Practical holiday gifts conjures up images of sad colored socks unwrapped with an even-sadder frown. But, let it be known: The sad sock is a practical-gift anomaly! And we’re here to stick up for all the truly useful presents out there. For all those friends and family members that would rather you spend your hard-earned coin on something other than an over-priced set of loungewear, this one’s for them.
There are countless aesthetically fulfilling AND functional gift options to be had, and we’ve hunted down the most wanted examples. From zero-waste dish kits to best-selling vibrators to top-rated memory foam pillows, these are the presents that will support your pragmatic giftee in their sensible endeavors. Keep clicking for our full list of useful things, informed by Refinery29-reader suggestions, anonymous shopping data on top-bought items, and professional editor hunches. Don’t get it twisted: Practical people need love, too, and useful gifts don’t have to be sad socks.
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If they already have enough pots and pans in their kitchens, then perhaps try going the green-cleaning route. The entire site features minimalist eco-friendly essentials (home, beauty, and more) that ship in zero or minimal packaging to eliminate single-use plastic. If your loved ones are set in the kitchen, check out the myriad of streamlined gift sets.
Shop Package Free
Package Free Dish Cleaning Gift Set, $, available at Package Free
Listen, everybody poops. Allow this aesthetically pleasing bidet, crafted by the new millennial-friendly bathroom brand Tushy, to send that supportive message in one decidedly useful gift form. Now that’s practical, people.
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Tushy Classic, $, available at Tushy
If your practical person is a little poop-shy, then we suggest going with Tushy’s very own version of the popular bathroom, for lack of a better word, stool.
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Tushy Ottoman, $, available at Tushy
Sure, this Instagram-worthy tin looks incredibly gift-worthy, but $35 for a laundry detergent?! Before your practical giftees exhale their practical pfffts, consider this: the bucks they’ve shelled out over the years for status candles with 60-hour burn times compared to 60 loads of laundry that come out of the wash smelling like something that puts Diptyque Paris to shame. Trust us: They will thank you once their sheets, towels, shirts, socks, and underwear are softly cocooned in an intoxicatingly sumptuous scent. (Our Shopping writer tried it, and they can confirm that it’s, indeed, heavenly).
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DedCool Milk Dedtergent, $, available at Dedcool
We can’t say the name of this jacket three times fast, but we can guarantee that the practical person in your life will enjoy the sensible nature of this lightweight puffer — it can literally be folded into itself and carried as a little over-the-wrist pouch. A few of us on the R29 Shopping team tried it on for size and fell in love with its buttery-soft feel, very packable abilities, and swingy relaxed fit that’s ideal for layering.
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FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket, $, available at Free People
Chances are your sensible giftee is fairly orderly — and, if so, this very clever over-the-sink drying rack will delight their clean-kitchen sensibilities.
Shop Food52
five.two Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack, $, available at Food52
Seeing as we’re supposed to be tossing our pillows out every one to two years, a gifted replacement seems to be a pretty practical move. Although sleep styles and preferences widely differ from person to person, we suggest going with Brooklinen’s customizable memory foam cushion. Stuffed with supportive memory foam and fitted with a zipper to adjust its firmness, this pillow is as crowd-pleasing as it gets.
Shop Brooklinen
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow, $, available at Brooklinen
And, while we’re on the topic of practical bedding gifts, why not consider a brand-new comforter? After all, even the most serious giftees need sleep. Help them crush those ZZZs with Quince’s best-selling duvet insert that just so happens to pair seamlessly with the retailer’s European Linen Duvet Cover Set that’s R29-editor-approved.
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Quince Premium Down Alternative Comforter, $, available at Quince
A tool that exists solely to achieve climax is, quite arguably, very useful. And where better to start than with the cult-favorite that is Tracy’s Dog’s wildly best-selling OG Flow. According to our very own sex writer, the viral suction vibrator, pushed her pleasure far past anything she thought her body was capable of.
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Tracy’s Dog OG FLOW, 2-in-1 Clit Sucking Vibrator for Double Pleasure, $, available at tracy’s dog
Overly practical Etsy reviewers aplenty rave that this item is well-made, nice-looking, and very convenient. As one pleased customer states, it “holds four cards in the main pocket and ID in the front pocket perfectly.” Not only that, but “nothing falls out,” and it’s “not difficult to remove cards quickly.”
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choicegoodsco Horween Leather Minimalist Wallet, $, available at Etsy
If they’re into wine, gift them a virtual at-home tasting with In Good Taste’s six-bottle samplers thoughtfully sourced from small-batch wineries across the globe.
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In Good Taste California Wine Mixer, $, available at In Good Taste
Practical foodies will surely appreciate (aka quickly consume) this variety pack of all-natural ramen noodles from one of our favorite online purveyors of sustainable household goodies. The original and spicy sesame packets are vegan-friendly, preservative-free, and made with whole ingredients sourced from a farm in Taiwan.
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Public Goods Ramen Variety Pack, $, available at public goods
For your sustainably minded giftees who are always on the go and in need of a convenient vessel to stash their self-care and toiletry essentials, there’s Cadence’s refillable and magnetic honeycomb-shaped containers crafted out of recycled plastic from the ocean.
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Cadence evergreen collection, $, available at Keep Your Cadence
Bathroom products — your hand soaps, body washes, scrubs, etc. — are a necessity that can either be luxurious or good enough to get the job done. A nice gesture for your practical pals would be to re-up their washroom stock with some nourishing and sustainable goodies from Bathing Culture.
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Bathing Culture Mind & Body Wash Refillable Glass, $, available at Bathing Culture
It doesn’t get more useful than this chic, eight-in-one pan from a sustainable-cookware favorite Our Place. The magical do-it-all piece is nontoxic and incredibly nonstick, and it comes washed in an array of unique kitchen hues your giftee likely won’t find elsewhere.
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Our Place Always Pan, $, available at Our Place
Or, for the practical cook who thinks Instant Pots are passe, there’s Our Place’s cult-favorite creation: the Perfect Pot. This pretty piece serves as a stockpot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, bread pot, braiser, and spoon rest. It gives cooks the very useful ability to boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, store, serve, pour, and steep whatever it is they’ve got on the menu.
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Our Place Perfect Pot, $, available at Our Place
For the practical people that prefer to roll their own, there’s this nifty keychain that’s designed with a hexagon-shaped interior, which perfectly fits self-rolled smokes so they can incognito tote them on the go.
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Tetra Valise Keychain, $, available at Tetra
For composters, may we suggest a very nice-looking bin? You know, one they will proudly keep filled to the brim with rotting veggies and other food scraps on their countertops. This chic option is dishwasher-safe, crafted from biodegradable materials, features a bamboo handle, and comes equipped with two filters.
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Farm Steady Compost Tote, $, available at FarmSteady
A consistently best-selling lube that’s thoughtfully crafted with soothing all-natural ingredients and packaged in an aesthetically pleasing bottle that looks quite stylish on a bedside table. It’s sensible-gifting gold!
Shop Maude
Maude Shine Organic Lube, $, available at Maude
Leggings are well known as workhorse wardrobe staples, so surprising your practical person with a premium pair is guaranteed to be a useful treat. And, as far as really nice leggings go, Lululemon’s newly launched (and reader-favorite) Wunder tights are IT.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight 25″ Full-On Luxtreme, $, available at Lululemon
Stoners and practicality are not mutually exclusive
Dad Grass — the California-based company that crafts organic CBD joints, tinctures, and un-rolled hemp “flower” nuggets — offers practical giftees (aka the difficult-to-gift dudes, dads, guys, and all-gendered people of the world who enjoy grass) a present of the smokable persuasion that contains (by law!) less than 0.3 percent THC. As our Vice counterparts describe it, Dad Grass offers “a reliable way to blast off like your dad used to without worrying that you’ll end up too far gone.” If you’re looking to gift your practical mom, we’re happy to inform you that Mom Grass is a thing that also exists. (A more in-depth rundown on all that here.)
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Dad Grass 5-Pack Special Editions Bundle, $, available at Dad Grass
If they already have enough pots and pans in their kitchens, then perhaps try going the green-cleaning route. Blueland’s all-encompassing bundles of reusable glass bottles that can be refilled on an as-need basis with nickel-sized, non-toxic solution tablets are incredibly giftable — and, not to mention, incredibly eco-friendly. The brand’s limited-edition bundle contains seven reusable containers and plastic-free refills along with one free holiday Forever tin and three extra holiday hand soap tablets.
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Blueland Clean Suite + Free Tablet Tin, $, available at Blueland
The Click & Grow first made top-shopped waves in a roundup of indoor garden kits — and then it crushed the cart numbers again during Amazon Prime Day. Why? We’re guessing it’s because this green-gadget is a very useful buy. With it, your giftee can open up a whole new world of over 50 pre-seeded plant pods (like cilantro, basil, wild strawberries, thyme, peppers, etc.) that will thrive before their eyes right on the countertop. And, if you’re in the big-spender market for a serious gardening enthusiast, the brand offers a whole range of higher-tier smart garden options.
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Click & Grow The Smart Garden 3, $, available at Click and Grow
For the more intense practical gardeners in your life: a very good-looking set of pruners with a matching French-made leather sheath. Crafted with a high-carbon bypass-blade system with a gilded titanium-nitride coating that preserves its sharpness, these high-quality clippers are not only corrosion and sap-resistant but also ergonomically designed for ultimate in-hand comfort.
As one pleased reviewer coos, “I love these pruners. I got the purple for me which I was excited about & the black for my hubby. They’re very sharp, well made, I love the smooth handle. I’m the main landscaper in our family so the smooth handle works well for me for using them for long periods of time. They come apart to easily clean the blades and so far the rust-proof aluminum is holding up well. You won’t be disappointed.”
Shop Garrett Wade
Garrett Wade Ultra-Sharp Pruners with Optional Matching Sheath, $, available at Garrett Wade
Practical people are also usually big planners, too — so, it only makes sense that gifting one with the ability to book lodgings of their choosing on an upcoming trip would be pretty practical-pleasing stuff.
Shop Airbnb
Airbnb Customizable Gift Card, $, available at Airbnb
Another practical gift idea for your trip-planning people? A set of four expandable packing cubes with limited-edition colorways designed in collaboration with the legendary Serena Williams. Crafted from water-resistant nylon that will protect their suitcase essentials from in-transit toiletry mishap, these practical puppies are strategically designed with a mesh top for easy visibility of contents and an expandable zipper for extra-outfit space.
Shop Away
Away The Expandable Packing Cubes, $, available at Away
Although luxury and practicality don’t always go hand in hand, Crown Affair’s coveted haircare essentials do not disappoint when it comes to a high-quality gift with a purpose. This stacked set includes all of the brand’s best-selling tools and then some: The Comb No. 001, The Brush, The Oil, The Towel, The Scrunchie N0.001, 3-minute hourglass timer, reusable cloth travel pouches, and keepsake box. (If you’re not looking to splurge, then we suggest going straight for its editor-favorite detangling comb.)
The practicality proof is all in the rave-reviewer pudding: “I have to say, the whole set was a complete game-changer for me.
Overall, my hair feels and looks the best it has in a very long time since I started using Crown Affair. It’s finally growing and getting back its shine; I don’t see as many strands in the drain after showering, which I assume is due to me brushing out all the dead hair every single day; It dries super quick with the towel which leads to less drying time. I use a blow-dryer and straightener each time I wash; I used to wash my hair every other day. I now wash it about 2 times per week; I imagine from brushing, my hair doesn’t get as oily as quickly as it used to – which is why I wash it way less than I used to. Overall – I love my hair so much and I literally owe it all to Crown Affair. I have also bought The Set as a gift so many times because I actually feel that so many people and different hair types can benefit from these products.”
Shop Crown Affair
Crown Affair The Set, $, available at Crown Affair
Crafted from smooth painted steel, this three-tier entryway rack is a sharp-looking and useful dual-purpose home surprise. Whether your giftee wants to use the cool piece for Instagram-worthy shoe storage or as a side table for plants, books, etc., this rack will get the job done and look damn good doing it.
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Open Spaces Entryway Rack, $, available at Open Spaces
If your giftee looks disappointed when unraveling one of the most top-rated robes on the market that’s named after the softest thing we can imagine, then they are not a practical person. Among a slew of best-selling cozy-cloak contenders, Parachute’s Cloud Cotton Robe (made from two-ply gauze and premium 100% long-staple Turkish cotton) continues to take the top-bought cake for its lighter-than-air composition and variety of soothing hues to choose from. Long story short: they’re not going to NOT wear it.
Shop Parachute
Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe, $, available at Parachute
Ok, this one is pricey — but, hear us out: this very expensive gift for your practical person is also potentially a gift for yourself (if you live with said giftee). Fast, lightweight, and a joy to slide on dirty surfaces, Dyson’s V8 Absolute is a gadget so good it’ll make any nonplussed person want to dance around with unbridled glee whilst cleaning on a Sunday. (I would know, I reviewed one and now we are in love.) Oh, it also happens to be $50 off right now, too!
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Dyson V8 Absolute, $, available at Dyson
Treat a sensible giftee (who definitely keeps their hands extremely clean) to this trio of travel-sized cleansing gel, evaporative mist, and hydrating balm, all wrapped up in a stylish recycled-cotton pouch.
Shop Aesop
Aesop Adventurer Roll Up, $, available at Aesop
A non-eyesore bedside gadget that’s engineered to not only bring sunlight into your practical giftee’s room on dark winter mornings but also to help them do everything from guided breathwork, meditations, pre-bedtime wind-downs, and snooze-through-the-night customizable sounds. In short, it’s a personalized bedtime routine they can keep on their nightstands.
Oh, and it also has 245 5-star reviews so you know it comes fussy-person approved. As one sensible fan details: “I love my two Lofties! I got my first one almost a year ago and then ordered a second for my boyfriend’s house a few months later because I’d become so addicted to it.
The design is really solid – it’s modern, simple, and looks great in both of our bedrooms. The nightlight creates a soft glow that’s soothing before bed, and there’s just something nice about being able to turn off the alarm by reaching over and pressing down on its bar (great haptics) without having to look for my phone in the morning.
The two-phase alarm is genius — I usually hate waking up in the morning, but the initial “wake up” sounds are pleasant & they don’t jar me out of bed because I know I have another few minutes to sleep before I have to actually ‘get up’ with the second phase. I also really love the soundscapes, particularly the water-based ones, and the brown noise.
Finally, I track my sleep with a FitBit, and I’ve noticed that when I do breathwork before bed, I get more deep sleep and have a lower sleeping heart rate. Really interesting & has been great for my recovery.”
By Loftie Loftie, $, available at By Loftie
The entire shopping team audibly gasped when The ReNew Slippers emerged onto the scene last year (and we’re all practical people!). The pair has already made its rounds in more than a few holiday gift guides, circulated on social media, and been added to our very own virtual carts just in time for the chilly holiday season. We can express with confidence that any no-nonsense giftee in your life would be glad to pop a pair of these 100%-recycled “duvets for your feet” slippers onto their tootsies.
Shop Everlane
Everlane ReNew Slipper, $, available at Everlane
Some practical people just aren’t into slippers — hey, maybe their feet get too hot and sweaty — so, for them, we suggest a sleek pair of house slides that can most certainly (and chicly) be taken to the street. These comfy-casual kicks are crafted from fully recycled AND recyclable materials right here in the U.S. in a zero-waste manufacturing process. A sensible (i.e. sophisticated and sustainable) take on the shower shoe if you will.
Girlfriend Collective Black The ReSlide, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
It’s a safe assumption that your practical pals like to plan ahead — and if anyone knows how to plan, it’s Erin Condren. The designer’s functionally and aesthetically designed schedulers are bestselling organization essentials that make A+ gifting material in advance of the new year.
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Erin Condren Lilac Vegan Leather LifePlanner, $, available at Erin Condren
On average, practical peeps who like to get stuff done, also like a nice cup or glass of coffee here and there. Primula’s viral glass cold brew maker has a reasonable price and can keep your giftee caffeinated all week long with no problem — especially if you go for the 1.6-quart option. Our Beauty & Wellness writer made it a fridge essential she definitely recommends.
Shop Amazon
Primula Glass Carafe Iced Coffee Maker, $, available at Amazon
Another sensible gift option for coffee-loving folk is a subscription to monthly deliveries of small-batch bean bags. Trade is one of our Shopping editor’s favorite destinations for handpicked selections of 400+ coffees roasted around the country. It’s very crowd-pleasing stuff to gift as the blends can be customized by your chosen giftee to match their preferred flavor profiles and roast levels.
Shop Trade
Trade Coffee Gift Subscription (3 Months), $, available at Trade
This sustainably made, durable canvas bag from family-run company Lo & Sons is a consistent top-selling favorite from our roundup of best weekender bags. It also just so happens to make very useful gifting material (and is currently 40%-off) — whether it’s for a short weekend away, traveling home for Thanksgiving, a day at the park, or even just lugging a bunch of groceries home, they. will. use. it.
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Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe Tote, $, available at Lo & Sons
In the comfy shoe world, one practical sneaker brand currently reigns supreme: Hoka. Everything from the memory foam ankle collar to light & airy mesh construction, and maximal cushion makes these kicks a foot’s best friend (and an amazing buy for your sensible bestie).
Shop HOKA
Hoka Womens Bondi 7, $, available at Hoka
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