37 Practical Gifts Your Recipient Will Actually Make Use Of
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When the holiday season rolls around, it can sometimes feel like there's a never-ending list of people to shop for. Between the special woman in your life, the sister you grew up with, the loved one who's tech-obsessed, and the golf-loving man, it's understandable if you've hit a wall in the gift-giving department. What does one get the person who has it all? Or the person who is impossible to shop for? We'll let you in on a little pro tip: When in doubt, shop practical gifts. And by that we mean, a multi-purpose Le Creuset dutch oven that can cook everything from roasts to stews to bread; a smart-tracker that lets them keep tabs on their precious belongings straight from their phone; or a one-and-done complexion-saving product. All of that and more below on our curated roundup of sleek and unique presents they'll actually make use of.
AirTag
Sometimes the best kind of gifts come in small packages, like the Apple AirTag which is super convenient if they misplace a belonging—or even worse, lose their luggage on a European jaunt. (But if you read T&C religiously, you'll know we're #TeamCarry-On.) Nonetheless, it's item that will come in handy when they least expect it.
More: The Best Airtag Wallets to Keep Your Valuables Safe
The Instant Bag Hanger Collection
Ladies, this one's for you... There's nothing more ugh-worthy than not having a place to put your purse while dining out or driving, amiright? Enter: This convenient as heck hook that grips to edges, ledges, rails, and openings for holding your bag. Genius.
CATCH:3 Classics
A trinket dish that not only keeps your bedside clutter-free but also charges your phone at the same time. What more can you ask for?
Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Wide Dutch Oven
Forget about splurging on that 10-piece cookware set. The beloved enameled cast-iron dutch oven from Le Creuset does it all, from braising meats to sautéing veggies to creating your favorite soups.
Nori Press
Simplify their laundry routine with the T&C-loved Nori Press, which is a handheld, portable device that irons, steams, and keeps your clothes wrinkle-free. Two words: Total game-changer.
Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
Everyone knows the struggle is real when keeping warm beverages from going cold. This heated smart mug reaches up to 145 degrees F and will keep their favorite cup of coffee or tea at the perfect sipping temperature.
Instant Pot RIO
Is there anything the Amazon-loved Instant Pot can't cook? Featured functions include a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker, and settings for sautéing and keeping food deliciously warm. And the fact that it's less than $100 is merely just a bonus.
2024 Wafer Weekly Agenda with Pencil in Panama
Help them kickstart an organized year with one of Smythson's lavish planners. This mini version comes with a matching pen and this poppy red hue will be easy to spot in their totes.
Leather Travel Case Set
Cuyana is the master of creating minimalist leather goods that are equal parts useful and stylish. T&C's Roxanne Adamiyatt loves the brand's cosmetic case set since they've "really helped me keep my self-care belongs in order." She likes using the bigger one for her makeup essentials (though it's perfectly ideal for travel-sized beauty!) and the smaller case for daily necessities.
Nomad Organiser for iPad Pro 12.9" & MacBook Pro 13" / 14”
Gone are the days of tangled wires thanks to this handsome leather tech case that has all sorts of compartments for cords, chargers, and smart devices, as well as pockets for business cards, notepads, pens, and credit cards.
Small Portable Charger
For the person who's always on the go, a compact portable charger ensures their phone never runs out of juice.
Compression Packing Cubes
If they travel often, LeanTravel compression cubes makes packing a breeze. "They are no joke," writes T&C's Roxanne Adamiyatt. "Not only did I get my bag to close easily, the double zip compression saved me so much space... Color me impressed."
Roomba i3+
Chores. We all have them. But this powerful robot vacuum connects to your device and does the work for you by sucking up debris, dirt, and dust and keeping your floors clean as can be. Oh, and it also self empties! It's the kind of gift that gives peace of mind.
Electric Lighter
There's so much to love about this electric lighter. For starters, do you see how sleek the design is? We can't get over it. Beyond that, it can stand up on its own, has a flashlight, and perhaps most importantly, provides up to 1,000 lights per charge. Yes, as in it's a lighter you'll never have to throw away.
Aria Belt Bag
If you're going to splurge on something luxe for the special lady in your life, consider a crossbody bag. Senreve's version isn't just any ole crossbody either; it can be converted into a belt bag, shoulder bag, sling, or clutch. In other words, it's a wardrobe workhouse!
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen
Behold, a one-stop smart assistant that allows you to listen to your favorite songs and catch up on shows, and doubles as a morning alarm clock, calendar, and doorbell is the gift that keeps on giving.
NutriBullet Pro
A multi-purpose kitchen essential is the move for the loved one who enjoys cooking. Not only can this perfectly-sized blender mix up the tastiest of smoothies, but it does a bang up job at making salad dressings, soups, and nut butters.
Apple TV 4K
They can stream all their favorite Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and Amazon Prime shows and movies straight from this device that connects to the TV. What's more, it delivers 4K video resolution and some of the highest quality sound around.
The Iconics
Whether they know their way around a kitchen or just moved into a new place and are starting fresh, they're going to need the basics. And by that, we mean essential tools for cooking their favorite meals. Material Kitchen's Iconics set has it all, including knives, spoons, tongs, a spatula, and whisk.
More: The Best Kitchen Gifts for Every Type of Cook
Diversion Safe Water Bottle
An insulated water bottle with a hidden compartment for your daily belongings? It doesn't get more practical than that.
Small Travel Jewelry Case, Foil Debossed
Save them the headache of misplacing a favorite earring or a precious keepsake while traveling with a compact jewelry case designed to safely store their most valuable belongings. Better yet, get it monogrammed with their name for a bespoke gift.
More: The Very Best Travel Jewelry Cases for Jet-Setting With Your Gems
Gilded Agate Coaster
These glimmering crystal coasters that prevent ring marks on tables don't sacrifice style... and isn't that enough to be considered a useful present?
Ultimate Skin Care Set
Give the gift of a crystal clear complexion with this reviewer-obsessed skincare set from Kiehl's. Featured products include the Ultra Facial Cleanser, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Ultra Facial Cream, Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Tone, and Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask.
Core Reusable Smart Notebook
While you could always gift them a new planner every year, you can also treat them to this smart notebook that they can use again and again for years to come.
Unplugged Styler
This compact, portable flat iron that offers up to 20 minutes of styling time will save them from having any bad hair days while on the go.
AirFly SE, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
We've all been there: Arriving to your seat on the plane only to realize you need wired headphones. Spare them the extra in-flight purchase with this bluetooth transmitter that connects to wireless headphones and allows them to watch shows and movies with ease.
Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
Any literature lover would be pleased to receive an e-reader that can hold hundreds and hundreds of books in one place.
More: The Best Book Gifts for the Literature Lover in Your Life
Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm
This is what we call a miracle worker of a product. It's excellent for dry lips, but it also deeply nourishes cuticles, elbows, and anywhere else on the body that's feeling extra parched. Better still, its conditioning formula is smoothing and anything but greasy. A top-notch stocking stuffer if you ask us.
Robinson Chain Wallet
A classic black wallet that can be easily converted into an evening bag with a removable chain strap is a win-win of a practical gift.
Cup Board Pro Cutting & Carving Block Natural
The genius of this chopping board? It features a detachable tray that hangs over the counter's edge for throwing any food scraps aside.
9 in 1 Multitool Pen
Running low on stocking stuffer inspiration for him? This multi-functional pen doubles as a ruler, screwdriver, bottle opener, stylus, level, and LED flashlight. How cool is that?
Kitchen Trio
Tidying up the space will feel infinitely more enjoyable once they get their hands on Courteney Cox's line of luxury home cleaner. This set comes with neroli-scented dish soap, surface cleaner, and hand soap, all housed in chic and sleek black bottles that are anything but eye sores.
More: The Best Housewarming Gifts That'll Transform a New Home
First Aid
While they should hopefully never have to use a First Aid kit, a cool vessel filled to the brim with 45 different medical essentials is useful for minor emergency moments.
Dog Water Bottle
Now here's something that's a gift for their pet as it is for them. This water bottle features a convenient dispenser at the top so their four-legged friend never gets thirsty while on the go.
Swiss Army Multi-Tool
A small but mighty tool that also makes for a great stocking stuffer.
RIKI Miracle
Pimples, be gone! This new compact device harnesses the powers of red and blue light therapy to treat pesky breakouts or blemishes in just 6 minutes. It's super easy to use, travel-friendly, and a skincare savior they'll turn to in a pinch time after time.
White A19 LED Smart Bulb
Because who wouldn't want their home installed with light bulbs that they can control straight from their smart device?
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