Figuring that a wireless connection was the only barrier between some frustrated shoppers and the checkmark next to their Ungiftable, we hit Union Square in San Francisco – the shopping mecca of the city – to help some people find a great present while hanging out with me, my computer and a latte.

We achieved gifting success for all parties involved, and a good time was had by all.

Ungiftables Challenge 2008 from CafePress on Vimeo.

So if you’re stumped for a gift, feel free to shoot me a note.  I’ll help you find something that fits your budget and thrills your giftee – and even if we’re not hanging around drinking coffee and watching ice skaters together while finding a great gift, you can of course do that with your own computer.

But hey, don’t feel overwhelmed – the perfect gift is always in reach. And we’re here to help you find it by finding easy solutions to…

3 common Gifting Challenges

1. I hate the mall, I hate crowds, and the holiday shopping process makes me want to throw a popcorn ball at someone.
2. I want to get thoughtful gifts for everyone, but time is money and I’m short on both.
3. That guy is impossible to buy for. Like seriously impossible.

Sound about right? No worries: we have answers.

1 : The Holiday shopping scene turns me into the Grinch

Crowded holiday shopping centers aren’t for the faint of heart. So why go there? You can find gifts for the entire family in the CafePress Marketplace, and that includes the dog. Save on shipping by having everything sent to you; alternatively, avoid lugging packages through airport security by having gifts shipped directly to their recipients. Either way, you can sit in the comfort of your own home, skip the crowds and shop in your underwear. We won’t judge you.

2 : Time is Money, and I’m short on both

‘Tis true: finding a thoughtful gift requires… well, thought.  And that can require a lot of legwork.  But since CafePress has 175 million+ items all based around people’s interests, chances are that you can save yourself time by thinking about your gift recipient’s hobbies, passions and lifestyle.

Remember, it’s the content of the t-shirt or mug that’s meaningful; the actual product is a canvas that allows for self-expression.  So focus on hobbies, passions and interests – then think about your budget and what exact product works within it.  Most our merchandise is $25 or less, and we even have millions of gifts around the $10 mark.  So don’t worry – there’s something in there that fits your budget and your gift recipient’s wish list.

The more modifiers you use on a search, the more time you save.  If you know your sister loves her dog, think about what kind of dog she has.  Then think about her own personal style.  A search like “Boston Terrier Retro” is going to be a lot more manageable than “Dog.”

3 : That guy is impossible to shop for

We all have that person on the list that seems Ungiftable – and to that end, we’ve come up with The Ungiftables, a series of archetypes that frighten even the most intrepid of shoppers.

Thing is, nobody’s truly ungiftable.  Even an easily-sunburned nudist can find something great at CafePress, and that means that your Ungiftable is truly only a few mouse clicks away from the perfect present.

If you have an extra-special gifting challenge that needs addressing, you’re welcome to take part in our Ungiftables Challenge 2008.  We can help you find that perfect gift for anyone on the list, so bring it on.

So, to sum up: finding the perfect, thoughtful gift is easier and less painful than a root canal.  Really.  And it’s a lot cheaper, too.

We have thousands of Black Friday t-shirts – which is somewhat ironic given that shopping online for Black Friday gear eliminates the need to get out there and suffer through it.  Hmm.

So if you’re out there braving the holiday crowds and doing your part to stimulate the American economy, best of luck to you.  Be safe, keep your elbows up, and remember that you can always come home and shop online in your superhero pajamas.  We won’t tell.

And for those members of your shopping list, we offer you hope: you’re not alone.  And you’re not out of ideas, you just haven’t found The Big Idea yet.  But don’t worry, we can help.

Introducting: The Ungiftables!

The Ungiftables are a fearless group of gift recipients not for the faint of heart.  But find them the right present and you go down as a gifting rock star.

Is your sister a vegan womens’ studies major on a macrobiotic diet who only wears organic clothing and refuses any mode of transport that involves gasoline?  No problem.

Is Uncle Randy prone to wearing tinfoil hats, railing about 9-11 being an inside job and getting drunk off homemade wine that he knows hasn’t been tampered with by the Illuminati?  Hey, we’ve got him covered.

So check out The Ungiftables to see whether your Ungiftable is represented.  But if not, don’t fret: you’re sure to find something among the other 150 million+ products in the CafePress Marketplace.  Another bonus: our presents won’t cost you an arm and a leg.  (But if Cousin Sally the aspiring Beat Poet has a leg fetish with a particular penchant for skinny guys in black sock and shorts, we got her too.)

And if you’re hitting a road block and really can’t think of that perfect present for your son’s narcoleptic substitute teacher, let us help you by taking part in:

**THE UNGIFTABLE CHALLENGE 2008**

E-mail us a description of your Ungiftable, and we’ll get back to you with some ideas.  Address is blog (at) cafpress (dot) com.

So shoot us a note – we’ll get right to work finding the perfect gift for your new neighbor who wasted no time in painting her house the brightest of tangerines, and bedecking her front yard by proudly setting up her extensive collection of garden gnomes around the huge, fanciful and slightly naughty water fountain of Michaelangelo’s David.