That’s thoughtful.

Where to Find These Gifts

Shop online: Momma Bears at Carlisle Creative Vibes

Shop in person: Carlisle Creative Vibes - 152 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013 (Smell everything, ask for recommendations, let them help you build the perfect gift bundle!)

Find us at craft shows: Follow us on Facebook for upcoming show dates

Need help choosing? Message us on Facebook or use our Contact page. Tell us about your recipient—age, lifestyle, scent preferences, what makes them “hard to buy for”—and we’ll help you create the perfect bundle!

This Year, Give Them Something They’ll Actually Love

You know that panic feeling when a gift-giving occasion is coming up and you have NO IDEA what to get for “that person”?

You don’t have to feel that anymore.

Give them something consumable. Something indulgent. Something they’d never buy themselves. Something handmade with care by a family in Enola, PA who genuinely wants them to feel good.

Give them the permission to pamper themselves.

Give them a reminder that they’re worth caring for.

Give them something that becomes a little luxury in their everyday routine.

And next year, when they ask for more? You’ll know you nailed it.

— Stacie, Maddi & Scott (Momma Bears Creations, Enola, PA)

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The Perfect Gift for Someone Who Has Everything