24 Practical Gifts They’ll Love (and Actually Use) | theSkimm

2022-10-22 19:08:32 By : Mr. yibin Luo

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Despite best efforts to find items that are thoughtful and unique, every holiday season there are inevitably those gifts that wind up stuffed in a junk drawer or in the recesses of someone’s closet. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen this year. Because there’s no better feeling than knowing your giftee will actually use something you bought them, day in and day out. And with any of the items on this list, that’s what you can expect.

We’ve got recs for presents that’ll help your loved ones commute safely, sleep better, keep their schedule straight(ish), cook yummy meals, and/or continue working from their couch for the third year straight.

This kit comes with a cordless, rechargeable wine bottle opener that makes things really, really easy. It handles everything from cutting the foil to removing the cork, and can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge. The bundle also includes an aerating wine pourer and two vacuum stoppers. Nothing to wine about here. ($34.99, Target )

And that’ll help ’em avoid single-use plastics (so really, it’s a gift for the planet too). This eight-piece Porter set from HQ’r-fave brand W&P comes with three silicone bags in different sizes so they can store snacks and produce and pack sandwiches. The two tightly sealed bowls are perfect for soups and leftovers, and the glass bottle and tumbler for coffees and smoothies. And if they’re heading to the office, the ceramic bowl makes lunch easy to tote. It doesn’t hurt that the bundle is easy on the eyes too. Psst...use code SKIMM15 at checkout for 15% off sitewide. ($135, W&P )

This is the gift the dog parent on your list (and their pup) didn’t know they needed. Think: reliable, custom, wireless fences that are easy to set up at home or on the go. From ½ acre to 1,000+ acres. And even through water. PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off. ($1,495.00, SpotOn)*

Shopping for someone who prefers to travel via two wheels? Upgrade their ride (and help them carry everything from groceries to library books) with this handwoven, fair-trade Ghanaian basket in one of five pretty patterns. ($100, Goodee )

Help them stay visible after dark with these reflective socks, which work for running, too. Another plus? They can go in the washer and dryer. And for more great holiday gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. ($15, Uncommon Goods )

Anyone you know would be very, very lucky to get this gift. Described by the brand as their most powerful and intelligent cordless vac to date, this ultra-portable Dyson — which even has a laser to show the tiniest dirt specks — will completely transform the way they feel about cleaning the house. In fact, you’ll probably end up wanting one, too. ($749.99, Dyson )

New pillows are a little luxury in themselves. But this isn’t just any old pillow. Its cushioning and ergonomic design make it incredibly comfortable, and the included pillowcase is designed to help keep skin fresh and hair less frizzy. Sweet dreams to them. (Psst…check out more of our fave pillow recs here .) ($99, Cushion Lab )

This one is perfect if your giftee is not exactly the conventional “planner” type but might still enjoy a place to jot things down and keep track of upcoming events. The “undated” calendar book (it does technically have dates, just not a year or the corresponding days of the week) can be used for any year. Its cloth-bound design has some vintage flair, and quirky prompts and trivia sections throughout add a lil’ fun too. And for more great holiday gifts from Amazon, check out our storefront. ($20, Amazon )

This one’s ideal for those who live alone…or cohabitate with people who don’t drink coffee. It makes 12 ounces of coffee (or tea) and, even if they’re just blearily pressing the filter down at 5am, it’ll still make them feel like they’re being served at a fancy coffee shop. It’s available in several color, size, and bundle options too. ($27.99+, Amazon )

This highly portable white noise machine can join them everywhere — around the home, in hotels, even in the car if they’re stuck in the passenger seat for a long trip. With either 18 or 36 sound options and rechargeable batteries, it’s both practical and super convenient. It’s also available as a version for babies if they’ve got a little one at home who needs some help in the Zzz’s department too. ($20.99+, Amazon )

Dutch oven who? You’ve probably heard all the hype about the Always Pan, but this super-useful pot from cult-fave brand Our Place deserves a spot in their kitchen too. It’s got everything from a roasting rack/steamer to a pour spout and a spot to rest the included beechwood spoon. And with 10 color options, it’s so cute that they’ll want to leave it out on the stove even when they’re not using it. ($165, Our Place )

Give the gift of a blanket they can wear all day and night. This cozy microfiber fleece sweatshirt with a sherpa lining has pockets and is machine washable — if they ever decide to take it off. It comes in over 20 colorways and patterns and is available in two lengths. ($23.99+, Amazon )

Get them a personalized AirTag (engraving is free) to help ’em keep track of all their most treasured possessions. As an added bonus, you’ll never have to follow them around town looking for their keys again. ($29+, Apple )

Help your favorite new parent ditch the heavy diaper bag (at least sometimes) with this fanny pack version that comes with a matching changing mat. Your giftee can even run it through the washing machine in case of any, er, pooptastrophes. It’s not like a regular fanny pack, it’s a cool fanny pack. ($68, Storq )

They’re always asking you what you use your Instant Pot for, but you know they’re not going to make a move anytime soon. So treat them to this cooking device (in 3-, 6-, or 8-quart options) that has a cult following for a reason. They can use it to make everything from stews to rice to yogurt…and when they’re done, the stainless steel cooking pot can go right in the dishwasher. ($79.99+, Amazon )

Make quick trips out of the house even quicker with this “essentials pouch” available in either a neoprene or organic cotton design. Only 7½ inches tall, it zips shut and can hold keys, credit cards, cash, etc. For an even sweeter gift, tuck a gift card to their favorite coffee shop inside. ($40, Dagne Dover )

All it takes is a few different AirPods owners around one house (or office), and suddenly it’s a little too easy to pick up someone else’s by mistake. Not with this pretty, flowery AirPods Pro case. Give them the gift of never misplacing their precious earbuds again. ($30, Case-Mate )

Give your giftee a hand with their pending New Year’s resolution to start making coffee at home. These collapsible silicone cups are leakproof, easy to clean, and big enough to hold a 16-ounce drink. They also come with straws and matching sleeves to protect hands from hot beverages. ($68/4 pack, Stojo )

The great thing about this gift is that if they already have one, it doesn’t matter — their Sonos One speakers can be connected to play the same music all over their apartment or house. They can use voice control or just stream from their phone or computer the old-fashioned way. ($219, Sonos )

You know that sinking feeling when you wake up and your device is at 5% battery? Thanks to this clever charging station, your giftee will never know that dread. The sleek dock charges up to four devices — like their AirPods, Apple Watch, and smartphone — all at once. Note: It won’t work for Android devices. ($150, Case-Mate )

After almost three years of WFH, perhaps they still haven’t graduated from the couch to a desk. If so, it’s time for you to embrace the new them too. This portable desk made from bamboo has a little drawer and a tilting stand perfect for computers or books. And when it’s time to take a break, they can also use it to eat lunch. ($39.99+, Amazon )

Hello, hygiene. This small, discreet bidet takes under 10 minutes to install and is adjustable to fit most toilets. It comes in nine color combinations, and is bound to change their bathroom routine for the better. It’ll also help them use less toilet paper, which we love for the environment. Win-win. ($99, Tushy )

This bag has it all: shoulder straps, backpack straps, a laptop pocket, a luggage sleeve, even a removable clutch. Not to mention it zips closed to keep everything safe inside. While it’s made by a company called Momkindness, your giftee doesn’t have to be a mom to appreciate its utility. Psst…buy any Everyday Bag and get a free Day & Away Tote (a $79 value). Place both items in your cart and use code SKIMMKIND at checkout. ($110, Momkindness )

This real leather vaccine card holder also works as a passport case or mini wallet. Or all three. It comes in a bunch of colors and can be personalized (e.g., with your giftee’s name) for a few extra bucks — so you can find one that fits your fave globetrotter. And for more great holiday gifts from Etsy, shop here. ($16.80+, EvtodiCom via Etsy )

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