I love a practical gift. And whenever I'm asked what is on my Christmas list it makes me think about the episode of Boy Meets World where Amy gets a trash compactor for an anniversary present from Alan. I don’t need a trash compactor, but I wouldn’t mind a really nice vacuum or useful travel case as a gift for any occasion. (Side note, Boy Meets World is on Disney+ woot woot.) So, if the practical person in your life has you stumped, maybe my Very Practical Gift Guide can help! Each item features a "how to class it up" tip to keep the practical factor from being too boring.
Disclaimer: This guide is for the person on your list who wants practical gifts (really).
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$30 O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop
Mopping is a true “adulting" chore in my opinion. If you are taking the time to mop, you are an adult. I asked for this mop for my 30th birthday and my mom did not disappoint. This thing is great, with a built in wringer and removable, machine-washable heads. While it takes away some the convenience of a Swiffer Wetjet, the floor actually feels clean after you’ve used it.
How to class it up
Gift this mop with some Grove Collaborative products like the Ho-Ho-Home Bundle or the Seasons Cleaning Bundle.
Mopping is a true “adulting" chore in my opinion. If you are taking the time to mop, you are an adult. I asked for this mop for my 30th birthday and my mom did not disappoint. This thing is great, with a built in wringer and removable, machine-washable heads. While it takes away some the convenience of a Swiffer Wetjet, the floor actually feels clean after you’ve used it.
How to class it up
Gift this mop with some Grove Collaborative products like the Ho-Ho-Home Bundle or the Seasons Cleaning Bundle.
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$10-20 Copper Grilling and Baking Mats
Again, Mom came through with these at Christmas last year. I use them in the oven instead of parchment paper for baking and roasting, but they can be great on the grill (and cut to size for optimal setup). I love that they are dishwasher safe.
How to class it up
Pair these mats with a grilling or sheet pan cookbook like the Good Housekeeping Sheet Pan Cooking: 70 Easy Recipes. Add some Penzeys Spices for a really polished package - think Mural of Flavor and Bavarian, two of my favorites.
Again, Mom came through with these at Christmas last year. I use them in the oven instead of parchment paper for baking and roasting, but they can be great on the grill (and cut to size for optimal setup). I love that they are dishwasher safe.
How to class it up
Pair these mats with a grilling or sheet pan cookbook like the Good Housekeeping Sheet Pan Cooking: 70 Easy Recipes. Add some Penzeys Spices for a really polished package - think Mural of Flavor and Bavarian, two of my favorites.
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$15 Joseph Joseph Expandable Trivet
We received this as a housewarming gift years ago and use it almost daily. It is a very simple accordion trivet that takes up no drawer space, but can take the load of a casserole dish or sheet pan right from oven to table.
How to class it up
Find some cute potholders to go with this trivet at HomeGoods or more custom ones on Etsy for a personalized touch. My best friend's family gives trivets as wedding gifts and gifted me this Le Creuset one that really classes up our table -- these trivets together will make a great bundled gift.
We received this as a housewarming gift years ago and use it almost daily. It is a very simple accordion trivet that takes up no drawer space, but can take the load of a casserole dish or sheet pan right from oven to table.
How to class it up
Find some cute potholders to go with this trivet at HomeGoods or more custom ones on Etsy for a personalized touch. My best friend's family gives trivets as wedding gifts and gifted me this Le Creuset one that really classes up our table -- these trivets together will make a great bundled gift.
$20-30 Reusable Grocery Bags
If you have someone in your life only using plastic grocery bags with the excuse that canvas bags are too bulky and forgettable, here is a solution — easily stowaway-able in the car or bottom of a work bag for impromptu shopping trips.
How to class it up
Throw in a grocery store gift card with a note reminding your friend to treat themselves to grocery delivery or pickup in the winter months on you!
If you have someone in your life only using plastic grocery bags with the excuse that canvas bags are too bulky and forgettable, here is a solution — easily stowaway-able in the car or bottom of a work bag for impromptu shopping trips.
How to class it up
Throw in a grocery store gift card with a note reminding your friend to treat themselves to grocery delivery or pickup in the winter months on you!
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$15 Teleties Hair Ties
These are in my list this year and I haven't tried them yet. I am guilty of being a 30 year old with a hair tie around my wrist a lot of the time. I think these will help me look a little more put together than usual.
How to class it up
Just in case your giftee still has the itch to put a plain elastic hair tie around their wrist, pair the Teleties with the Uncommon Goods Hair Tie Bracelet.
These are in my list this year and I haven't tried them yet. I am guilty of being a 30 year old with a hair tie around my wrist a lot of the time. I think these will help me look a little more put together than usual.
How to class it up
Just in case your giftee still has the itch to put a plain elastic hair tie around their wrist, pair the Teleties with the Uncommon Goods Hair Tie Bracelet.
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$25 Card Game Organizer
Do you know a mom who is trying to wrangle all her kids' card games or a grown-up gamer trying to wrangle her own? Problem solved.
How to class it up
Stock it with a few new card games like Blink or Sushi Go.
Do you know a mom who is trying to wrangle all her kids' card games or a grown-up gamer trying to wrangle her own? Problem solved.
How to class it up
Stock it with a few new card games like Blink or Sushi Go.
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$25 PackIt Freezable Bag
This particular brand was recommended on Young House Love Has a Podcast as a picnic tote for the beach. I'm eyeing it up for car tripping with snacks (and ahem breastmilk).
How to class it up
This is a great time of year to buy personalized beach towels from Lands End. Think initials or family names on vibrant stripes neatly rolled up in the PackIt bag.
This particular brand was recommended on Young House Love Has a Podcast as a picnic tote for the beach. I'm eyeing it up for car tripping with snacks (and ahem breastmilk).
How to class it up
This is a great time of year to buy personalized beach towels from Lands End. Think initials or family names on vibrant stripes neatly rolled up in the PackIt bag.
$10-15 Barrel Shaped Toiletry Bag
These are great particularly for moms who are packing family loads of toiletries. You can stand full size products up or secure travel size products in the elastic bands. Two come in a package, so feel free to get two gifts in one out of this purchase.
How to class it up
Pick out a few beauty or personal care items to bundle with the bag or add a gift card to Glossier or Sephora.
These are great particularly for moms who are packing family loads of toiletries. You can stand full size products up or secure travel size products in the elastic bands. Two come in a package, so feel free to get two gifts in one out of this purchase.
How to class it up
Pick out a few beauty or personal care items to bundle with the bag or add a gift card to Glossier or Sephora.
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$20 Crossbody Bag
I swiped this from Oprah's 2018 list for my Christmas list this year. I love a little bag that I can carry on its own or stick into my big bag as a wallet.
How to class it up
I think this one could stand alone, but stock it with a gift card or pair it with personalized Lands End tech touchable gloves.
I swiped this from Oprah's 2018 list for my Christmas list this year. I love a little bag that I can carry on its own or stick into my big bag as a wallet.
How to class it up
I think this one could stand alone, but stock it with a gift card or pair it with personalized Lands End tech touchable gloves.
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$20-40 Packing Cubes
The packing cubes we own are no longer available on Amazon, but there are lots of great options out there. They are great for all travelers, but especially those with multi-legged trips to keep things organized and compressed to maintain room from souvenir add-ons throughout an adventure.
How to class it up
Step up this travel gift with a personalized toiletry kit from LLBean or luggage tags from Shutterfly.
The packing cubes we own are no longer available on Amazon, but there are lots of great options out there. They are great for all travelers, but especially those with multi-legged trips to keep things organized and compressed to maintain room from souvenir add-ons throughout an adventure.
How to class it up
Step up this travel gift with a personalized toiletry kit from LLBean or luggage tags from Shutterfly.
$30 Family First Aid Kit
Emergency kits and first aid kits are those things you know you should have and only regret your decision not to pull them together when you need them. They may not be glamorous, but they are practical.
How to class it up
I’m not a drinker, but an emergency kit could be paired up, humorously, with a bottle of wine or liquor. Add a sticker that says “In Case of Emergency Break Glass” to accentuate the punch line.
Emergency kits and first aid kits are those things you know you should have and only regret your decision not to pull them together when you need them. They may not be glamorous, but they are practical.
How to class it up
I’m not a drinker, but an emergency kit could be paired up, humorously, with a bottle of wine or liquor. Add a sticker that says “In Case of Emergency Break Glass” to accentuate the punch line.
Free to $$$ Grown-Up Coupon Book
I’m not thinking adult, I am thinking grown-up. Make coupons like: Pay Your Netflix Bill This Month, Make or Bring You Dinner, Assemble Furniture or Set Up New Device, Make Spotify Playlist, Grab Your Groceries for the Week, Book You a Massage or Facial, etc. You decide how much money you are willing to contribute to the coupon values or come up with purely free ideas.
How to class it up
Think of this gift as a timesaver or self-care opportunity; so, try pairing it with a puzzle or adult coloring book.
And remember, the most practical gifts come with a receipt for return when possible and with no follow up questions ;)
I’m not thinking adult, I am thinking grown-up. Make coupons like: Pay Your Netflix Bill This Month, Make or Bring You Dinner, Assemble Furniture or Set Up New Device, Make Spotify Playlist, Grab Your Groceries for the Week, Book You a Massage or Facial, etc. You decide how much money you are willing to contribute to the coupon values or come up with purely free ideas.
How to class it up
Think of this gift as a timesaver or self-care opportunity; so, try pairing it with a puzzle or adult coloring book.
And remember, the most practical gifts come with a receipt for return when possible and with no follow up questions ;)
