Practical Gifts People Will Actually Use

Give that friend who’s always telling you about their weekly meal plan (whether you want to hear about it or not) a much-needed upgrade in the form of this chopping and spiralizing gadget. All they’ll have to do is choose their dice size, pop the produce of their choice onto the bed, and press down. They can use all the spare minutes they’re saving to text you a thank you note.

Unexpected gift alert. AllTrails’ Plus subscription will give them access to 450,000 trails all over the world. Whether they’re adventuring on an upcoming trip or want to explore where they live, it’s a great way for them to access trails, parks, and other pathways for hikes and runs.

Do they often go for blowouts, then complain about the process and price of sitting in a salon? You’re about to be their favorite person. This hot thermal brush works on all hair types, delivering safe heat from its ceramic coated barrel for ultimate shine and zero frizz.

This simple, clutchlike tech organizer from Calpak won a spot on this list by doing its straightforward job with intentionality and style. Unzip the compact pouch to reveal multiple mesh pockets (some with zippers, others without) and thick elastic straps that hold cables firmly in place. It’s also designed with built-in padding that protects more delicate electronics.

The days of hiding workout equipment in a corner are long gone thanks to this women-founded brand. Stakt’s adjustable weights have a minimalist design and are genius for at-home workouts. Perfect for those with small spaces, they easily adjust from two, four, and six pounds (and come in five Instagram-worthy colors).

You might think dental floss is an odd gift, and you’re not exactly wrong — but clearly you’ve never tried Cocofloss. Made from 85 percent recycled plastic water bottles and infused with coconut oil for optimal glide, it’s the kind of floss you might find yourself randomly talking about with strangers at a party — which is more than we can say about any other brand we’ve used. 

Caraway is a well-known brand for good reason — they consistently crank out high-grade kitchenware that's eco-friendly and in vogue. And this 11-piece food storage set is no exception. Its pretty, ceramic-coated containers and silicone-lined lids are perfect for packed lunches or at-home ingredient prep, and they’re easy to clean in the dishwasher, too. 

A cutting board can make or break any culinary adventure…which is why you should buy this innovative, sleek board from the kitchen geniuses at Material. It’s one of a kind in that it’s constructed from dishwasher-safe natural clay minerals and biodegradable biopolymers instead of plastic — and if you buy a set of three, you’ll even get 15% off.

Your giftee probably has a few self-care items they never get around to buying for themselves — and a quality electric toothbrush might be one of them. You know they’ll be grateful to you at least twice every day, when they’re putting your gift to good use (and removing up to seven times more plaque than they were with their last toothbrush). 

Sometimes we stumble on a hair product that totally changes the game in the most minute of ways — and these skinny, anti-crease scrunchies are the perfect example. Made from mulberry silk, they can reduce breakage and split ends while keeping hair neatly tied back. They’re pretty enough to wear out, but comfy enough to use at night, too.

Anyone who practices yoga can speak to the importance of a quality mat. JadeYoga’s Harmony yoga mat is wide, grippy, and thick without having too much cushion (and thus jeopardizing balance). It’s available in ten different colors, and made from renewable, natural open-cell rubber that’s free from harsh chemicals, heavy metals, and phthalates. 

A long-lasting battery life makes this portable fan a game changer. More pros? It has up to 70 feet of wind power, plus a built-in tank for added misting. Whether you go cordless or plug it into a wall for endless runtime, it has the power to reduce temperatures up to five degrees, making it a must-have for the person in your life who’s always asking, “Is it hot in here?”

Not all packing cubes are created equal, and these dual-toned, breathable cubes are a cut above the rest. First of all, they happen to be pretty cute…but aesthetics aside, we appreciate their handles, sturdy zippers, and durable recycled-nylon construction.

Baggu’s classic recycled ripstop nylon tote bags have earned somewhat of a cult following thanks to their durability, funky pattern options, Mary-Poppins-esque roomy interiors, and ultimate versatility. Take your pick from the standard size, a set of three, a mini, or an XL. 

Your makeup-loving friend may be in dire need of a fresh bag (that’s not full of lip liner shavings and eyeshadow dust)…and if so, this is a great pick. It’s waterproof and expandable, with an area for everything from brushes to blush, and best of all, it’s really easy to wipe down.

How thrilled would you be to receive a boxful of olive oil? Give someone else that feeling with this gift duo from Graza. One oil (“Sizzle”) is meant for cooking, the other (“Drizzle”) for finishing…and they both come in restaurant-style squeeze bottles for effortless use.

With sturdy canvas fabric and colorful handle and bottom accents, this Lands’ End favorite is strong enough to carry a market haul and a half (up to 250 pounds)...but also cool enough to be next summer’s daily beach bag. An outside pocket, two inside pockets, and a key ring loop make it functional, and you can always add a monogram for that extra touch.

Umbrellas are often flimsy, frail, or not actually as weatherproof as they claim. But here’s one you won’t regret buying. It has an industrial-strength fiberglass frame, plus lightweight, water-repellent fabric…and it’s small enough to throw in a backpack or tote bag for rain-free adventures.

These comfy cotton blend socks will keep their feet cozy and supported through any activity, from office work to hiking or the gym. Their mini crew height is perfect, and you can choose from a variety of different color-coordinated packs. 

If you know they love their Owala water bottle, this coffee mug from the same brand is the logical next step. It holds 10 ounces, keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, has a splash-free lid, and looks great in the hand. There’s also a 20-ounce version for those who need some extra caffeine.

This thing is about to change the game for whoever’s lucky enough to receive it. It’s basically a (much more attractive) personal shopping cart that can haul around groceries, work gear, clothing donations, party supplies, or up to 66 pounds of anything else that needs to get from point A to point B. It’s water resistant and has five swivel wheels — and it even folds up flat when not in use, making it especially useful for apartment living.

For the latte and cappuccino lovers out there, this kitchen gadget is a major upgrade. It has three temperature options, multiple froth thicknesses to choose from, and room for up to 14 ounces of milk…meaning they can easily make you a cappuccino, too.

Who likes the look of a whole mess of cords out on the counter? We certainly don’t, and we’re betting your giftee doesn’t either. A book is much more pleasing to look at…which is why this wireless charger masquerading as a hardcover volume is perfect for your most literary friend. It even has a small storage area inside, for charging accessories or other knick-knacks.