Every year I ask what the adults in my life want, and every year they'll say "nothing". I wish I was one of those thoughtful people who bought the loveliest gift they didn't know they wanted or needed and doesn't get thrown to the back of the cupboard forgotten, but alas here I am !
Kids are easy to buy for. They are not afraid to tell you what they want. Otherwise I like the "something they want / need / wear / read" approach.
Is there anything similar you use for adults? I just wonder if people have a simple way of thinking about gift buying for adults so I don't get this headache every year.