We all have friends and family who are hard to buy for, people who either don’t really need another thing or you’re not sure what they would like. Some of our downtown merchants might be able to help you with unique solutions to this present problem.

Start someone off on a new skill or hobby. Cultivate 7twelve, 712 Austin Ave., routinely hosts

classes and workshops led by local entrepreneurs and artists in everything from yoga to macramé to oil painting. To see what classes might be on the calendar, follow Cultivate 7twelve on Facebook and @cultivate7twelve on Instagram and check in at waco7twelve.com.

Let them throw things. How about gifting a friend a fun night out/stress relief session in the form of axe throwing? Downtown Waco is lucky to have two axe throwing spots, Stumpy’s Hatchet House, 924 Austin Ave., and Waco Axe Co., 1526 Washington Ave. Add dinner and drinks downtown to the outing for a whole gift of an evening.

Gift a little beauty & bliss. Some folks just need to be pampered. Maybe they need the peace and quiet that comes with a facial and massage or maybe they would love a little detailing in the form of new hair and nails. For those folks on your list, there’s a great selection of spas and salons downtown. Get a gift card for one or a few of these spots. You can find spas and salons listed under the PLAY tab on our website, downtownwacotx.com

Invest in someone’s story. What if you could capture a story or discussion on professional audio to be shared or kept for perpetuity? You can with Rogue Media! They offer a personal podcast featuring interviews, recordings and even a website to house the podcast episode, if you’re interested. This would be a great way to archive those special family stories! Read more and get prices at roguemedianetwork.com

  Custom jewelry. In the market for something extra nice but aren’t sure exactly what your gift recipient would like? Let them design it! Let your loved one work with the folks at Design House Jewelry Studio, 319 S. 4th St B100, to create their own unique piece for you to gift them. They also have an excellent selection of one-of-a-kind readymade pieces, from pendants to rings. They’re a friendly bunch so stop by and see what kind of gift you can dream up with them.