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  Most people have that one friend who is a bit quirky and who wouldn't be excited to receive a store-bought sweater, an iPod or even an expensive watch. To please these individuals, you have to select a gift that they may not have ever thought of---something that appeals to their sense of uniqueness.
  
  

Vintage Books

• Perusing a used book store can yield some very good results for those looking for an uncommon gift. You'll find many books that are out of print, and in a particularly good used book store, you'll be able to find books more than 100 years old. Simply look for a book on a topic the recipient is interested in. Giving a piece of history to someone is a gift that can't be beat.
  
  

Kits

• Lots of people like to craft or build items themselves. Instead of buying a pre-made item or kit, try making a kit tailored just for the recipient. If the person likes to make jewelry, give her a roll of silver wire, some jewelry pliers and some choice beads. If she enjoys needlepoint, give her a blank canvas and an extravagant selection of wool needlepoint yarn. The point is to buy the person items for their craft that they might not otherwise buy for themselves because of expense.
  
  

Handmade Items

• The recipient of your gift may enjoy getting a one-of-a-kind item that can never be found anywhere else. Try looking on Etsy.com to find handmade jewelry, scarves, pillows, magnets and much more. Often, you can request that the item be customized especially for the recipient.
  
  

Experiences

• Giving the gift of an experience guarantees that you are giving a gift that the recipient will always remember. If the person is a fan of extreme sports, you can give him a gift certificate for sky diving lessons. Or if he enjoys theater, a ticket to a production that he has not seen. For the person who loves horseback riding but never seems to indulge in her passion, give a certificate for a half-day horseback ride.
  
  

Learning

• Perhaps the person you are buying the gift for has been talking about learning how to play the guitar for a long time. Or learning how to make ceramics or knit. Maybe she'd like to learn how to dance the meringue. Whatever the recipient's interest, buy her a series of lessons so she can pursue their interest. At The Art School, administered by The Austin Museum of Art, the class "Passion for Pastels" is offered for a reasonable fee, and there are more than 100 classes to choose from. Ask around at dance studios, museums, craft shops and universities to locate classes and workshops that the recipient will enjoy.