Goofy gift? Another gift card -- again?

Sometimes a practical present is the answer.

We all know "that person." It's "that person who has everything," or someone you genuinely would like to present with a present, who really doesn't need or want anything, and certainly not a silly something they'll have to pretend is cute and appreciated.

Recognizing that, AAA now rewards those who give a membership during the holiday season with a gift for themselves -- an assortment of Ghirardelli Squares chocolates in a gold tin. The year-long membership is $54 and includes AAA benefits such as roadside and travel assistance as well as discounts for retail, dining, entertainment and more.

"People give AAA memberships at all times of the year. It's big as a high school graduation gift, with kids going off to college. Parents can't be there to help out, and this way they have 24x7x365 protection," says Greg Farrow, agent at AAA's Cape Girardeau office. Patrons must order the holiday special by Dec. 10 to ensure delivery by Dec. 24.

Likewise, a practical gift for someone who lives in a rural area would be an Air Evac Lifeteam membership, which provides emergency air ambulance service in the event of a life- or limb-threatening accident or illness. A yearly membership is $65 per household; a three-year membership is $185. Southeast Missouri bases are in Perryville and Sikeston, with a total of 12 in Missouri. With more than 200 bases in 28 states through the AirMedCare network, members are covered while traveling.

"In December, more of our membership sales are people purchasing gifts," says Linda White, Air Evac membership manager for the Southern Missouri region, adding that most people opt for the three-year plan.

Captain Bridgette Amick of the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau says the organization sees an uptick in donations during the holiday season.

"During the holidays, people often donate in memory of someone they may have lost during the year. Or instead of buying and exchanging gifts, a family might make a donation," Amick says.

An alternative to gifting the person who has everything might be to select a present for the person's pet, says Stacy Busch-Heisserer, owner of Busch Pet Products.

"Try nice bedding or a new collar and leash. Gift certificates are the perfect gift for a pet lover, and then they can come in and buy what they want," she says, adding people also donate to the Humane Society rather than exchange gifts.

Gift certificates for goods and services are a recommendation of Linda Springs, co-owner of Belladona Salon and Spa in Cape Girardeau, and she tells of a family that takes it one step further.

"We have a mother and her daughters who come in every year around the holidays for girl time. Together they have pedicures, manicures and massages, maybe some cookies and hot chocolate. They really get to relax amid all the hustle-bustle of the holidays," Springs says. "It's the spending time with your loved ones or family that's important."

Other practical presents might include car wash gift certificates, a prepaid card for gasoline purchases or volunteering to help someone with chores or errands.